Tara interviews Dr. David Opperman, laryngologist from the Colorado Voice Clinic. He chats about when it’s time to see a voice doctor, how they can find the vocal issues and the types of treatment that are available. It’s a discussion that you won’t want to miss if you are a singer!

 

 

(5:15) The difference between an ENT (otolaryngologist) and a laryngologist (a true voice specialist)

 

(7:35) Dr. Opperman explains what laryngitis is and how we can become hoarse as singers.

 

(8:35) If hoarseness is happening more than 10 days, it is a good idea to have your voice checked.

 

(10:00) Dr. Opperman talks about what kinds of vocal issues he sees that are the most common. Voice overuse is one of the big ones.

 

(12:30) Assessing a vocal issue can be from hearing the voice and also doing a video stroboscopy

 

(15:01)  Injuries to the voice can happen in many ways. Often it can start in the speaking voice.

 

(17:01) Stress environment factors and lack of hydration can cause vocal issues too.

 

(18:25) Injections can help spasmodic dysphonia. It’s a disease that is still hard to figure out.

 

(19:30) Injections can be used for things like Parkinson’s Disease and Spasmodic Dysphonia.

 

(20:35) Nodules—how they form and how they are treated. Vocal therapy, botox, vocal rest and hydration can all help.

 

(22:19) Surgery can benefit people when the voice issue necessitates help that only removal of something can do.

 

(22:35) Transition using therapy after surgery or diagnosis is often administered. Speech therapy can be one aspect of that transition.

 

(24:17)  Also looking at bad habits and adjusting them can help.

 

(25:20)  If you have pain while singing, stop and get it checked out!

 

(26:22) Take the time to identify and observe your voice and get help sooner than later.

 

(27:33)  Is it wise to do a vocal checkup at the voice doctor annually or at least to get a baseline?

 

(28:50) Dr. Opperman can consult over the phone to help you find a way to get your issues diagnosed. If he can’t get you into his clinic, he will try to find help with a laryngologist near you.

 

To contact Dr. Opperman, go to his website: www.coloradovoiceclinic.com

Phone: 1-303-844-3000

Also, there is the Academy of Otolaryngologists where you can get a list of physicians around the country.

https://www.entnet.org

 

For more discussion and and keeping the conversation going, please feel free to join my new FACEBOOK group:

The Engaging Voice Singers (community) 

Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/275720043147345/

 

You can find this and other episodes on theengingvoice.com and at Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, iHeart radio, and iTunes

 

Please go to iTunes and click on RATINGS AND REVIEWS to rate this podcast. I would be so grateful! Thank you!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-engaging-voice/id1448497465