Deep Into My Sleep (Extended Vocal Mix)
No specifications regarding sleep habits or sleep efficiency were set during the recruitment period, no specific population groups were targeted and all responses (regardless of whether or not music was used during sleep) were included in the final data set. There was no attempt to recruit only music users at any point. All participants were entered into a prize draw for a 100 voucher as compensation for their involvement with the survey.
Deep Into My Sleep (Extended Vocal Mix)
A: This may be a sign of a vocal tremor. While there is no cure for a vocal tremor, if diagnosed, a laryngologist can offer treatment options to help decrease the severity of the tremor, such as injecting BOTOX (botulinum toxin) into the vocal cord muscles.
A: Yes, acid reflux can affect the vocal cords if it is coming all the way up into the voice box. A laryngologist may be able to see some telltale signs of acid erosion during an exam. To prevent damage, we often recommend weight loss, dietary changes (such as avoiding spicy food), and other behavioral changes such as not eating or drinking within two hours of going to sleep. If these interventions do not work, medication may be prescribed.
Dear Judy,Thank you for this post. I am not a singer but I have viral laryngitis Unfortunately, I was in the process of moving while the laryngitis was coming on and so I continued to push it and whisper (unware how bad it was for my vocal chords.) So far I've had four days of 100% vocal rest and am still awaiting the return of my voice. My question for you and any others who have read this post would be: how long did it take you to regain your use of your voice? Once it returns, are there tips a non-singer might benefit from to ease back into speaking? Thanks!
Hi Megan... so sorry you're having vocal trouble; I know how bad that makes a good singer feel. If you can't get into your head voice it generally means your cords are swollen or you actually have some degree of damage (usually quite reversable with correct re-training). If you haven't had your vocal cords 'scoped' since your trouble, I would strongly recommend finding a medical voice clinic and making an appointment to discover what's going on. It could also be something more hidden, like -gerd/laryngopharyngeal-reflux-silent-reflux.It could also be excess mucous causing the problem.You need to get to the bottom of your frequent illness problem and find out what is compromising your immune system. For this I usually recommend a natural health practitioner.Then some remedial vocal lessons could be your ticket back to full voice. I wish you the very best... let me know if I can serve you further.
It sounds like you need to get with a good vocal coach. If your vocal folds are fine and you correct your tension-causing vocal technique, tension in your throat muscles can disappear instantly, at least for the time you're singing the new way. Retraining involves developing the muscle memory of the new technique. It's the old habits that would create tension again. As for how long you should wait... I'd say get some re-training in before you sing at all. Even one hour with a good coach should illuminate the source of your tension. If you can't afford to do that, look into some good training materials you can purchase online or keep reading blogs like this one. Good luck!
Dear Anonymous... I actually responded to your last comment; I missed reading the prior one where you mentioned how your vocal strain began. But what I said is still applicable to your situation. I feel for you; I deeply understand what it is like for someone who loves to sing to develop chronic tension that sabotages vocal ability. Don't be afraid... it really sounds like you just need to be careful, get some good training and slowly but surely work your voice up again. In my own case, I lost an octave and a half from an endotracheal tube. With professional vocal coaching, It took some time but I got it all back and then some. Take care and thank you for your comments here.
Hi there Anonymous...Hey man, read your comment back to yourself and you'll surely get several clues as to why you've lost your voice! Actually, I'm sure that's why you told me this amazing story of vocal abuse... you're quite aware of it, haha...Here's the thing; cancer can begin in a chronically irritated area. You really have to listen to your own wisdom here and stop abusing your vocal cords. Did you know they are only about 3/4" long? I would imagine they are red, swollen and here's a fun fact... you can develop blood blisters which are the beginnings of vocal nodules from just 20 minutes of screaming. Also, if you get serious about quitting smoking, I have a great book for you... -and-speakers-want-to-quit.html In the mean time, please take care and go on at least a bit of voice rest. Take deep breaths, do more listening than speaking and let me know how you fare!
