Need Help! voice problems

[DanaeB]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 12:11pm

My voice hasn't been up to par lately. I've a good voice, but for the last couple weeks or so, my throat's been feeling sore when I sing (if I can sing at all!) and sounds airy and weak. Also, my entire upper range has all but completely disappeared. Anyone here have advice or know what could be wrong? I do have alergies, so maybe that is contributing. Thanks for your time and help!

[DanaeB]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 12:30pm

Thanks for the advice!

[touchmeinthemorning]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 12:48pm

It also never hurts to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor that works on singers. You can call the offices around you to see if they specialize in singing problems. They can usually give you some help -- it could be more than how you are singing (although that is probably what the problem is).

[DanaeB]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 12:57pm

Thanks. Will do.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 2:39pm

Yes--please do see an ear/nose/throat doctor (ENT). It sounds like you just have a bacterial infection or something, but you should NEVER leave these things unchecked by a professional.

AND DON'T SING UNTIL YOU'RE BETTER! You might hurt yourself.

[freelancer]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 2:49pm

That sounds like exactly what happened to me when I had mono. I'm not saying that you have mono, but my swollen glands really affected my voice. Have the doctor feel your neck to see if your glands are swollen.

[Prisoner 24601]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 5:30pm

Yes, you shouldn't sing while sick. And if your voice completely goes, talking is better than whispering. Whispering if your voice is lost is one of the worst things you can do.

Btw, this thread probably belongs on the student board maybe.

[QueenS]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 6:52pm

I would recommend going on vocal rest immediately until you see someone. Sounds a lot like when I had polyps on my chords. Rest is pretty much the only real "cure."

And then go see an ENT as soon as possible.

[bcectchc]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 11:26pm

I am both a singer and a voice teacher, and several years ago my voice had deteriorated to a rasp in both singing and speaking.

After a visit to an ENT he, surprisingly, suggested that I take SPEECH therapy -- he said that my vocal cords were paralyzed when I spoke, and were TRYING to move only when I sang!

I laughed when he said that I obviously had better training in singing than in speaking! Truly, though, after just two speech therapy sessions my voice was back working again! I continued the therapy for six weeks, three times a week. My voice has NEVER been so strong and vibrant as it is now!

[jeremykushnier1fan]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 11:36pm

Wow, you guys are all so smart, i didn't even post the thread but i'm so going to take some of the advice.

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:42am

where's your location? cuz there is this famous throat doctor in LA. his name is David Alessi.

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:43am

wait, bcectchc,
how were you speaking before?

[bcectchc]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 7:55am

Jess -- A few months prior I had bronchitis, but it was in concert season and I refused to give it up and rest. That majorly screwed up everything! Before ever getting sick, both my speaking and singing voices were fine!

[DanaeB]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 1:27pm

I really appreciate all the advice.
Jess-- I don't live close to LA, so it'd be quite a trip. But thanks.
I called my doctor today and it sounds like I'm going to go in either today or Monday. I figure he can refer me if need be. I'll be sure and post what's wrong with me when I know, just in case ya'll are curious. =-)

[DanaeB]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 6:35pm

Just returned from the doctor's. Turns out that my only problem is a bacterial infection. Thank goodness!