Vocal Scarring in Professional Speakers
How delayed care in this population may result in irreversible injury
When people think about vocal performers, they usually think of singers and actors. Singers and actors use their voices athletically, with maximal use of range, volume, articulation, and emotion.
Conversely, professional speakers may not come to mind when thinking of vocal performers. An extensive literature search resulted in articles referencing vocal challenges in singers, actors, teachers... telemarketers! But none that described the vocal challenges of public speaking.
This may be because public speaking used to be the domain of a few voices that would be seen as authorities. However, in today's media-rich environment, there are significantly more authorities and they perform on multiple platforms. Content creators, commentators, media personalities, and public speakers have entered the realm of vocal athletics. However, their vocal healthcare has not.
In other articles, we've discussed how speakers often delay care because they are so message-focused that they don't focus on vocal quality. Where a singer will come in if there is a slight issue with voice, speakers come in when they are so vocally affected they can no longer speak comfortably. They often find themselves on periods of vocal rest, or sipping tea with honey, pushing on stage and then rubbing their throats off stage.
In our recent survey, nearly 67% of public speaker respondents noted:
pain associated with voice use (during or after);
a need to cancel an event due to loss of voice;
periods of vocal rest to regain voice;
worsened voice quality (hoarse or with more texture/gravel).
What is the cause of these symptoms in professional speakers?
The most common issues we see in professional speakers are scarring and vocal nodules. These are both injuries associated with high-intensity, frequent use. Polyps and other injuries do occur as well but to a lesser extent.
What is vocal scarring?
As seen in the video below, scarring occurs from wear and tear, chronic overuse/misuse, or excessive volume. The vocal cords have a soft, vibrating layer that can be injured by voice misuse, resulting in the loss of that layer. In the video below, the vocal tissue is not able to fully close because of the hardening of the vibrating layer. This irreversible injury is seen here in a professional speaker who was noting inability to do his work due to voice symptoms.
Can vocal scarring be treated?
Scarring is unfortunately irreversible. However, there are strategies for optimization through therapy as well as steroid injections that can help reduce symptoms. The key is early intervention.
Professional speakers, like any other vocal athlete, do best when they are proactive about their vocal healthcare. This means:
establishing a baseline clean exam when the voice is normal, early in their career;
implementing a holistic care plan that addresses all issues impacting the voice;
training, rehab, and rest to optimize their voice.
Click here to book a comprehensive voice evaluation to get started on your path to vocal health and longevity.
Interested in working with the best professionals in LA for voice care and rehabilitation?
Meet Dr. Gupta, the top voice doctor in LA, and Tressa Cox, the leading voice therapist specializing in voice rehabilitation.
Learn more about their expertise and services at the Center for Vocal Health.
