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Dear Dr. Yagoda,I'm twenty four years-old and an actor. Whenever I audition for a part, people ask me if I have a cold. I am only sick of being told that I sound nasal when I don't even have a cold. What's up with that?

T.E.; New York, NY

Dear T.E.,

Sounding "nasal" is usually a misnomer. It is actually HYPOnasal. This quality of sound occurs when there is too little air resonating in the nose. It is most pronounced on sounds like mmm, nnnn and nnng. These are sounds that are typically produced through the nose. When there is limited airflow through the nose, these sounds become muffled and less clear. There are many factors that contribute to reduced airflow through the nose. For example, there could be deviation of the septum (the part that divides the nose into two parts); there can be enlarged turbinates (the part that humidifies and filters the air you breathe); there can be nasal polyps (mucous-filled growths in the nose and sinuses which may be related to allergies and/or asthma); there can be tissue in the nasopharynx (the area that connects the back of the nose to the throat) such as a cyst or adenoidal tissue; and/or there can be functional or structural problems with the palate. A simple and painless Ear, Nose and Throat evaluation will be able to delineate the cause of your symptoms. Once the cause is identified, the cure will likely follow.

Dr. Y

Dear Dr. Yagoda,

My problem is more unusual than most. I am 65 years old. In my earlier years, I enjoyed a career as a cabaret singer. My husband passed away twenty years ago and I was forced to get a "regular" job to support my family. As a single parent raising children, I had to stay home in the evenings and could no longer perform at night. Now, my children are grown and I would like to return to the business; however, I can't seem to reach the high notes any more. Have I "lost it" or is this something I can fix?

S.G.; Rego Park, N.Y.

Dear S.G.,

Bravo! Follow your heart and don't let a curve in your path result in a permanent derailment. The changes in your register that you notice are likely from two things: lack of use and normal physiologic aging. Just like muscles that haven't been used, warm-up and practice is necessary to exercise your way back into shape. Regular vocal workouts with a vocal coach or singing teacher can jumpstart your reentry into your chosen career. But beware! If in spite of professional training, a 65 year-old sprinter can not finish a race in the same time she did when she was 20, she shouldn't stop running. Never! Find a new niche. Maybe a long distance marathon would be a better fit. Take time to prepare. Then, have a professional evaluate your voice box and vocal register and follow your path to excellence. 

Dr. Y

I am a sixteen year-old aspiring actor/singer.  I am currently taking voice lessons. Can you tell me what are the most common voice problems and how would I know if something were wrong?  

B.B.; Austin, TX

Dear B.B.,

Congratulations on your chosen path and good for you for taking formal instruction.  As you know, your voice is an organ.  You can learn to èplay itî safely, proficiently and professionally with practice and good instruction.  There are three common problems that affect vocal performers:  1.   vocal range disturbances - hoarseness or breathiness in the middle register; difficulty with voice production in the upper register (head voice); 2.  performance fatigue - the need to use greater than normal breath pressure to sustain the voice; and, 3.  vocal quality abnormalities.

Dr. Y

I am having a problem with my voice.  I am a singer in a Folk Rock band and find that after performing, I have a èscratchyî voice for about 8-12 hours.  Who is better to see ê a doc or a voice coach?

T.L.; New York, NY

The diagnosis of voice disorders can be made with the help of different specialists.  In fact, a multidisciplinary approach to care of the voice is, in my opinion, the most comprehensive method.  An otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat doctor) specializing in care of the professional voice can examine your throat and voice box (larynx) by mirror, endoscopy (super-illuminated and  magnified method) and possibly stroboscopy (flashing light tool)  to visualize both the anatomical structure of the vocal cords and their function while you are breathing, speaking and singing.  A speech pathologist can evaluate the functional characteristics of your voice by acoustic recordings and stroboscopic analysis and help you to learn the proper ways to use your speaking voice.  A vocal coach can assess  your vocal register and performance in vocal exercises and help you to use your singing voice properly. 

Dr. Y

I know this might seem funny, being an actor and singer, but I still get incredible stage fright before my performances.  Then I get this stuff in my throat that I canõt swallow.  It feels like a lump is stuck in my throat.  If I donõt clear my throat (I know I shouldnõt) then I have trouble in the upper register.  Help!  My friends have recommended Throat-Cote, but it doesnõt really help.  What should I do?

A.D., Brooklyn, NY

Dear A.D.,

Rest assured that you are not the only actor/singer with stage fright.  Many famous and successful performers were plagued by the same evil.  Without examining you, I do not know for sure what your problem is.  However, the symptoms you describe are classic for laryngopharyngeal or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).  It is the most common cause of laryngitis (inflammation of the voice box) and has been found to be the sole cause or contributing factor in 55% of cases.  Reflux is a condition in which acid from within the stomach percolates like coffee in a coffeepot into the throat. Interestingly, most patients with this condition do not suffer from heartburn and are not aware that they have reflux.  Rather, they note hoarseness (chronic or intermittent), the sensation of a lump in the throat and chronic throat clearing.  Reflux is aggravated by stress, fear, acidic foods, alcohol, caffeine, infrequent meals, excessive gum-chewing and spicy foods.  Reflux may lead to abnormal laryngeal muscle tension and result in the development of swollen cords, vocal nodules, vocal granulomas, and even cancer.  Smoking is a major cause of laryngeal irritation.  Smoking increases the likelihood of reflux by lowering the pressure in the valve that joins the esophagus (food tube) to the stomach, and allows acid to more easily rise up into the voice box.  In order treat your symptoms, a proper diagnosis must first be made.  If you are a student and have a valid student ID or a letter from your vocal coach, contact us about our special comprehensive student vocal evaluations. (See below)

Dr. Y

ASK ABOUT OUR STUDENT SPECIAL

Dr. Yagoda is offering a special comprehensive vocal evaluation to students with a valid student I.D. or a signed letter from a current vocal coach.  This evaluation will include a complete history, a thorough ear, nose and throat examination including a state-of-the-art voice box evaluation and a detailed explanation of all findings and treatments.  All of this will be offered at a 50% discount off the regular fee.  This special, painless examination is available by appointment only (i.e. you need to R.S.V.P. to (212) 434-1210, visit our site, or email dryagoda@aol.com).  There are only a limited number of spaces available and appointments will be made on a first-call, first-scheduled basis.