VOCALS
VOCAL DAMAGE, RECOVERY AND RESTORATION | Sheri Gould
This is the first in a series of articles where I The best thing to do, if you think you may will be addressing the basics of understanding have damaged your vocal cords, is to find and assessing vocal damage and what goes out right away. Most people wait too long, for If your suspicions are confirmed and your
into recovery and restoration. My goal is to various reasons, and it is not helpful. In fact, doctor does see vocal cord damage, he will
help educate and take some of the fear away it’s even more damaging to sing with your do his best to assess the damage and work
as well as give practical advice. Chances are already damaged cords - you will make them toward bringing your cords to full health. Many
either you, or someone you know, has suffered worse. Schedule an appointment with an ENT common vocal cord maladies are redness,
or is currently suffering from some type of vocal (Otolaryngologist) ASAP. An ENT will be able to bleeding, polyps, nodules, thinness and vocal
affliction. Hopefully this information can help look at your vocal cords and assess whether cord hemorrhage. Once it has been determined
and bring comfort. you have any vocal damage and to what what the issue(s) is, your doctor will try to help
the most complete picture you can.
extent. The doctor will put a very tiny camera you understand how/why this has might have
I speak to thousands of vocalists each year up through your nose and down your throat happened. Sometimes it will have nothing to do
from all over. Regardless of where I go, the so that he/she can view the condition of your with what you thought it might. For example,
story is the same. There are always - always vocal cords. You will be asked to make a series there are certain gastrointestinal disorders
people who are dealing with some type of vocal of noises, maybe even sing so that the doctor like GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)
damage. It’s rampant. I would even go so far as can see how your cords are functioning. This is reflux or even LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux)
to say it’s nearly an epidemic among vocalists not painful. It might not be the most fun you’ve commonly known as “silent reflux” that could
today. I have seen this trend for the last 20 ever had, but I watched my eight year-old old be the root cause of redness or inflammation.
years become more and more common. As a grand-daughter go through a scope without a However, these are often diagnosed with no real
result, I often work with vocalists who need to word of complaint - afterward she said, “that evidence other than damaged/red/ bleeding
be healed of whatever vocal malady is afflicting was easy!”. vocal cords which could also have other
them, and then recover and move on toward
restoration.
causes. Reflux tends to be over diagnosed
Facing the possibility of having It’s best for you to go armed with as much at this time, likely because of so much vocal
vocal damage is frightening to many, and, as a information as you can when you see your damage with no other obvious cause other
result, many people tend to ignore or deny the ENT. Here are some ideas to get you started than vocal misuse, overuse or abuse. If
symptoms. This is the worst possible response. thinking so you can be prepared to answer any reflux is diagnosed, the doctor can prescribe
Early intervention can help to expedite the questions your doctor might ask you: medication for you, making both of you feel like
healing process and prevent deeper damage. • What exactly are you feeling? you’re making progress. I would caution you to
So, it’s important to recognize the symptoms • When did you first notice the symptoms? not stop there, however, but rather, look closely
of vocal damage and respond appropriately. • Does anything seem to exacerbate them? at your lifestyle to be sure there are no other
Learn to listen and pay attention to your body, • Do you use your voice for a living? (Are you possible reasons for your issues.
here are some things to watch for.
a teacher, salesman, stay at home mother,
etc.)
1. Hoarseness that lasts for more than 2
Next time I’ll talk about what steps can be taken
• Do you have any known allergies?
weeks not related to any sickness.
2. Difficulty hitting certain notes (in your regular
range) consistently.
3. A cracking or popping in your speaking
voice on certain pitches.
questions about this issue, please feel free to
Your doctor will be well educated regarding your email me through my website: sherigould.com.
vocal cord structure but he (most likely) cannot God bless you as you sing for Him!
know for certain what exactly will have caused
your damage. He can make an educated guess
4. Soreness after singing-almost every time. based on the information you give him and what
5. Loss of speaking voice (or quality) after he sees, but he cannot possibly know all the
singing, even for short periods of time.
ins and outs of your life. He will be depending
6. Chronic vocal fatigue. on you for that information and will respond/
7. Throat pain or discomfort when speaking or diagnose accordingly. Again, that is why it’s
singing.
50
to recover from vocal damage. If you have any
imperative that you be prepared and give him
December 2019
Sheri Gould
Sheri is an internationally acclaimed vocal coach.
She’s been helping artists and worshipers find their
voice for over 40 years. For help and resources visit
her site.
www.SheriGould.com
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