Hey all, I recently picked up Raise Your Voice as I know Jaime is quite a specialist in many aspects of vocal training, including vocal health.

I have been suffering from some vocal swelling for the past 3 or so months.

I didn't realize I had the swelling, in fact I thought it was more related to my training. I had first noticed that I had lost my upper range, where usually I could sing up to around C6 in falsetto and/or full voice, with some slight whistling up to D or E6; I was finding myself unable to produce any notes above like a D5. I was just blowing air when I tried to sing higher.

At the time I was singing in a heavier/chestier way than I had usually, so I thought I was just neglecting my upper range. In fact, once I switched to singing in I guess more mixed voice than full (I'm still not entirely familiar/used to using Jaime's terminology, I would be inclined to say I was singing "headier" than previously), after I warmed up I could sing up to C6 again, except that E5 and above I had to be conscious of "switching gears" or the path I took as I ascended.

Luckily, I read a blog post by a professional singer a few weeks ago that mentioned vocal swelling tests, and using them I realized I had vocal swelling, with the symptoms being you can't ascend past a certain point unless you sing louder/fuller.

I haven't sung in almost 2 weeks (it will be 2 weeks on Monday) and the swelling has definitely diminished, though it isn't completely down. I am resolved to rest my voice until the swelling is completely gone. I think it may have been caused by acid reflux, but I fixed that by not eating a few hours before bed.

I've read how usually two weeks max of complete silence will fix any problem as long as it's not polyps or something as serious, but with my job I haven't been able to do that. I have not sung, and have refrained from using my voice unless absolutely necessary. I was just curious if people had some tips, as well as if anyone has any idea how long swelling takes to go down if you still have to talk. Maybe 4 weeks max?

Thanks.

Hey Jordy, try sipping hot water all day long from a thermos. It helps reduce swelling. Also may want to start using zinc daily. And although you think not eating before bed fixed the issue, it may still be causing some issues. May want to consider the organic apple cider vinegar to make sure;)

Give yourself plenty of time not only for the swelling to come down but as well to rehabilitate your voice by adopting better positive vocal technique. Changing old habits requires patience and PRACTICE! First rest, then slowly get back into your singing. Hang in there!

It's good to worry for your voice but not too much. I've been through this too. If your voice is simply tired after demanding singing it should recover within a few hours at most. Over time and as your technique gets better you will increase your stamina.