Comments on: Working on My Broken Voice http://www.thevoiceclub.com/working-on-my-broken-voice Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:27:04 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: voiceclubcoach http://www.thevoiceclub.com/working-on-my-broken-voice#comment-152 voiceclubcoach Mon, 09 Aug 2010 03:16:57 +0000 http://www.thevoiceclub.com/blog/?p=517#comment-152 I feel your pain. It's so frustrating when the doctors we go to for help seem to hand out a quick diagnosis and move on. I've so been there. If your environment is the problem, you can combat the dry air by avoiding caffeine (dries you out) and drinking tons of water. You you like, or can at least stand, the faint taste of black licorice Throat Coat Tea is definitely worth a try. It naturally hydrates the delicate tissues of the throat. Nothing you eat or drink gets near your vocal cords. The goal is to hydrate the body enough that your cords will also be hydrated. Throat Coat should help to lessen the discomfort in your throat if it's from dry air. Another thing you might try at home is steaming. You can use the shower or even drape a towel over your head and keep it above steaming water (keeping a safe distance with the burner turned off). There are pretty cheap commercial face steamers in many stores that are used for facials but are very useful for this purpose, and safer than using the old stove technique. Try one of all of these things for a couple of weeks and see what works best for you. A strong healthy voice tires less often and less quickly. You might also want to take some voice lessons from myself online or another Speech Level Singing instructor. SLS instructors are trained to balance and build a strong healthy voice for endurance. That's why it's the technique that thousands of major touring artists learn. They can't afford not to have their voices work either! Let me know how your voice is doing. If you'd like a free 30 online assessment, <a href="mailto:kim@thevoiceclub.com" rel="nofollow">drop me a line</a>. I might be able to help you with some more specific tips after hearing you. All my best, Kim I feel your pain. It’s so frustrating when the doctors we go to for help seem to hand out a quick diagnosis and move on. I’ve so been there. If your environment is the problem, you can combat the dry air by avoiding caffeine (dries you out) and drinking tons of water. You you like, or can at least stand, the faint taste of black licorice Throat Coat Tea is definitely worth a try. It naturally hydrates the delicate tissues of the throat. Nothing you eat or drink gets near your vocal cords. The goal is to hydrate the body enough that your cords will also be hydrated. Throat Coat should help to lessen the discomfort in your throat if it’s from dry air. Another thing you might try at home is steaming. You can use the shower or even drape a towel over your head and keep it above steaming water (keeping a safe distance with the burner turned off). There are pretty cheap commercial face steamers in many stores that are used for facials but are very useful for this purpose, and safer than using the old stove technique. Try one of all of these things for a couple of weeks and see what works best for you.

A strong healthy voice tires less often and less quickly. You might also want to take some voice lessons from myself online or another Speech Level Singing instructor. SLS instructors are trained to balance and build a strong healthy voice for endurance. That’s why it’s the technique that thousands of major touring artists learn. They can’t afford not to have their voices work either!

Let me know how your voice is doing. If you’d like a free 30 online assessment, drop me a line. I might be able to help you with some more specific tips after hearing you.

