Voice hoarseness

[Arif_H]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 40 year old male. Last April I was preparing for a singing concert and had to use my voice regularly. During this time I also had a bad chest infection caused by a virus. I was hoarse but I had no choice but to continue training as the concert date was coming up. I'm also a full time teacher and therefore there is a high demand on my voice during the day too. Ever since then I've been suffering from a tired voice and hoarseness. I pick up cold viruses quickly and this effects my voice. It's very frustrating as I love to sing but am not sure what is going on. Will it ever clear? I've seen an ENT specialist who did a camera scope and this revealed no nodules or abnormalities. Why does this happen? It's now been 8 months and this is becoming a real worry for me as my voice is what keeps me in a job and singing is my hobby and what keeps me ticking. I'm a non smoker and do not consume any alcohal. Is there anyone that can offer me some advice or help please?

Thanks
Arif

[deafsinger]

I am glad that you are on an antibiotic , as allergens & irritants can set the perfect stage for an infection that is bacterial to take hold. You said that you have had a horrible chest infection & are constantly clearing your throat? When  an infection sets into your sinuses , the postnasal drip from that can make a person feel like there is thick mucus sort of "stuck' in the throat area. Also with a chest infection , the mucus gets coughed up & loosens , & as it does this , we cough to clear our airway. Your words not coming out right as you describe it is most likely  the post nasal drip or sputum from a chest infection that is literally just resting  in your airway.  I am glad that the mucus is breaking up & coming out , that is a good thing.
A few comfort measures that may help with the annoyance will follow :
1. Gargle with warm salty water several times a day.(do not swallow)
2. Sip on warm green tea or herbal tea as the vapors from the cup help to soothe.
3. Chicken soup  Does help & there is something in chicken broth that really does help soothe nose & throat problems. You can even add a drop or 2 of hot sauce to really open everything up !

Hoping that you feel better soon!
deafsinger

[Arif_H]

Thank you for your help and advice.

I feel at times when I try to speak that words don't always come out as they did before, I've begun to notice gaps in my speech at times and this is frustrating. Also, its not as easy to speak as before. This tends to come and go so not sure why this is happening. Resting the voice does help. I'm on a dose of antibiotics at the moment (amoxicllin) to clear up a horrible chest infection/ virus and am feeling a little better after having this. I think this is perhaps helping to clear up any build up of virus/bacteria that may have clogged my vocal area. Still finding it a bit troublesome to talk due to excess mucous and have to keep clearing my throat.

I'm hoping with time the voice will heal. I have lined up an appointment to see an allergy specialist and the ENT again. Also intending to see a speech therapist if that helps soon.

Arif

[deafsinger]

Also , just a thought since I also sing, be certain that you are singing in the correct key for your voice and do not strain it !

deafsinger

[deafsinger]

I agree that your work environment is not helpful to your condition.
You might try to use a humidifier that has a bacterial & mold filter on it  in your classroom. The vapor mist will help to capture the particles of dust  instead of your airway. If you are allergic to the dust particles they really can & will trigger an allergic reaction inside your body  , in your case , your nasopahrynx  or vocal cord area , and cause  bumpy whelp like rashes that  cause the smooth mucosa to temporarily become irritated & angry . It is much like poison oak or ivy does to the skin.

Does MDF or fiberboard have the addition of  formaldehyde to it ?  If so you also have the added chemical irritants that may also add to your problems. Formaldehyde is an agent which I am highly sensitive to & it made  my medical labwork miserable in college, even when wearing a mask.

Be certain to check back with your doctor if you have more problems to have him/her to re check your condition.

deafsinger  

[BRUCE37]

I'm a heavy-metal singer of 38 years old and my voice used to kill me too. Quick question----does the horseness and tired feeling come and go or continue to get worse and worse?

[mimi1313]

HI Arif,

It could definitely worsen your condition. I lived on a farm for my entire childhood and moved away and got allergies. So maybe getting tested for allergies could help. Do you wear a mask? I really think your work environment is not helping your condition.

If you need anything else, please let me know and good luck,
Melissa

[Arif_H]

Thanks for your reply. In answer to your question I don't live near any factories, however the environment in which I work is mouldy and I am subjected to wood dust as I teach mostly craft related subjects. I'm subjected to sanding dust and from materials such as Medium Density Fibreboard or MDF in the workshop classroom. I'm not sure if this worsens the problem? I've been teaching for 15 years in the same environment.

Arif

[mimi1313]

Hi,

It could be any number of things. Speaking is harder on your voice than singing. First, I would stay hydrated. Also do you live near any factories that may cause pollution?

Melissa