Good morning,
I had an ENT visit yesterday that I can share with you.
The ENT (ears, nose, and throat) is also called an Otorhinolaryngologist.
I wanted to check my vocal folds (term also used is vocal cords) to see if there was anything that I should be concerned about. I had overused my voice on a particular day and since I’m in a choral group, teach choir to young singers, speak as a voice-over talent, act, and sing at times, it was time for a check-up.
The specialist was great. I highly recommend Buckhead ENT in Atlanta, GA.
If you’ve never been to an ENT, I procedure is not painful. However, it is uncomfortable.
Spray goes into your nostril on both sides. A tube with a light at the end is inserted into one nostril down to your vocal folds.
I was asked to hum, sing a high sound, ascend and descend vocally so that full coverage could be viewed.
I had gone to the PCP earlier due to my throat issue and discovered that I had acid reflux. The ENT did see redness due to the acid reflux. However, my vocal folds were fine, yay!
There are many issues that can occur as a vocalist, speaker, and teacher. I encourage people to take care of your voice with simple things.
- Drink plenty of water, lukewarm is best. I urge people to drink water when they first wake up in the morning.
- Space your speech and rest your voice throughout certain times of the day. Sometimes, it’s best to remain quiet. A person doesn’t have to comment all the time. Silent times should be necessary for teachers, singers, choir directors, voice-over talents, professors (whoever uses their voice consistently for communication).
- Get plenty of rest, six to eight hours per day.
- Get your exercise.
- Eat healthy foods and cook more at home.
These are very simple ideas; however, they work.
For the website of Buckhead ENT; see below:
GVOS and Me 