All my best,
Kim

]]> By: Ken http://www.thevoiceclub.com/working-on-my-broken-voice#comment-129 Ken Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:09:18 +0000 http://www.thevoiceclub.com/blog/?p=517#comment-129 4 months ago I worked as an interviewer in the new stressful office, but the air was too dry - around 15% I guess. After only one hour and only two interviews, I was completely dried out in my throat and the tongue was almost unmovable, I didn't only got a dreadfully weak voice, but it was also hoarse. When I got home I discovered I got a fever and saw the Med Doctor the same week. He diagnosed it as Acute Laryngitis and gave me antibiotics, neither without looking at my vocal cords nor taking any blood or saliva tests. Tried to work one day again after two weeks, at the same new office. But even if I didn't have to do any interviews at all that day, the same symptoms appeared again! I went to my Med Doctor two more times, but no blood tests to check what infection I got (normal procedure?), and no vocal cords exam. However, after two months I got an appointment to a ENT specialist who did a fiberoptical exam of my vocal cords. He looked for about 10 seconds and said they looked rather normal, apart from being a little bit swollen. Not red at all and they adducted and abducted very good he said. Unfortunately, no video of the vocal cords were made - I guess that would have required a stroboscopic exam. But I was given medicine for acid reflux, even though no examination was made to see if I got it or not and the exam of the vocal cords didn't indicate that. But I discovered the very first day this voice problem began in March that I was almost throwing up when I bent over to get something under my bed before going to work that particular day. But before that, during my first 45 years of living I've never had any single heart burn or reflux of anything whatsoever. Then I was waiting for the ENT to give me a paper for the sick insurance, but he didn't. The ENT said I could go back to work, but that's not a chance in a million years! I can't even talk without having a pain in my throat. He only said I should talk less at work, but it's difficult to interview without interviewing. So now I expect I can't pay my bills soon, just as if that is going to help my thraot and stomach situation. To sing is my greatest pleasure in life and this really got on my nerves. The ENT wrote me a letter saying I could see a voice specialist there (on the same hospital), but the waiting list is like 1 year. I don't know what to do. I no longer have acid reflux so it seems, so I got no use for the medicine he prescribed. Strangely enough I find it easier to sing rather quietly (and in absolutely every range there is), then to talk. Ideas? 4 months ago I worked as an interviewer in the new stressful office, but the air was too dry – around 15% I guess. After only one hour and only two interviews, I was completely dried out in my throat and the tongue was almost unmovable, I didn’t only got a dreadfully weak voice, but it was also hoarse. When I got home I discovered I got a fever and saw the Med Doctor the same week. He diagnosed it as Acute Laryngitis and gave me antibiotics, neither without looking at my vocal cords nor taking any blood or saliva tests. Tried to work one day again after two weeks, at the same new office. But even if I didn’t have to do any interviews at all that day, the same symptoms appeared again! I went to my Med Doctor two more times, but no blood tests to check what infection I got (normal procedure?), and no vocal cords exam. However, after two months I got an appointment to a ENT specialist who did a fiberoptical exam of my vocal cords. He looked for about 10 seconds and said they looked rather normal, apart from being a little bit swollen. Not red at all and they adducted and abducted very good he said. Unfortunately, no video of the vocal cords were made – I guess that would have required a stroboscopic exam. But I was given medicine for acid reflux, even though no examination was made to see if I got it or not and the exam of the vocal cords didn’t indicate that. But I discovered the very first day this voice problem began in March that I was almost throwing up when I bent over to get something under my bed before going to work that particular day. But before that, during my first 45 years of living I’ve never had any single heart burn or reflux of anything whatsoever. Then I was waiting for the ENT to give me a paper for the sick insurance, but he didn’t. The ENT said I could go back to work, but that’s not a chance in a million years! I can’t even talk without having a pain in my throat. He only said I should talk less at work, but it’s difficult to interview without interviewing. So now I expect I can’t pay my bills soon, just as if that is going to help my thraot and stomach situation. To sing is my greatest pleasure in life and this really got on my nerves. The ENT wrote me a letter saying I could see a voice specialist there (on the same hospital), but the waiting list is like 1 year. I don’t know what to do. I no longer have acid reflux so it seems, so I got no use for the medicine he prescribed. Strangely enough I find it easier to sing rather quietly (and in absolutely every range there is), then to talk. Ideas?

]]> By: voiceclubcoach http://www.thevoiceclub.com/working-on-my-broken-voice#comment-123 voiceclubcoach Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:49:37 +0000 http://www.thevoiceclub.com/blog/?p=517#comment-123 Whether or not your voice will change after surgery kind of depends on how much it's already changed, if it has, from the placement of your polyps. Have you noticed your voice becoming more raspy or disconnected since the polyps developed? If they are keeping the cords from closing completely it can add an air-ier quality to the voice. That should disappear after they're removed if the surgery is done well. If you haven't had any noticeable voice changes you should notice no change afterward. Just make sure you completely rest your voice for the full recovery term recommended by your doctor. Your cords will be more tender and more susceptible to more damage, especially during the marathon that is recording! Whether or not your voice will change after surgery kind of depends on how much it’s already changed, if it has, from the placement of your polyps. Have you noticed your voice becoming more raspy or disconnected since the polyps developed? If they are keeping the cords from closing completely it can add an air-ier quality to the voice. That should disappear after they’re removed if the surgery is done well. If you haven’t had any noticeable voice changes you should notice no change afterward. Just make sure you completely rest your voice for the full recovery term recommended by your doctor. Your cords will be more tender and more susceptible to more damage, especially during the marathon that is recording!

