What are the problems that affect a singer`s vocal mechanism? The following information is based on a conversation with Alice Brandfonbrener, M.D., a doctor of internal medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and director of the hospital`s newly formed Medical Program for Performing Artists, which is designed to treat the ailments peculiar to performing artists.
— Most common ailments: Colds, bronchitis, sinus and viral infections, sore throats. Nodules or thickenings on the vocal cords, sometimes felt as severe hoarseness; more often found in pop musicians than opera or concert singers.
— Causes: Overuse of the voice, often in inappropriate music that may lie too high or low for the singer`s normal range or that forces him to sing over a loud orchestra for an extended period. Singing outdoors or in halls with bad acoustics. Faulty vocal technique, in the case of nodules.
Most voice-related ailments are in fact caused by a combination of physical and psychological factors. Singers are more easily victimized by colds than other people because the stress and anxiety they normally operate under leave their vocal mechanism more vulnerable. And when they catch colds, their concern for their means of livelihood creates a tension that makes it that much harder to shake the cold.
— Treatment: Adequate rest of the voice, meaning partial or total withdrawal from singing. Moderate doses of medications, but not decongestants and antihistamines, which tend to dry out the tissues. Normal colds`
treatments.
— Effects of age: As with the rest of the body, vocal muscles become less pliable and responsive. Menopause can have a negative effect on women`s voices (or none at all), but this varies from one individual to the next. Certain singers with solid techniques and musicianship coupled with a high degree of artistry are able to mask or minimize the effects of vocal aging with astonishing control, guaranteeing themselves careers that last well into their 50s and even 60s. Others lose their ability to sing relatively early, even though they show no technical deficiencies or have not abused their vocal equipment. Precisely why this is so remains a mystery.
