Case Study # 2 - A Singer with Loss of Head Voice

In the world of music, the demands on a performer's voice are unparalleled. Each note, each lyric, and each show is not just a performance but an athletic feat. This is the reality for a 32-year-old recording artist, whose journey back to her head voice was more than just a physical challenge—it was a testament to the complexities of vocal health in the spotlight.

The Initial Struggle

For years, this artist had felt her voice slipping away. As her career soared, her falsetto vanished, and she attributed it to the natural process of aging. Singing became an arduous task, with each show leaving her voice exhausted, requiring two days of recovery. It wasn't until she noticed a polyp on her left vocal fold that she sought help. This wasn't just a sign of getting older—something more serious was at play.

The patient has a polyp of her left vocal fold when she is seen in the office.

The Misconceptions

• Loss of falsetto/head voice is not a sign of aging. This was the first misconception shattered. Vocal capabilities don't simply diminish with age, especially not in one's 30s.

• Voice loss from aging does not happen in your 30s. Another myth dispelled. The struggle she faced was not just a natural progression but a symptom of an underlying issue.

• Prolonged recovery after performance indicates a problem. This was perhaps the most telling sign. What she thought was normal post-performance fatigue was a red flag for a deeper vocal issue.

Success in the music industry can be a double-edged sword. The higher the demand, the greater the risk of injury—especially when care and rest take a back seat. This artist, a busy touring recording artist, had neglected her vocal health, only seeking help in moments of crisis. It took working with a vocal coach who understood the importance of proper care to finally get referred for the right treatment.

The Diagnosis

When she finally arrived at our office, it was clear that she needed more than just a quick fix. A polyp on her vocal fold was the visible evidence of the strain her voice had endured. But it wasn't just about removing the polyp—it was about understanding the root cause and crafting a treatment plan that worked with her hectic schedule.

Vocal injury is not a respecter of persons or age. It can strike at any time, especially with high-impact voice use like singing, voiceover work, or professional speaking. These are not just artistic endeavors—they are athletic feats that require careful maintenance. And when there's underlying inflammation from factors like illness, back-to-back performances, or smoking, the risk of injury skyrockets.

Pre-operative stroboscopy

Postoperative stroboscopy

The Challenges

Complex Timing

Surgery was on the horizon, but so was a packed tour schedule. The dilemma was stark: undergo surgery and risk tour cancellation, or continue performing and risk permanent injury. It was a delicate balance that required understanding not just the artist but also the unique demands of her voice and performances.

Rehabilitation During Tour

Traditional rehabilitation schedules were out of the question. This wasn't a patient who could simply take time off for vocal rest. Rehabilitation had to be flexible, mobile, and tailored to her demanding schedule. Our team at the Center for Vocal Health stepped in, providing expertise in pro-voice rehabilitation that could be adapted to her needs.

Performance Rehabilitation

Re-learning how to access her head voice was a monumental task. After years of compensatory muscle use, it was like starting from scratch. This wasn't just about recovering physically—it was about re-education and training. Thanks to the expert rehabilitation and training provided by our specialists, she was able to regain her head voice within just 4 weeks of surgery.

The road to recovery for this vocal athlete was a challenging one, filled with highs and lows. But through it all, she learned the importance of vocal health and the need for a team that understood the unique demands of her profession. Today, she's back on stage, hitting those high notes with confidence and grace, a testament to the power of perseverance and expert care.