]]> By: max http://www.thevoiceclub.com/working-on-my-broken-voice#comment-118 max Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:39:47 +0000 http://www.thevoiceclub.com/blog/?p=517#comment-118 I am a pop rock singer suffering from a vocal polyp that has cut my range in half. Surgery has been recommended as polyps don't go away on there own. Will my voice sound as it did before? I'm in the middle of recording a record and fear my voice will be drastically changed after surgery. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am a pop rock singer suffering from a vocal polyp that has cut my range in half. Surgery has been recommended as polyps don’t go away on there own. Will my voice sound as it did before? I’m in the middle of recording a record and fear my voice will be drastically changed after surgery. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

]]> By: jenny http://www.thevoiceclub.com/working-on-my-broken-voice#comment-20 jenny Sun, 11 Apr 2010 13:50:01 +0000 http://www.thevoiceclub.com/blog/?p=517#comment-20 I woke up one morning 6 wks ago with the most severe burning pain in my throat, so painful i couldnt even talk. I had to use a white board for 2 wks. Only the last 2 wks have i been able to talk without too much of a burning pain, but i have to talk airy and daren't raise my voice. I still cant sing as the pain is very intense if i try. I am.....was......a professional singer for years and recently have been in a rock band for the last 6 months, i also write music. The doctor has referred me to ENT and has put me on acid reflux medication in case it is this, but as he cant see my chords, he doesnt really know if this is the cause. I have suffered from terrible heartburn for 2 yrs and chest pain but lived with it not realising it could cause something like this. It may be that i have overused my voiced or pushed it, as i have to sing more in my chest with rock instead of my heady pop voice that i have always used. I have felt so isolated, and i'm scared i may never sing again, it has been my life, every day of my life has revolved around singing/music. Does the blow torch burning pain only happen with GERD or can this type of intense burning be felt with other damage,i.e polyps, nodes etc etc? Will this pain ever go, voiceclubcoach states he has to sing through the pain now? I woke up one morning 6 wks ago with the most severe burning pain in my throat, so painful i couldnt even talk. I had to use a white board for 2 wks. Only the last 2 wks have i been able to talk without too much of a burning pain, but i have to talk airy and daren’t raise my voice. I still cant sing as the pain is very intense if i try. I am…..was……a professional singer for years and recently have been in a rock band for the last 6 months, i also write music. The doctor has referred me to ENT and has put me on acid reflux medication in case it is this, but as he cant see my chords, he doesnt really know if this is the cause. I have suffered from terrible heartburn for 2 yrs and chest pain but lived with it not realising it could cause something like this. It may be that i have overused my voiced or pushed it, as i have to sing more in my chest with rock instead of my heady pop voice that i have always used. I have felt so isolated, and i’m scared i may never sing again, it has been my life, every day of my life has revolved around singing/music. Does the blow torch burning pain only happen with GERD or can this type of intense burning be felt with other damage,i.e polyps, nodes etc etc? Will this pain ever go, voiceclubcoach states he has to sing through the pain now?

]]> By: Lisa C http://www.thevoiceclub.com/working-on-my-broken-voice#comment-19 Lisa C Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:39:27 +0000 http://www.thevoiceclub.com/blog/?p=517#comment-19 It is really comforting-if that makes sense-to hear your story. Sometimes it feels as though I am alone. The reflux was going on for so long without me knowing and the damage was hard to see once I went to my ENT. There is a fear of trying to sing again because I have memories of the success I experienced in the past. I just want to feel that vocal freedom again. I will set a goal and let that motivate me to try again. Lisa It is really comforting-if that makes sense-to hear your story. Sometimes it feels as though I am alone. The reflux was going on for so long without me knowing and the damage was hard to see once I went to my ENT. There is a fear of trying to sing again because I have memories of the success I experienced in the past. I just want to feel that vocal freedom again. I will set a goal and let that motivate me to try again.

Lisa

]]> By: voiceclubcoach http://www.thevoiceclub.com/working-on-my-broken-voice#comment-18 voiceclubcoach Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:23:08 +0000 http://www.thevoiceclub.com/blog/?p=517#comment-18 Even after my surgery, I still have heartburn. Now they're saying maybe I never had it to begin with. I understand your frustration! I went to a voice treatment specialist (MD) and he agreed with me that even though I still have evidence of burning below my cords, it has never, and may never affect my cords. I can only say that If I had it to do again, I wouldn't get the surgery unless they could tell me it was reaching my cords. I understand now that regardless of the surgery, I will live with this forever. It may never get any closer to my cords (it hasn't in the two years they've been taking scans). I am finally singing again, full range, and adapting to the pain that now accompanies it (not from my cords but the surrounding muscle damage from another surgery and the acid burns). It has blown even me away the difference solid technique has played in getting me singing again. If you'd like to schedule a one time voice assessment via skype I would be happy to see where your technique currently is and give you some ideas of how to get back on that stage again. All my best! Even after my surgery, I still have heartburn. Now they’re saying maybe I never had it to begin with. I understand your frustration! I went to a voice treatment specialist (MD) and he agreed with me that even though I still have evidence of burning below my cords, it has never, and may never affect my cords. I can only say that If I had it to do again, I wouldn’t get the surgery unless they could tell me it was reaching my cords. I understand now that regardless of the surgery, I will live with this forever. It may never get any closer to my cords (it hasn’t in the two years they’ve been taking scans). I am finally singing again, full range, and adapting to the pain that now accompanies it (not from my cords but the surrounding muscle damage from another surgery and the acid burns). It has blown even me away the difference solid technique has played in getting me singing again. If you’d like to schedule a one time voice assessment via skype I would be happy to see where your technique currently is and give you some ideas of how to get back on that stage again. All my best!

