Professional Voice Disorders

Most professional voice users can be regarded as vocal gymnasts. They need to have the good vocal calibre to match their demanding needs. For this reason, they are more prone to develop disorders of the voice. It is needless to emphasise that their existence is centred around their voice and hence the substantial psychological impact on them at the subtlest aberration.

How do I care for my voice? How can I stay away from voice problems?

Good vocal health can be ensured by adhering to principles of vocal hygiene. Good voicing techniques, warm-ups and cool-downs, avoiding unwanted strain like shouting and cheerleading adequate hydration and rest, regular diet and sleep are essential for good vocal health.

Who will be able to answer all my concerns and help me?

Otolaryngologists with a special interest in professional voice can help you sort issues relating to voice. They work in close association with voice therapists(SALT with a special interest in voice), Vocologists and voice coaches. They have access to osteopaths and other medical voice experts (psychologist, respiratory physician endocrinologist, with a special interest in professional voice).

I am gifted and can perform well. Is it mandatory that I undergo voice training?

Voice is like a pebble rock in the bosom of a river. It is subject to constant changes, age being the most expected factor in both genders alike. One cannot stress the importance of vocal training when it comes to choosing that as a person's career.

I am a trained voice user. Does it mean I will never get voice issues?

Training only reduces the likelihood of a voice disorder. Anybody can suffer any vocal insult. Even the most trained singer can have a voice problem when he shifts his trainer, or there is an alteration in his routine.

When do I seek medical help if and when I develop a voice problem?

Any sudden voice change needs evaluation. Any voice change persisting beyond three weeks needs investigation. It is good to be aware of some other red-flag symptoms like pain in the throat, difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulty, noisy breathing, weight loss, neck lumps, weight loss.

What can happen if I ignore my symptoms?

Ignoring the symptoms can result in permanent alteration in one's voice. If there is a delay, it may warrant prolonged voice therapy sessions. It is much easier to correct a new symptom when the technique is faulty. Submucosal haemorrhages can get organised and take a long course to recover if not treated soon enough.

Can an endoscopic exam of larynx harm my voice?

This is a total myth. It is an invaluable tool in assessing a person's voice. The specialist may ask you to elaborate your vocal activity before and while doing the endoscopic assessment. You may need to go up and down the scale, sing some easy and challenging songs to assess your technique. Also while you do this, the specialist gets to assess your posture, breath support, voice projection and other technicalities to ensure proper execution.

Are there special tests to precisely identify my voice problem?

Voice disorder may be associated with structural problems in the voice box or the singer/voice user has an entirely normal voice box. In the vast majority of cases, the larynx looks normal, and it is the functioning which is abnormal.

Endoscopic exam aids greatly in looking for structural problems (nodules, cysts, polyps) and enables dynamic assessment of voice to assess if they function normally.

(Can elaborate on Flexible nasal endoscopy, 70-degree telescope, stroboscopy, voice analysis software) to measure pitch, loudness, formants.

My voice box looks completely normal, yet my voice sounds horrendous. Is it a common occurrence?

Yes, it is common. For example, imagine a person with a sprain in the right ankle. When you look at him when he is seated on a chair, he will look quite alright. If instructed to walk, he would limp. Even though his feet are structurally normal, they function abnormally(limp).

My speaking voice is normal but things go terribly wrong when I sing. How do you explain that?

Dysodia is a condition where specific vocal tasks are affected. The speaking voice can be normal with a faulty singing voice.

What is Voice Therapy? Can SALT help me with therapy always?

Voice therapy consists of a series of tasks to address posture, relaxation, breathing, voicing and voice projection.

Depending on the severity of the voice problem, the faults can be identified and corrected at specific levels or the person needs to learn to voice if there are faults at most of the levels.

It is ideal to work with a voice therapist, who is a SALT member who has specialised in voice. They should be able to help you almost always but will also require input from the voice psychologist, voice coach and the surgeon if need be.

Does voice rest always help? What if it can be detrimental to my career?

Voice rest is very crucial for a healthy voice. The microscopic structure of the vocal cord reveals a complex, layered structure of fibres in the deeper portion. When we talk, they vibrate. Any resultant disruption heals by itself if we allow time between vocal activity. One hour of talking requires two hours of rest. Judicious use of voice rest helps maintain a good voice.

Long periods of voice rest unless essential, should not be advised to professional voice users as it can negatively influence their career.

How does reflux affect my voice?

When we look at the vocal cords in professional users,it is as though we are looking at the skin which glows on a beauty pageant. The glow is the indicator of absolute skin health, and similarly, vocal cords have a mucus layer which is disrupted by vocal abuse, allergy, infections and reflux. They cause subtle irregularities in the lining and make secretions and phlegm clingy on the surface. Once the mucus layer is lost, the vocal cords dry up more often, and this can cause the voice sound scratchy.

