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Any otolaryngologists on the boards? or those with strained vocals?

post #1 of 10
4/12/10 at 7:56pm
Thread Starter 
I'm a vocalist of 23 years and my voice has gotten progressively worse (raspy, a little deeper and more sensitive) in the past 2 years. When I sing, its much raspier than before and I can't hit the high notes like before. My throat also feels a little inflamed after a full day of talking so I try to limit my talking as much as possible. I went to see an otolaryngologist and had an edoscopy done today and everything looked ok that I just need to lay off the nuts and dairy, drink water and let it rest. Somethings tells me it is more than that and that it might take a signifigant amount of effort for it to heal. He was about to prescribe medicine to me when I asked that he did a full examiniation, after endoscoy, he determined that I didn't need medication and only needed good rest. Either way I paid $140 and feel like a cheap slut as the doctor rushed me out before I finished my questions for the next and only patient on the waiting room. My question is if anybody knows of this or has experience with this issue? What have been your solutions or what might MD's on this board recommend that hasn't already been recommended to me. It would be interesting if more vocalists were on the boards, especially if they were suffering from voice strain as well.
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post #2 of 10
4/12/10 at 8:33pm
Sounds like your vocal folds are probably just inflamed. Definitely stay away from the foods you mentioned and FOR SURE CHOCOLATE...thats one of the worst foods for your voice...also if you smoke, quit. Lay off the singing for a while as it is very stressful for your vocal folds. If it doesn't start going back to normal after a few weeks then I'd suggest a follow-up visit or possibly visiting a speech language pathologist who specializes in voice disorders. Also, as you age your voice changes, so its possible that you might not be able to hit the high notes because of this. Weight, age, and many other factors play into the sound of your voice as I am sure you're aware.
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post #3 of 10
4/13/10 at 12:57am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Naturally Baked View Post
Sounds like your vocal folds are probably just inflamed. Definitely stay away from the foods you mentioned and FOR SURE CHOCOLATE...thats one of the worst foods for your voice...also if you smoke, quit. Lay off the singing for a while as it is very stressful for your vocal folds. If it doesn't start going back to normal after a few weeks then I'd suggest a follow-up visit or possibly visiting a speech language pathologist who specializes in voice disorders.

Also, as you age your voice changes, so its possible that you might not be able to hit the high notes because of this. Weight, age, and many other factors play into the sound of your voice as I am sure you're aware.

Thanks, I will get off the chocolate, I take a couple bites a day if there is some laying around. I don't smoke so that is ok. What is your experience with this issue? are you a vocalist as well?
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post #4 of 10
4/13/10 at 1:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monaco View Post
Thanks, I will get off the chocolate, I take a couple bites a day if there is some laying around. I don't smoke so that is ok. What is your experience with this issue? are you a vocalist as well?

No, I am studying speech pathology and audiology in school right now. I just had a class on voice disorders

Chocolate for some reason is known as one of the worst foods for your voice if you plan on singing.
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post #5 of 10
4/13/10 at 4:01am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Naturally Baked View Post
No, I am studying speech pathology and audiology in school right now. I just had a class on voice disorders

Chocolate for some reason is known as one of the worst foods for your voice if you plan on singing.

Damn, I just had some hershey's cookies and cream before a vocal session yesterday, gave me a ton of mucous that I kept trying to clear out.

In your studies, did you learn why some people exhaust their throats (almost sore throat-like feeling) after a day of talking? It happens when I talk excessively or having fun with friends.
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post #6 of 10
4/13/10 at 4:36am
If I want a deeper, sexier voice, then can I eat more chocolate?
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post #7 of 10
4/13/10 at 9:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monaco View Post
Damn, I just had some hershey's cookies and cream before a vocal session yesterday, gave me a ton of mucous that I kept trying to clear out.

In your studies, did you learn why some people exhaust their throats (almost sore throat-like feeling) after a day of talking? It happens when I talk excessively or having fun with friends.

Your vocal folds are a muscle, and like any muscle in your body they get tired after extended use. Its normal for your voice to change at the end of the day or when you are tired because of fatigue.
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post #8 of 10
4/13/10 at 9:20pm
Thread Starter 
NB, what is your take on spicy foods? I tend to eat a lot of it but it has taken immense discipline on my part to lower the spicy food consumption for the past couple of weeks.
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post #9 of 10
4/13/10 at 11:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monaco View Post
NB, what is your take on spicy foods? I tend to eat a lot of it but it has taken immense discipline on my part to lower the spicy food consumption for the past couple of weeks.

I unfortunately am not familiar with spicy foods and the impact it may or may not have on the vocal quality, though I know after a spicy meal my throat always feels a little sore. I would really try to lay off anything that leaves that "sore throat" feeling aftertaste for a few weeks and see if you notice any vocal quality changes. I know its probably hard to do but TRY TRY TRY to not sing at all for a week or so. You could even record your voice now and later to see if you notice any changes in quality.

Like I said before, its possible that it might just be a natural change in your voice, but if you think otherwise talk to your doctor or consider a screening with a Speech Pathologist. Some specialize in helping people with careers relying on voice, such as telecasters, vocalists, teachers, etc.
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post #10 of 10
4/16/10 at 3:12pm
You haven't mentioned a coach; do you have one? If not, you should think about it- technique can be one of the biggest factors in vocal strain, particularly if you are tensing your jaw or your tongue, and a good vocal coach will get you sorted out.
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