Can you mess up your vocal cords?!

Can you mess up your vocal cords?

what can cause damage to you vocal cords? and will they go back to the way they were before?

1 week ago
oh and does it change the way you sound when you sing?

There are several things that can mess up your vocal chords. And yes, if your chords are permanently damaged, you sound will dramatically sound different, and some find themselves having trouble speaking on a day to day basis.

High breathing and not singing with proper diaphragmatic technique is damaging, because it usually causes singers to blow out and push the vocal chords to hard.

Consistent singing outside of your comfort level. Now this can get complicated. This can mean singing the wrong material in the voice. This can include rep that is too high, too low, or just not your voice's calling. In other words, a person has a specific voice, but they try to force the sound that doesn't exist naturally in their instrument. This includes people who belt. Either you have that power in the voice or you don't. People who naturally have that kind of power don't have to belt (like Patti LaBelle). If you have to belt, that vocal form isn't for you. People who try to "fake" a sound usually find themselves with damaged vocal chords, instead of just working with what God gave them and accepting their true voice form (I've seen this alot in classical, gospel, and rock).

Excessive screaming, of course. Sometimes accidents can permanently mess up your chords.

Sinus infections, respiratory infections, bad colds that turn into pneumonia, things of that nature can temporarily hurt your vocal chords. With vocal rest, you can usually recover. This is why many singers with allergy or constant cold problems should use a nasal rinse.

The key to vocal health is education. You have to learn how to take care of your body in order to take care of your vocal chords. Forget all those rumors and fake antidotes on singing better. That isn't the key. You should always stay hydrated with water, rest your body but be energized, but most importantly KNOW YOUR VOICE! Find your vocal niche and stick to it. So many people loose their beautiful instrument singing the wrong rep, singing the genre, forcing vocal technique not meant for their voice. Don't overwork the body. Connect the body to the voice, and your sound will be more natural. Many people try too hard, when it is unnecessary, and creates vocal chord damage.

Now will they go back to they way they were before? It depends. If it has been years and years of bad technique, sometimes it is irreversible. This is why it is IMPERATIVE for people to learn good technique, regardless of how wonderful their instrument is. Not just professionals, but anyone who sings in choir or just for fun. It isn't fun finding yourself in the doctor's office. And your doctor tells you "You can't sing anymore." The better technique you have and the better you take care of the voice, the longer your singing ability lasts. I sang last night with a woman in her 70's. Her high notes will STILL blow out the average soprano. WHY? Because she took care of her body (she also looks FABULOUS) and she took care of her voice by educating herself. I look to people like her and know there is something to vocal health that makes a difference in your life. The proof is in the pudding. Thanks for asking such a great question!