Please help - I keep loosing my voice.

[VorpalSword]

I could really do with some advice / wise words about this.

Every time I get a cold then I lose my voice completely. I don’t get a sore throat, my vocal cords just stop working. If I touch my throat there is no vibration there.

I had covid just before Christmas and it was 10 days before my voice came back. This time I have a cold, this is now day 3 of no voice.

I’m a teacher so need my voice. So far my voice loss is during the holidays but at some point it will happen when I am supposed to be working.

Is there anything I can do to stop this happening, do I need to see my gp?

I have seen my gp more in the last year than any other time, apart from pregnancy, as some blood tests for perimenopause showed up some funny results that are still being investigated so I’m reluctant to add more.

I am really getting fed up with this, and I am catastrophising in my head -what if one time my voice just doesn’t come back? Especially given my throat is not sore.

I think that seeing your GP about this would be a very good idea.

Definitely see the doctor about it. It could be something easily solvable.
I have hypothyroidism and often get a hoarse voice due to reflux and thyroid flares but don't completely lose it. I have to fully rest it for it to get better too. So if you're a teacher and using your voice constantly it might be straining it.

Thank you. By the time I will get a doctors appointment I will be able to speak again. Well, hopefully!

In the past when it comes back it tends to return fully with little or no hoarseness.

It is really rubbish when you can't make a sound.

My voice is back. Similar to last time itbis quiet but not croaky or hoarse at all. This time I only couldn't speak for 2.5 days.

I will make a GP appointment but will feel a bit foolish as I will be able to speak perfectly by then.

You should see a Speech and Language Therapist, ideally a voice specialist. Your GP should refer you even if your voice has returned when you visit. I wonder if the fact it's happening repeatedly when your ill is a sign that you're overusing or straining your voice at work and so far it's only resulting in obvious symptoms when you add in illness.. if so then you want to address it sooner rather than later. Until you get further input maybe look up some 'vocal hygiene' tips and think about any adjustments you can make to the amount and loudness of talking you do as a teacher?

Off to Google voice hygiene

Teacher, hypothyroidism and also mild asthma - when I get a virus that flares and voice is frequently affected.

It's also becoming problematic and I'm close to seeing a Gp to check if there anything else I can do

Do you suffer with indigestion or reflux? I kept losing my voice with every viral infection (also teacher) was referred to ear, nose and throat consultant. Turns out voice box was being damaged by being constantly bathed in acid.

Thyroid has been checked and all clear and no asthma.

I do have long covid but don’t know if that is linked.

No reflux or indigestion. But thank you both for the suggestion.

What is strange is my voice doesn’t go croaky or hoarse and crack or anything like that. It is there one day and then totally gone the next. Absolutely no sound at all!

When it comes back it comes and goes for a bit and sound quiet and week but still just my normal voice. I don’t think I am straining my voice, it doesn’t feel like it at the end of the day, but maybe I am without noticing!

As others have said see your gp and ask for an ent referral. It doesn't matter that it comes and goes the fact is it isn't normal to lose your voice totally and regularly. You may just need a humidifier to moisten the air or to drink loads more fluids, vocal cords are very sensitive to hydration issues.

When you see your gp don't apologise if your voice is normal, just state the facts that on a fairly regular basis you lose your voice totally which clearly is a problem as you're a teacher and you'd like a referral and investigations.

I am feeling proper fed up today!

My voice came back very briefly on Monday but has completely gone again. Thank goodness it is half term.

Please see your gp, you really need someone to have a quick look at see what's going on. Probably easily fixed but you need an examination at least.

Strongly seconding suggestions to ask for referrals to ENT and/or a voice specialist SLT.

I’m going to see the GP on Monday. I can try and get an appointment earlier but not sure I would be able to.

Econsult? Or even a nurse practitioner. All you need is a referral to ent a gp won't have a nasal scope to have a quick look at your cords.

If you say you have total voice loss on a regular basis without cold symptoms I'm pretty sure you'll be seen at opd fairly quickly. I'm not in any way suggesting it is serious but an ent person needs to look. Good luck!

econsult was closed this afternoon but I will try it in the morning. It is total voice loss, I did have a cold but that is pretty much gone now and no sore throat.

Thanks

Still no voice this morning! Trying to not worry but not always successful.

I filled in an econsult, I had to pick sore throat as there was no option for lack of voice without a sore throat but did state several times that my throat doesn’t hurt. It asked what my preferred outcome was so I said I wanted a referral to ENT, which feels a bit cheeky but that is what I want and I’m not sure seeing a gp will make any difference.

Just hoping they don’t call me back!

Definitely see your GP even if you have a voice when you go. This is not normal. I had it about 12 years ago. I was referred to ENT, had s camera down my throat which showed I had nodules on my vocal cords and the slightest strain (cold, virus, shouting) and it went again. I never rested it So that probably didn’t help. I was referred to a speech and language therapist which felt weird but was very helpful;; she gave me vocal exercises to do for a few months and basically retaught me how to talk! Never had a problem since.

Did yours totally go (absolutely silent) or did you have some sound left?

I did have some sound left, very croaky and I really struggled with teaching like it.

If nothing changes I won't be able to teach. I will be able to go in but couldn't a) behaviour manage qnd/or b) present new material with the students trying to lip read!

Glad your voice is much better now. Gives me hope

I have emailed asking for cover for Monday’s lesson. Even if my voice comes back now it won’t be strong enough for lessons. It seems strange going into work while not well enough to teach I am well enough to be there. Which is very odd.

I tried to do an econsult but the dr didn’t get back to me. I can see at dr on Monday so will ask then (well not ask I will just mouth it as I can’t speak).

It has been 8 days now and I’m struggling to stay positive. Not being able to speak to really no fun at all and it actually very lonely.

Definitely see a GP as it could be a long term issue. In the meantime, do not try and use your voice at all if you can help it. Total voice rest. You can risk damaging your vocal chords permanently if you force it too much

Reduce caffeine, increase water. Keep your throat lubricant. Reduce shouting and coughing. Try steam (baths) even if this is just inhaling heavy when having a hot drink. Also try to reduce tension in your neck, gaw and under your chin.

I would most definitely persist with getting a doctor appointment and possibly a referral to your local salt team