Acid Reflux, Singer's Nodes, Drinking Water, Smoking, Making Your Voice Stronger, and Changing the Sound of Your Voice
I’ve been told I have acid reflux. How does that affect my voice?
Your throat and vocal cords are affected by multiple factors, including exposure to acid and stomach contents. In many individuals, stomach contents may travel up through the esophagus back into the throat. Some patients experience this as a burning or sour taste in their throats. Most, however, never feel or sense anything, except for hoarseness or a “lump” in their throat. These acid reflux symptoms are due to inflammation cause by exposure to enzymes and acid from the stomach. When the throat and vocal cords are inflamed, they do not function well, affecting the voice. More information on acid reflux
What are singer's nodes?
Singer's nodes are also known as vocal nodules and they are firm areas that develop on the edges of the vocal cords. Nodules form on the vocal cords from chronic abuse to the vocal cords associated with yelling, screaming or improper voice use. Singer’s nodules are frequently found in amateur singers, and may be due to improper singing technique. Vocal nodules can be treated quite successfully with voice therapy and medical treatment. This condition rarely requires surgery. More information on vocal nodules
Does drinking water help my voice?
Yes. Drinking water increases your hydration, which is essential for proper functioning of the vocal cords. The vocal cords vibrate against each other to produce sound. To do this properly, they need to be lubricated. In order to produce enough thin mucus for this lubrication, the body needs water. More tips on proper vocal health
Does smoking affect my voice?
Yes. Smoking and exposure to smoke irritates and dries the tissues of the throat, particularly the vocal cords. This leads to improper vocal cord vibration and function. Smoking also may promote laryngopharyngeal reflux, or acid reflux, which can also affect the vocal cords. Additionally, smoking degrades lung function, which affects the voice by decreasing airflow through the vocal cords.
Of course, no discussion about smoking would be complete without mentioning that smoking is the leading cause of both vocal cord and lung cancers.
My voice is weak. Can something be done to make it stronger?
Yes. A weak voice and a voice that tires easily (vocal fatigue) can be caused by many things (i.e. vocal cord paresis or vocal cord paralysis). Most frequently a weak voice can be strengthened with voice therapy. Surgery is also in an option in selected individuals. This can be done as an office procedure or in the operating room.
Can I change my voice to sound like someone else?
While you can alter your pitch somewhat with therapy or surgery, it is very difficult to alter the voice precisely to match someone else without causing straining. Medical and surgical intervention is usually aimed at restoring voice to its previous level or towards improving the quality of one’s own voice.
