Therapy Gives Singer Her Voice Back

Emelia Cowans depends on her voice. In addition to radio and voice-over work, she is a PR spokesperson, actress and singer. But early this year, all that appeared to be in jeopardy.

Cowans went to the Duke Raleigh Hospital’s Voice Care Center for help.

“I couldn’t hit all of my notes above middle register C any more and I was like, something is wrong,” said Cowans. “This was effortless before and now it requires a lot more effort.”

Using a specialized diagnostic tool, Dr. Seth Cohen found that Cowans had lesions, or sores, on her vocal cords.

“Vocal cords are very fluid structures and there is really nothing else quite like it in the human body,” said Cohen. “Once those vibratory layers are inflamed or diseased, the body can’t make new vibratory layers.”

Vocal injuries are often caused by overuse, but can result from neurological conditions or medical treatments. Sometimes, as in Cowans’ case, allergies and gastric reflux can cause irritation that leads to injury.

Cohen works with a voice specialist/speech-language pathologist to design a treatment plan for each patient. Cowans has regular therapy sessions to learn new ways of singing and speaking that won’t strain her voice.

“It is in part about building technique,” said Leda Scearce, voice specialist and speech-language pathologist. “But it’s also about working on the voice in a way that will allow the injury to resolve, but still enable that person to fulfill their vocal obligations.”

Traditional treatment for vocal nodes has been complete vocal rest, which wasn’t an option for Cowans, and surgery to remove vocal nodes. Cohen says therapy often allows patients to avoid surgery and the downtime required for the delicate incisions to heal.

Patients at the center range from singers and broadcasters to teachers and clergy.

How Can You Prevent Voice Injuries?

Hydrate. Voice Specialist Leda Scearce of Duke Raleigh Hospital recommends two liters of water per day for singers and anyone who wants a healthy voice.

Minimize alcohol and caffeine. They are dehydrating and make the vocal folds drier.

Minimize voice strain. Yelling and screaming, throat clearing and coughing, and talking in noisy situations are vocal misuse that can lead to injury.

Get proper training. Singers are vocal athletes, should have training whether pursuing it as an avocation or profession.

Learn to use your speaking voice in the same way as a singing voice.

Source: NBC17.com