Introduction:
For professional voice users, such as singers, the health and safety of their voice are of utmost importance. One topic that often arises in discussions about vocal health is whether a tonsillectomy, the surgical removal of the tonsils, can impact the voice in any way. In this blog post, we will explore how the tonsils, and tonsillectomy, may affect the voice.
Understanding Tonsillectomy:
Before delving into the specific considerations for singers, it's important to understand what a tonsillectomy entails. Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the tonsils, which are two clumps of tissue located at the sides of the back of the throat. The most common reasons people need their tonsils removed is for recurrent or chronic tonsil infections (tonsillitis), obstructive sleep apnea, bothersome tonsil stones, or problems caused by excessive enlargement of the tonsils.
Potential Benefits of Tonsillectomy for Singers:
First, let me state something important here: the tonsillectomy should generally NOT be performed solely for the purpose of improving the voice. If you DON'T have excessively large tonsils, obstructive sleep apnea, tonsil stones, or recurrent/chronic tonsillitis, removing your tonsils will generally have no benefit to you. Furthermore, tonsillectomy is NOT a fun procedure to go through…you'll have pretty bad throat pain for 7-10 days after the procedure, and there is a small but still notable risk of complications such as significant bleeding after tonsillectomy.
If you don't have one of the issues that are listed above, you are unlikely to experience any benefit to your singing voice if you have a tonsillectomy.
Now, if you DO have one of those issues, those issues themselves can have a negative impact on your singing voice. For example, if you have frequent episodes of tonsillitis, you may have to frequently cancel vocal performances because you are getting sick. Or, if you have sleep apnea due to enlarged tonsils, you may have trouble sleeping with your mouth closed, which may excessively dry out your throat. If you have VERY large tonsils, the space those tonsils take up in your throat can potentially affect your vocal resonance. In these cases, tonsillectomy may indirectly help to improve your singing.
Improved Airflow and Resonance:
For some individuals, enlarged tonsils can obstruct the airflow and affect vocal resonance. By removing the tonsils, the air passage may become clearer, resulting in improved airflow and resonance. This can lead to better vocal projection, clarity, and control, which are essential for professional voice users.
Considerations and Potential Risks:
While tonsillectomy may offer potential benefits, it is crucial to consider the potential risks and drawbacks. Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that carries certain risks, such as bleeding, dehydration, severe pain, need for high dose pain medications, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Additionally, the recovery period after tonsillectomy can vary from person to person but is generally quite difficult for the first 7-10 days, and singers should carefully evaluate the potential impact on their vocal abilities and career obligations.
Individualized Decision and Consultation:
The decision to undergo tonsillectomy should be individualized and made in consultation with a qualified otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) who has experience working with professional voice users. They can assess your specific vocal needs, evaluate the condition of your tonsils, and provide personalized advice based on your unique circumstances.
General Anesthesia Considerations for Singers
One important thing to keep in mind for singers undergoing ANY procedure under general anesthesia is the fact that you will require a breathing tube during the procedure. The process of placing the breathing tube (called intubation) can carry a small risk of injury to the vocal cords, so it's important to inform the anesthesiologist that you are a professional vocalist. This will alert the anesthesiologist to take extra precautions to ensure the breathing tube is placed as gently as possible to avoid injuring the vocal cords.
Post-Operative Care and Vocal Rehabilitation:
If a singer decides to proceed with tonsillectomy, proper post-operative care and vocal rehabilitation are important. Following the guidance of your otolaryngologist and working with a voice therapist can help minimize the impact on vocal function during the recovery process.
It's also important to remember that it's normal to have some temporary voice difficulties as you are healing from tonsillectomy. Don't expect to get back to singing right away. In fact, in order to avoid the risk of bleeding, you should avoid singing for 2 weeks after tonsillectomy. After that, vocal exercises, vocal hygiene practices, and gradually reintroducing singing voice use will help you build back to your pre-surgery voice (and perhaps beyond!).
Conclusion:
The decision for a singer to undergo tonsillectomy requires careful consideration and consultation with an ENT doctor (otolaryngologist) who understands your unique needs as a singer. While there may be potential benefits, it is crucial to weigh them against the potential risks and understand the impact on vocal function and recovery. Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual circumstances, the guidance of medical experts, and the singer's long-term vocal goals and aspirations.