A broken hyoid bone isn't always fatal. Still, it's considered a medical emergency, especially if it's giving you severe symptoms. These symptoms may be difficulty swallowing and breathing, intense radiating pain from your upper neck to your chest, coughing up blood, and pharyngeal lacerations.  A broken or fractured hyoid bone could be hard to detect, but treatments are available. Getting diagnosed early will prevent further complications from occurring. You'll also have higher chances of healing from receiving conservative and non-surgical treatments.