Professional Voice
Vocalists from diverse backgrounds rely on their voices professionally and recreationally. Singers, actors, voiceover artists, podcast hosts, and other public speakers are more likely to sense an early change in the voice. Problems such as hoarseness may be quite impactful for these persons as they may be unable to work or interact normally. Persons with vocally demanding work, such as educators or clergy, may need early medical attention to detect problems and avoid preventable damage to the vocal folds.
Your Visit
Dr. Feinstein will meet with you privately to learn about your vocal concerns and your overall health. Using state-of-the-art technology, Dr. Feinstein will obtain a high definition video of your larynx and vocal folds. Videostroboscopy is the gold standard for vocal cord assessment. We will develop an action plan together to restore your voice.
General Advice
Maintain excellent hydration: Adequate hydration allows the vocal folds to vibrate appropriately.
No smoking: Smoking irritates the throat and vocal folds, can cause permanent swelling of the vocal folds, and is the leading cause of head & neck and throat cancer.
Avoid getting sick: Wash your hands regularly. Avoid being around friends who are ill. Don’t touch your face, eyes, mouth or nose prior to washing your hands.
Safeguard your voice: Try not to shout or yell. Avoid speaking in noisy or smoky environments. Try not to excessively clear your throat. Avoid talking or performing when you have a cold or laryngitis.
Avoid whispering: Use a gentle, ‘indoor’ voice.
Sleep soundly: Aim for an eight hour sleep opportunity every day. Most people need 7 to 8 hours daily to be well rested. Excellent sleep is critical to your overall health, and poor sleep quality will effect your body and your voice.
Check side effects of medication: Some medications can affect your voice by drying your body tissues. Coordination with your primary care doctor is important.
Warm up and cool down your voice: Follow your vocal coach’s advice; or use easy glides and lip trills for warm ups, and humming for cool downs.
Use amplification and monitors whenever possible: This will help spare you from damage to the vocal folds.
Rest your voice before a day of performance: Also, be careful not to overuse your speaking voice on the day of performance or after the show.
Stop singing or performing if you feel vocally fatigued: Each performance or engagement can feel like the most important one, but keep your long term vocal health at the front of your mind whenever these decisions are considered.
Treatment
Treatment is individualized for each unique patient. Some voice problems benefit from medications, while others will respond to voice therapy. On occasion, endoscopic microsurgery is performed.
Some natural remedies are available. While there is insufficient published evidence to recommend them as proven therapeutics, there is minimal risk of harm and there may be some benefit for patients.
Gould’s Gargle for sore throat (Dr. Gould was a prominent laryngologist in Manhattan): 1 cup water, 0.5 tsp kosher salt, 0.5 tsp baking soda, 0.5 tsp maple syrup. Gargle and release, do not swallow.
Throat Slurry for sore throat: Start with 2oz aloe vera juice, then add manuka honey until the mixture thickens. Gargle and swallow. Each of these have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial factors that may be helpful.
Apple cider vinegar: This is often discussed, but is not recommended. As an acidic substance it is likely to cause more harm than benefit.
Arnica: Research in plastic surgery (facelift, rhinoplasty) has shown that arnica can reduce bruising and swelling after surgery. There are no studies comparing arnica to standard care for vocal fold hemorrhage but you can discuss this at your visit.
Please contact Dr. Feinstein at his Tarzana office to learn more.