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What Causes Vocal Fatigue?

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Posted on Sat, 18 Mar 2017
Question: I obviously got a virus and lost my voice probably 11 years ago. it was over a weekend away where I continued to keep using it the best I could anyway. not a good move. ever since, when I get tired, I lose it. but lately I just seem to constantly struggle with it. I use to sing pretty well and now singing is an effort. I have to push each word out and don't have control. If trying to sing quietly to the kids, it just doesn't come out at all. makes me really tired singing cos its so hard to do and even talking like reading books to my kids, makes me lose my voice again. what's the likely problem and what should I do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please see the answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.

Looking at your symptoms of Vocal Fatigue(easily tiring of Voice),you might be suffering from Inflammation in the Larynx(Voice Box).The cause might be Allergy,Infection-Viral/Bacterial,Acid reflux,Voice Abuse(Excessive use of voice or use of voice in an abnormal pitch for a long duration of time),Environmental pollutant like Dust,etc.

It would be advisable to consult an Otolaryngologist doctor.He/she will find the cause by doing Laryngeal(Voice box) examination by an endoscope and treat accordingly.

It would also be advisable to consult a Speech therapist.He/She may guide you with few techniques and exercises for correct way of production of voice.It is much needed as you are a singer.You must know how to produce voice in a correct way.Otherwise ,improper way of voice production may lead to injury to your vocal folds.

Most of these exercises begin by eliciting the correct voice production technique using the most facilitating sounds and combinations of sounds.Some of these techniques are as follow:

Accent Method: This program uses rhythmic exercises to facilitate the coordination of vocal fold vibration with appropriate air pressure and air flow.
Confidential Voice: Confidential voice is designed as a temporary style of voice production used to help facilitate mucosal repair.
Digital Laryngeal Manipulation: Also called laryngeal massage, the focus of this technique is to decrease excessive contraction of the muscles of the larynx . XXXXXXX Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)-emphasizing both the production and the habituation of loud voice.
Resonant Voice:Resonant voice techniques aim to increase the power and clarity of the voice while decreasing the vibratory forces that can contribute to mucosal trauma.
Vocal Function Exercises: This approach is a three-component program of warm up, pitch glides (high to low and low to high) and sustained vowel phonation at selected pitches.

Till then,give voice rest.Don't shout or whisper.Speak only if it is necessary in a soft voice.Avoid cold,spicy,oily food.Avoid dust,smoke and other pollutants.Drink lots of fluids(warm).Do steam inhalation.
You can take following medicines: Antacid like Rantac if suffering from Acid reflux and Anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen-if suffering from pain while swallowing.

Hope this answers your question.Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Riddhi Shah (18 hours later)
how do I get in with a otolaryngologist doctor and speech therapist?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please see the answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for your follow up query.

Otolaryngologist means an ENT specialist Doctor.
You can search for ENT specialist and Speech therapist online in the place where you are living.

Hope this answers your question.Take care.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Riddhi Shah

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 533 Questions

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What Causes Vocal Fatigue?

Brief Answer: Please see the answer. Detailed Answer: Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic. Looking at your symptoms of Vocal Fatigue(easily tiring of Voice),you might be suffering from Inflammation in the Larynx(Voice Box).The cause might be Allergy,Infection-Viral/Bacterial,Acid reflux,Voice Abuse(Excessive use of voice or use of voice in an abnormal pitch for a long duration of time),Environmental pollutant like Dust,etc. It would be advisable to consult an Otolaryngologist doctor.He/she will find the cause by doing Laryngeal(Voice box) examination by an endoscope and treat accordingly. It would also be advisable to consult a Speech therapist.He/She may guide you with few techniques and exercises for correct way of production of voice.It is much needed as you are a singer.You must know how to produce voice in a correct way.Otherwise ,improper way of voice production may lead to injury to your vocal folds. Most of these exercises begin by eliciting the correct voice production technique using the most facilitating sounds and combinations of sounds.Some of these techniques are as follow: Accent Method: This program uses rhythmic exercises to facilitate the coordination of vocal fold vibration with appropriate air pressure and air flow. Confidential Voice: Confidential voice is designed as a temporary style of voice production used to help facilitate mucosal repair. Digital Laryngeal Manipulation: Also called laryngeal massage, the focus of this technique is to decrease excessive contraction of the muscles of the larynx . XXXXXXX Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)-emphasizing both the production and the habituation of loud voice. Resonant Voice:Resonant voice techniques aim to increase the power and clarity of the voice while decreasing the vibratory forces that can contribute to mucosal trauma. Vocal Function Exercises: This approach is a three-component program of warm up, pitch glides (high to low and low to high) and sustained vowel phonation at selected pitches. Till then,give voice rest.Don't shout or whisper.Speak only if it is necessary in a soft voice.Avoid cold,spicy,oily food.Avoid dust,smoke and other pollutants.Drink lots of fluids(warm).Do steam inhalation. You can take following medicines: Antacid like Rantac if suffering from Acid reflux and Anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen-if suffering from pain while swallowing. Hope this answers your question.Take care.