My voice has never fully recovered - can it be fixed?
Back in September 2008, I lost my voice. As it started to come back, I got into a very long conversation, and felt my voice going away again. The next day I performed with my band at a show.
It feels like my voice has never recovered from that time. I always have a coughing sensation and I feel my voice is much weaker. I have not been to an ENT, yet. I did receive OTC medication from a doctor, but it didn’t work. I also did all of the home remedies (letting vocals relax, warm liquids, salt water, and cough drops).
I can still sing, but not nearly as much as I used to. I require a week of vocal rest from performance to performance. (i used to play shows everyday)
Is it too late to fix this problem? Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you for your time.
Answer: Dear Daisy, (It’s now August 1, 2009)
I’d say the same to you if you were my student whom I had not seen in over a year and were not in proximity, and I had only what you’ve told me to go on (unable to hear or see you); I would tell you:
1. See an Ear, Nose, Throat specialist as soon as possible. It’s been the better part of 11 months!
2. Stop taking over-the-counter drugs - if you’re still taking some.
3. See a qualified voice teacher or vocal therapist and take a series of lessons and learn how to use your voice effectively without unnecessary strain.
Clearly what you have described indicates that production and stamina have been affected in a negative way and you have a chronic condition that is not healthy. I assume you are still relatively young and, therefore, I would say that IF
- your larynx is cared for by a physician who specializes in throat conditions, and IF
- you take the steps of caring for your voice and learn how to use it properly (your voice needs a week’s rest every time you use it?!!), there is a strong indication that you are misusing it; and IF
- your lifestyle is such that it promotes healthy living
THEN I don’t think it is too late to fix your problem. There is no quick fix. There may be some lifestyle changes necessary. I sense that there may be issues that have not been addressed that also enter the picture of vocal misuse or ill-health.
This may not be what you wanted to hear … but sometimes the truth isn’t fun.
I hope to hear that you are doing better before long. Best wishes.