This is the mildest change described when there are no apparent changes like swelling or redness. That is how reflux affects one's voice.

My ENT specialist feels I need to have an operation in my voicebox to remove a non-cancerous growth which makes my voice quite rough. Will it damage my voice forever?

Surgical treatment is the last option for a voice professional for fear of the scarring. However, if need be, it is resorted to. There are special surgical techniques to minimise the structural damage and a special team to take the artist through the phases with adequate care.

Helping Patients with Specialist Expertise and Kindness

Mr Gaurav Kumar

Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon

Book Appointment

Book Online

entsurgeonclinic@gmail.com

07494914140

Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek expert advice from treating consultant.

Retracted Ear Drum

What Is a Retracted Eardrum? A retracted eardrum, also known as tympanic membrane retraction, is a condition where the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is pulled inward or drawn backwards from its normal position. The eardrum is a thin, delicate membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It plays a crucial role in transmitting sound vibrations from the outer ear to the middle ear, where the auditory ossicles (small bones) are located. Under normal circumstances, the eardrum is slightly concave and positioned at an angle that allows it to respond to changes in air pressure. The Eustachian tube, a tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, helps equalize pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment. However, in cases of a retracted eardrum, the Eustachian tube might not function correctly or become blocked, leading to an imbalance in pressure. When negative pressure builds up in the middle ear, it causes the eardrum to retract inwa

Boil in the Ear canal can be very painful...

How do I know I have boil in the ear canal? The ear canal is lined by skin up to the eardrum. Skin in the outer third of the ear canal has hair follicles. Hair follicles can get infected with bacteria and can form boil or furunculosis. It is challenging to look in our own ear canal. You can only feel a bump in the ear canal entrance which is tender to touch. Why is so painful when we have boil in the ear? Ear canal skin is very tightly attached to underlying cartilage. So any swelling in the skin stretches it and makes it very sore to touch. How do we get boil in the ear canal? Most common causes of boil in the canal is dryness of the skin and trauma. Dry skin leads to cracks and these cracks can get infected. People who use dry earbuds, fingers, towel edges or pens and traumatise ear canal skin, which can get infected with bacteria. How do I release the temptation of using earbuds? Some people can get very dry skin due to sensitivity to soup, shampoo or dy

"Naseptin: Powerful Defence Against Nasal Bacteria!"

Everything You Need to Know About Using Naseptin Nasal Cream If you've been dealing with nasal issues, you may have come across Naseptin nasal cream as a potential solution. Whether you suffer from recurrent nasal infections (vestibulitis), nose bleeds or simply need some relief from nasal dryness, Naseptin can be a valuable aid. In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know about using Naseptin nasal cream to ensure you get the best results from this trusted product. Unlocking the Power of Naseptin Nasal Cream: A Guide to Its Versatile Uses Naseptin nasal cream, a powerful ally in nasal health, holds the key to treating infections caused by staphylococcal bacteria. This versatile cream offers much more than meets the eye, and we're here to shed light on its incredible benefits! 🌟 👃 Kicking Nose Infections to the Curb: Say goodbye to those troublesome nose infections! Naseptin comes to the rescue, targeting staphylococcal bacteria and effect

Clinical Trials on Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis, characterized by inflammation of the tonsils, has been a subject of medical interest for decades. After a long hiatus without significant trials, the field has seen renewed attention with several pivotal studies. These trials aim to refine surgical treatments and improve patient outcomes, marking a significant step forward in managing recurrent and chronic tonsillitis. Key Research Questions Tonsillotomy vs. Tonsillectomy: Is tonsillotomy as effective as tonsillectomy in reducing sore throat days over 24 months? Surgical Techniques for Tonsillectomy: How does the recovery time compare among extracapsular monopolar tonsillectomy, intracapsular microdebrider tonsillectomy, and intracapsular coblation tonsillectomy? Watchful Waiting vs. Surgical Intervention: What is the impact of tonsillectomy, tonsillotomy, and watchful waiting on the quality of life for adults with recurrent or chronic tonsillitis over six months? The NATTINA Trial The NATTINA tri

Tonsil Stones or Tonsilloliths

Where do Tonsil Stones come from? Tonsil stones or tonsillolith are formed in the tiny crevices on the tonsil surface. Tonsils are present at the back of the throat. Two large tonsils on each side can catch food particles when we eat. This food debris can accumulate bacteria and give a bad smell. This mixture of bacteria and food debris can become solid to form tonsil stones. Can Tonsil Stones go away on their own? Tonsil stones form due to food particle and bacteria. You can prevent stone formation by regularly rinsing mouth after every meal, good oral hygiene and dental care. Gargling with salt water and gentle use of bud to deliver the stones can help in some cases. Soft water floss can help keep tonsil surface clean. If you have, post nasal drip due to sinusitis, seeking treatment advice from ENT surgeon can help. You should not use sharp objects to clean tonsil stones or make tonsil surface bleed. What symptoms do tonsil stones cause? Tonsil ston

