VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Bruce · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 1:24 pm Post subject: You've Lost That Nasal Feeling

Since it's cold season (isn't it always?) I came up with advice for another voiceoverist on how to hopefully reduce the nasal sound that sticks around after the cold is over. Here are my tips after years of trial and error:

The tissues in your nasal passages and sinuses are inflamed after a cold so doing things to reduce that inflammation will help. Anti-inflammatory drugs (full, safe doses of Ibu, aspirin, or Naproxen) saline sprays up the schnoz, spicy soups, and lots of water will help to drain those tissues. And if it doesn't hurt my vocal cords, I will also read out loud a bit to keep that area active with normal vibrations. Eh, couldn't hurt.

B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

Karyn OBryant · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 4:50 pm Post subject:

Great tips, Bruce.
I also recommend Olbas inhalers, nasal strips, and the judicious use of Afrin. If you need the "nuclear option," Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Formula will dry you right out.

Vive les sinuses!
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Pretending to be other people since 1986.

www.karynobryant.com

Glenn Moore · Been Here Awhile Joined: 24 Jan 2005 Posts: 241

I just got over the worst cold virus ever, a few weeks after I got a flu shot mind you, most likely brought home from school by my germy kids. Thankfully I was only totally voiceless for 2 days and (at least this time) clients were patient and understanding. After that they needed it done regardless and so they got their VO with some nasal and rasp. It started as a stuffy nose, then a full-fledged cold, then sinus infection, then bronchitis. A total of three trips to the doc and a round of antibiotics spanning nearly 3 weeks of misery. It felt like a year. The only thing that really kicked it was a steroid shot which I only got as a last resort because the cough was so bad. Within 3 days of that I was starting to get back to normal, but dealing with the side effects of insomnia. It made Christmas and New Year's Eve/Day less than festive to say the least. I had a lot of time to think while sitting in the recliner with a clogged head and bad cough. Outside of the normal resolutions to do bigger and better work and make more cash, I really discovered I need to start taking my health a lot more seriously- especially boosting my immune system. This cold virus is spreading like crazy. My last trip to my family doc had a 2-day wait just to see the first available doc. SO this year, I am working to build my immunity and guard myself against something like this again with healthier food, probiotics, vitamins, using my nasal sprays and neti-pot more, exercise and get the heart rate up more and still wash my hands like crazy. No guarantees of course because everyone gets sick at some point but being voiceless for a few days could mean a loss of income and some ticked-off clients to someone who makes their living with their voice. Spring allergy season is right around the corner so not missing getting my allergy shots weekly as well. Things to think about. Being sick means being out of work. Think about building your immune system and stay healthy folks:-)