Vocal nodules are another concern for many singers, but they’re not caused by a cold or infection, Costello says.
“Nodules develop over time when singers bring their vocal cords together with a lot of energy. If you have a loud voice, you may have thickened calluses on your vocal cords. Swelling of these nodules will Getting bigger and bigger over time can lead to hoarseness,” he said. “The solution to nodules is not surgery, but using the sound in a less dynamic and loud way.”
However, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought some new concerns to those who make a living from their sound. Singers with Covid-19 report long-term changes in their singing voice due to breathing problems or vocal cord problems. While this change in vocal ability may have little effect on the average person, it is worrisome for professional singers.
it “to their breath and [leading to] The frequency of the persistent cough is quite high,” Misono said. “It doesn’t necessarily affect the larynx or the vocal cords directly, but it affects the breathing … If singers’ breathing is affected, they will have a hard time doing anything they want to do with their voice. do,” she said.
Shortness of breath, for example, is a common symptom of long-term Covid, and some recent variants of the virus, such as Omicron, have also been found to cause problems with the upper airway around the throat. In addition to respiratory problems, Covid-19 can cause fatigue and discomfort for singers, making it harder for them to feel “energetic and alive” when performing, she said.
Whether Covid-19 will have a lasting effect on the singing of infected people is unknown.
But for those battling winter infections on tour this year, it may be reassuring to know that music doesn’t have to disappear from their lives entirely.
Singers who have been told to get their voice back after an illness may want to hold on to “small vocalizations” several times a day to slowly regain singing ability. “We don’t advocate complete vocal rest,” says Michael.
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