]]> By: voiceclubcoach http://www.thevoiceclub.com/working-on-my-broken-voice#comment-17 voiceclubcoach Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:13:26 +0000 http://www.thevoiceclub.com/blog/?p=517#comment-17 I totally get you about avoiding surgery! I've had enough to last a lifetime. I'm not qualified to comment on your medical condition but I do know that having strong, healthy vocal technique makes all the difference in the world; on both ends of the spectrum. I knew that before all of my illness, but I was still stunned to see that after not singing for the better part of a year, within a week I had my full range back. That's muscle memory. If you want to do a one time vocal assessment I can tell you for sure where your technique is and give you some tips for going forward. All my best. I totally get you about avoiding surgery! I’ve had enough to last a lifetime. I’m not qualified to comment on your medical condition but I do know that having strong, healthy vocal technique makes all the difference in the world; on both ends of the spectrum. I knew that before all of my illness, but I was still stunned to see that after not singing for the better part of a year, within a week I had my full range back. That’s muscle memory. If you want to do a one time vocal assessment I can tell you for sure where your technique is and give you some tips for going forward. All my best.

]]> By: Alok http://www.thevoiceclub.com/working-on-my-broken-voice#comment-16 Alok Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:23:09 +0000 http://www.thevoiceclub.com/blog/?p=517#comment-16 I've been diagnosed with Reinke's Edema. I do a little singing as well. Have been struggling with this for the past 3 months now. I haven't undergone surgey cause I'm scared it'll just relapse and I'll end up having to go through this all over again. I think for me it could be a combination of several things 1)Reflux 2)Allergies 3) Incorrect Singing Technique. Not quite sure what to do. I'm currently undergoing homoeopathic treatment and apparently they have medicines that could cure this condition but it will take a really long time(Time will tell!)Basically I'm trying to avoid Surgery at all costs!! I’ve been diagnosed with Reinke’s Edema. I do a little singing as well. Have been struggling with this for the past 3 months now. I haven’t undergone surgey cause I’m scared it’ll just relapse and I’ll end up having to go through this all over again.
I think for me it could be a combination of several things 1)Reflux 2)Allergies 3) Incorrect Singing Technique. Not quite sure what to do. I’m currently undergoing homoeopathic treatment and apparently they have medicines that could cure this condition but it will take a really long time(Time will tell!)Basically I’m trying to avoid Surgery at all costs!!

]]> By: voiceclubcoach http://www.thevoiceclub.com/working-on-my-broken-voice#comment-15 voiceclubcoach Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:36:37 +0000 http://www.thevoiceclub.com/blog/?p=517#comment-15 The surgery I had was for acid reflux. It came undone and I'm back in the same place as you. I have similar throat pain and swollen cords, but I can still sing through all registers because of the technique I study (and teach). It's based on bringing the voice back into balance through singing at a speech level and is used by professionals and grammy award winners to reverse voice damage. I know that without it there's no way I could sing right now. I have to say that the pain from my other throat issues does make singing much more uncomfortable, so I totally empathize with you. Email me at kim@thevoiceclub.com and let me know what kind of training you've had and maybe I can give you some specific instruction that would help. Feelin' for ya! The surgery I had was for acid reflux. It came undone and I’m back in the same place as you. I have similar throat pain and swollen cords, but I can still sing through all registers because of the technique I study (and teach). It’s based on bringing the voice back into balance through singing at a speech level and is used by professionals and grammy award winners to reverse voice damage. I know that without it there’s no way I could sing right now. I have to say that the pain from my other throat issues does make singing much more uncomfortable, so I totally empathize with you. Email me at kim@thevoiceclub.com and let me know what kind of training you’ve had and maybe I can give you some specific instruction that would help. Feelin’ for ya!

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