Vocal Strain?

Pugguls

Around four months ago, I was attempting to hit notes in my head voice after warming up and doing proper breathing ect. However I believe I pushed too hard and felt a slight fatigue in my throat, but no pain. The following week I lost my voice for an entire week. After that, my voice came back slowly and the pain seemed to have gone away. Recently, however, whenever I talk at a normal speaking rate, I have a pain on the left side of my throat behind my Addams apple. Whenever this occurs, I also am able to hear my breathing/talking in my left ear, also known as having a Patulous Eustachian tube. This never happened before this incident, and with increasing frequency, I am beginning to lose my voice more and more often. Is it possible that I have an infection? Or have strained my throat and damaged it? I wasn't doing this for an extended period of time, but I've read all that it takes is an instant. I've been doing various home treatment, such as teas/honey/anti-inflammatory herbs etc. Thanks for all the feedback.

-Brandon

highmtn

You should see an ENT soon. It's not normal to have ongoing issues like that, and they may be able to help you get better soon. Pain is a bad sign. An infection would be a bad thing that would need treatment.

Pushing too hard with your voice can do things to you that don't take long to happen. It's always better to undersing than to oversing.

Make an appointment to see a doctor, and take their advice.

All the Best!

Bob

Pugguls

Just saw my primary and set up an appointment with an ear nose and throat specialist. My primary doctor took a look inside my left ear (the affected nose and throat side) and said that my eardrum was concaved slightly. He related this to a vacuum effect and said that it may be a middle ear issue. On a brighter note, my voice has been much less fatigued since last posting and I am able to talk regularly. Will post as soon as I get updates!

-Brandon

highmtn

Thanks for the update, and thanks for seeing your medical professionals.

Glad your voice is feeling better now.

Bob

Pugguls

Update: Went for a CT Scan on my throat. Everything is normal, no pollups, nodules, anything. Ear nose and throat specialist says it was most likely an infection which is extremely slow to get better. I'm steadily improving. I was told to lay off vocals for another few months and see where I'm at. In his words, 'we're really good at identifying the bad things'. Seemingly my throat is very healthy. We shall see where time leads.

Pugguls

@highmtn ^

highmtn

Yes, good news on no actual damage to your throat. Hopefully you will be in much better shape after the infection heals completely.