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Are you unable to pop your ears or feeling pressure in your ears? Eustachian tube dysfunction is a very common problem after flu or cold or even after long haul flight when you feel hearing is muffled, feel pressure around the ears and sometimes you feel as if you are underwater. Good news is most of the time it is temporary. If you try decongestants, antihistamine ( hay fever tablets ) and Valsalva (ie try and pop your ears) things should improve after a few days to a week. Why do we have symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction? The eustachian tube is present at the back of our nose and connects the nose to the middle ear. It is there to maintain equal pressure on both sides of the eardrum. The eustachian tube also helps in clearing normal mucus from the middle ear. Hence opening and closing of this ventilation tube are very important for hearing. Normally every time we yawn and chew this tube opens and closes without us noticing it. So, if this opening of ventilation tube

Vertigo and Dizziness..

Are labyrinthitis and vertigo the same? The ear has three main parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, with small bones of hearing, and the inner ear, consisting of the labyrinth. The labyrinth has two parts as well, hearing processing part and balance part. When you get an infection in the inner ear, it is often called labyrinthitis. Common symptoms for Labyrinthitis are hearing loss or vertigo, however, there are also other causes for vertigo as well. What is the most important thing to remember when you have labyrinthitis symptoms? In the first few hours of symptoms, it is difficult to know between stroke and labyrinthitis. If you have vertigo and notice one side of your face becoming droopy, your arms or leg become weak and speech becomes slurred, you should call for urgent help. What is the difference between labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis? If you only have vertigo symptoms, then it is due to vestibular neuritis. Vestibular neuritis oc

Biodesign®: Revolutionizing Tissue Repair and Minimally Invasive Ear Surgery

Introduction Advancements in medical technology continue to revolutionize healthcare, and one such groundbreaking innovation is Biodesign®. This platform technology is responsible for a wide range of tissue-repair products that span multiple medical specialities. At the core of Biodesign is a natural extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS), unleashing the potential for transformative treatments in the field of ear surgery and beyond. The ECM: A Guiding Latticework of Cellular Growth The extracellular matrix is a remarkable latticework of proteins and structural molecules present in our tissues. In the context of Biodesign, this ECM plays a pivotal role in guiding cellular growth and facilitating tissue repair. Cook's proprietary processing methodology is the key to harnessing the power of the ECM while preserving its natural matrix molecules like collagen, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans. The Birth of a Scaffold for Regenerat

Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS)

🔍 Unlocking the Mystery of Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) 🌀✨ It's a rare condition that affects the inner ear, and here's the lowdown: Cause: SCDS occurs when one of the bony canals in the inner ear, particularly the uppermost semicircular canal, doesn't close or thicken properly during fetal development. Symptoms: Hearing Loss: It's a common symptom of SCDS. Sound Distortion: Ever feel like sounds aren't quite right? That could be SCDS at play. Balance Problems: SCDS can throw your balance off, making you feel unsteady. Autophony: Imagine hearing your own heartbeat or breathing louder than usual. That's autophony. World Tumbling Sensation: Loud noises or pressure changes might make you feel like the world is spinning. Diagnosis and Treatment: CT Scans: A specialist might use these to spot SCDS, but other tests are crucial too. Hearing Tests: Essential for accurate diagnosis. Treatment: Surgery may be necessary for severe symptoms.

Pharyngeal Pouch

What is a pharyngeal pouch? When we eat food, it passes through the mouth, into the pharynx (the space behind our oral cavity) and then into the oesophagus (food pipe). In some patients, the lower part of the pharynx can bulge or form a pocket that can collect food and become large enough to compress on the food pipe. This 'hernia' is commonly known as the pharyngeal pouch or Zenker's diverticulum. Is a pharyngeal pouch serious? A pharyngeal pouch is an uncommon condition presenting predominantly in males than females, usually showing after the age of seventy or later. If the pharyngeal pouch is left untreated, it can become more prominent, and the regurgitation of food into the windpipe can lead to chest infections. In sporadic cases, cancer can form in the pouch. What are the symptoms of a pharyngeal pouch? Symptoms of pharyngeal pouch depend on the size. A small pharyngeal pouch mainly presents as a feeling of something stuck in the throat or choking on food, an

ENT conditions (Mr Gaurav Kumar)

Search This Blog

Featured post

Is a Cholesteatoma Life-Threatening?