OBJECTIVES: To assess the degree of voice and vocal complaints identified by comparing the responses of smokers and nonsmokers MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional study blind comparison between two groups of twenty-four people each, one consisting of smokers and the other for non-smokers. Each participant was asked about vocal complaints and undergoes an assessment perceptual degree of vocal using the GRBASI scale (Hirano, 1981). Results and CONCLUSIONS: vocal complaints about the group of smokers, 24% complained of hoarse, breathy voice 19% and 76% had no complaints. Nevertheless, the average voice evaluation in this group showed a moderate degree of alteration. In the group of nonsmokers, 16% complained of a hoarse voice and 84% had no complaints. Vocal assessment, the mean degree of change was between the group and mild. Based on these data, we found that smoking is a risk factor for voice disorders. However, these changes may not be perceived by individuals, which can lead to delayed diagnosis of voice disorders in this population.