Hi Judy,I sing in a local choir for years and traching full time public speaking classes at a community college. My voice has always been fine, though somewhat thin ( not a lead) ..but I have always had a powerful speaking voice (low) with tremendous projection. Woke up with sore throat 2.5 weeks ago which progressed into voice and itchy dry cough. Had to work throughout, so some strain week one, then tried use microphone last week. Now, the virus seems clear, but sore throat persists, as does itchy dry cough. My voice tones are back....but when I use my voice it hurts, aches, and I can not project..or if I try I will pay for it. My voice or voice muscles seem sore, and not strong...itchy, achy, sensitive to air..talking..etc. I had multiple cultures during the bug, and all negative. I'm scared to death Inhave some kind of neurogenic damage the branch of the vagus nerve that is in the throat, and that I now have residual chronic pain from the virus. I have not taken any antibiotics or steriods. How long can this kind of voice weakness, itchy throat, vocal use pain last after a bad throat virus? Thank you!
Hi Ujjawal... it sounds like you need some vocal re-training. You really need to find a vocal coach who can help you change the habits that keep straining and tiring your voice. Changing bad vocal technique into good is the only way to prevent vocal strain and to allow vocal irritation to heal. You may need to go on voice rest for a few days before you can even start any vocal exercises. The bottom line is that your voice should not hurt when you sound it. Get some lessons, either find a vocal coach locally or do lessons via Skype, to get to the cause(s) of your individual vocal dysfunction. I wish you speedy recovery!
I know it may seem like a cop out or glib reply on my part to give you a medical disclaimer, but the truth is, you really do need to take into consideration your physician's counsel for your condition. Then make your own decision. I will admit that for a very important gig many years ago I once took steroids for laryngitis - in my case they prescribed it in the form of an inhaler. I sang and got through the gig (barely) and then had to rest my voice. As I remember, it was at least three weeks before I started getting it back. Sometimes performers go for a quick fix if it's a gig emergency, but steroids should not be used as a long term vocal fix. If you do take them for a gig you absolutely don't think you can cancel, get to the bottom of the reason for your laryngitis. In my case, it was systemic... eating foods I didn't digest well which made me toxic and readily open to any upper respiratory bug that floated by. Remember that the best thing for active laryngitis is vocal rest. So instead of resorting to steroids, cancel your gig if possible til vocal cord inflammation subsides!
Hi Judy, I am really hoping you reply to me because I am freaking out right now... I am a singer and a voice teacher and I teach voice six days a week. As you can see already, I use my voice a lot and without it, I am lost... Recently, I began to notice a decline in my high notes, but I thought it was nothing serious because I am a soprano and a big fan of belting. I have properly trained my mix voice (being a voice teacher myself) and know how to use it without straining. I haven't done the best job at always warming up before I sing, but I never sang to the point where I felt any strain, pain or loss of notes. I have never lost my voice from singing. Then just the other day, I started losing notes in the middle of my registers. There is a rasp when I try to sing in falsetto and some notes are gone. I used to sing like a bird and even have whistle. I am freaking out and do not have health insurance so I can't see an ENT any time soon... I've been drinking ginger tea, water, throat coat, speaking as little as possible and sleeping as much as I can. It's been about a week and I am seriously depressed over this... I guess my question is - if I lost notes, is this temporary and can it be regained? I heard that loss of notes in the middle of scales are a sign of nodes, but I do not feel any pain... Today when I was teaching voice, I got very tired after about 5 hours and started feeling very vocally fatigued... What do you suggest? Please help, I am so depressed from this!!! My voice is everything to me! Thank you so much.-KK
Yes, your assumptions are correct on these points with this exception: Don't try to habitually speak too high. Many people make this mistake. Just use all parts of your range - more musical, conversational and engaging vocal tone, instead of monotone. I do think it's a good idea to speak in your higher register (head voice) a lot while doing tongue tanglers, as good exercise for this less used part of your voice. It's good that you ask questions and want to dig a little deeper. If you'd like to take a lesson, let me know and I can personalize these instructions. Even 30 minutes can be quite helpful to you. 041b061a72