Among Friends

[Squirrels Are Trash]

I know there are several singers and choir members on this board. So, here goes:

For about a year after my stroke, I had a rare side effect. My voice was scratchy and lower. My terrible former PCP told me there was nothing that could be done. As a subject matter expert, I conduct speaking engagements, webinars, roundtables, keynotes, etc. Even though I now spend most of my time in tech marketing, I still need to retain my vocal polish. So, I needed my full vocal powers to return. I lucked out because my voice eventually returned, and I've managed to retain it.

I hope you don't think I am an ageist, but I must retain my polished vocal style.

Do you worry about your voice sounding old?

If so, what do you do about it?

[haddon9]

Yes I am concerned about having an old sounding voice.

About a month before I turned 70, I noticed that my voice would sometimes sound scratchy. When I mentioned this to someone, they suggested that maybe it was allergies. I thought that might be a reason but it continued past my allergy season.

 I just came back from a Viking River cruise and I brought home an unwanted souvenir. ...a nasty case of Covid.

It's my throat and voice that is mostly affected. It's been two weeks and the soreness is finally clearing up but my voice still sounds off. It's deeper and scratchy sounding.

 I would love to hear some suggestions for a strong and clear voice!

[FranandZoe]

My first thought is stay hydrated - with water mostly.  Limit alcohol.  Don't smoke.  Humidifier at night.

See a specialist - an ENT (ear, nose, throat dr.)

[Kachina624]

I would love to ask someone who doesn't know me how old I sound on the telephone.  I'd want an honest answer, of course.

[Carmie]

I don't worry anout my voice sounding old.  I know I sound young.  I often get people on the phone who have never met me and they assume I am very young....in my 20's.

I am thankful no one asks if my mommy is home anymore, they used to. 

[Squirrels Are Trash]

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@FranandZoe wrote:

My first thought is stay hydrated - with water mostly.  Limit alcohol.  Don't smoke.  Humidifier at night.

See a specialist - an ENT (ear, nose, throat dr.)

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All good tips! Thank you!

[wagirl]

My voice still gets a little hoarse from the chemo I went thru 12 years ago--for no reason that I can pinpoint, whether it be dehyradation or something else, I can sound very froggy--usually lasts a couple days--have never thought to actually ask about it tho--just another thing that keep reminding me I had   cancer

[Q-Checker]

In addition to an ENT, see a Soeech Pathologist, especially one who specializes in vocal disorders.

[zitawins]

@Squirrels Are Trash   I'm glad you've recovered your voice. I was going to suggest looking at your meds. I have two new ones and one of the side effects is a raspy voice. (it's either calidolol or Spirolactin).

Cheers !

[We rescue cats]

When I was in airline training school we had to make airport announcements at Hartford Airport, part of our training was A&A-articulation and annunciation. We were also taught how to speak on a phone clearly, # 1 rule was smile, that smile is projected over the phone. I guess I never forgot those lessons, they were as important as how to properly walk and stand properly.