VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

brinkley · Guest

Hello. I ran across this board a little over a week ago and have enjoyed reading the thoughts of the community. I am an aspiring VO artist myself, and have a question to pose to the group.

I have some soreness in my throat after doing some VO sessions talking deeper than my normal speaking voice. For the first few days after the session I could speak OK but not great, and could tell that my normal power and range were lacking.

Now, a week later, I can speak normally without discomfort. However, when I do any voice other than my natural one I have a feeling of a lump in my throat that lasts for a few hours and is especially noticeable when swallowing. I do not believe I am sick as I do not have the other normal symptoms with my sinuses, etc, but I suppose it is a possible coincidence.

I have been resting my voice compared to normal for the past week, but this "lump" feeling has me concerned that I may have done some long-term damage.

Any thoughts or suggestions on this, as well as possible healing and preventative measures?

Thanks for your input.

-Brinkley

KaraEdwards · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 9:13 pm Post subject:

I'm no expert, so take this with a grain of salt...

1st- go see a Dr. if you have any concerns...it's not worth it to wait it out and see what happens. Plus, a Dr can tell you that you are most likely fine and put all of your worries to rest.

2nd- I once gave myself laryngitis for 2 weeks after a long week of voice over. The reason? I went about my days as I normally would (I was young, so that meant late nights with friends). Now when I have gruelling sessions I do as little speaking as possible during the rest of the days/nights I am working. Back then I thought I had done permanent damage, but I had not. However, even today that particualr voice (and its one I will have to do the rest of my life) still causes me discomfort. Not because I'm 'damaged' just because it freakin' hurts!

So, I'm sure you will be fine. It can take a while for the voice to heal, especially after laryngitis- no matter how small the case. Most importantly, have it checked. You'll feel better all around.
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Lizden · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 9:14 pm Post subject:

Hey Brinkley!
Welcome to the Board!
OK first of all: I'm Not a Doctor...although I've voiced Medical narrations! Rolls Eyes

In terms of your voice, you really need to get some training in how to use that instrument of yours.
If you are called upon to go "below your range" often, then you need to learn how to do that without hurting your chords.

If you're still feeling the effects of just one session after a week, I'd really have it checked out by an ENT (Ear/Nose/Throat Doc), or at the least your primary doc.

Preventative measure include lots of H20, Throat Coat Tea and NO Talking! (Yeah, real easy for us VO folks!) Gasp

Thus ends this VO examination.....That'll be $1000 please!!!! Bitchin

Liz
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bobsouer · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 9:14 pm Post subject:

Brinkely,

First, welcome to the VO-BB. We're glad to have you here.

Second, I'd go see your doctor or an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist right away. Not that there's anything for sure wrong, but your symptoms sound serious enough to me that were it me having them, I'd be at the doctor's office the next day. Really. Go get checked out.
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brinkley · Guest

Wow, thanks everyone for the quick responses. Will schedule to see the Dr. tomorrow and keep you posted.

I appreciate your help.

-Brinkley

brinkley · Guest

Got checked out by the ENT Dr today. No major problems. Looks like I just overworked myself for a few days before I got sore, plus I potentially have some acid reflux which is aggravating the issue.

I'm feeling a lot better now two weeks out from the onset, but still not perfect. Hopefully time will heal, and I have a follow-up visit to check things out in a few weeks. Thanks again to everyone for the tips.

-Brinkley

Deirdre · Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:48 pm Post subject:

There's a corollary thread here about common meds and their vocal impact:

http://www.vo-bb.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2512
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bobsouer · Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 7:35 pm Post subject:

Brinkely,

I'm delighted to see that it doesn't seem to be anything serious. The best to you and much success going forward.
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Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

Yoda117 · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 1:16 pm Post subject:

Two things that have been mentioned to me that I found to work well:

1) Slippery Elm

2) Petroleum Jelly - don't laugh, but one very talented VO in my area suggested taking a spoonful of the stuff and swallowing it. While it was absolutely disgusting, it did help.

*just typing this makes me cringe*
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indymandy · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 1:18 pm Post subject:

Yoda117 · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 1:22 pm Post subject:

yeah, just watching everyone else squirm and cringe when Rich mentioned it helped me to realize that it wasn't just me.
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Philadelphia based Voice Actor

Blog - A man, a martini, and a lot of microphones

Brett Mason · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 2:50 pm Post subject:

Well, for the occasional raspy throat...

...don't try this at home...or in the studio, either....

Yoda117 · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 3:04 pm Post subject:

oooh, no 10W-30 for me thanks!

I'm watching my figure Sticking out Tongue

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Voiceovers by Gregory Houser
Philadelphia based Voice Actor

Blog - A man, a martini, and a lot of microphones

Jowillie · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 6:48 pm Post subject:

"....you don't know WHERE that stuff's been!"
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bobbinbeamo · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:31 pm Post subject:

Hi Brinkley. Welcome. Glad to know everything's alright!
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