Hi all! I recently started voice training, mostly just doing voice exercises to get my unused voice to cooperate a little. But I’ve run into a problem. I use two SOVTEs interchangeably - lip trills and singing through a straw. Every time I do either there’s a constant buzz in my ears and I get headaches after. Is this common? Any advice?
I’ve never heard of this, seems a bit concerning. Are you able to see a speech language pathologist?
I checked and all I can find (top searches in or around my area) are speech therapists that primarily focus on neurodivergent kids, none that meet the google definition of a speech language pathologist as opposed to speech therapist. Was this a ‘wording as intended’ situation?
Are you in the U.S.? You can try to research the speech therapist to see what their credentials are, it’s not uncommon for a speech therapist to get licensed as a speech language pathologist. The point is that you want to see someone with some training, not just a coach for example.
You might start by seeing your primary care physician and asking for a referral. The doctor is used to sending people to other specialists and may have a name on hand already.
I’ll repeat that this is a good reason to consult with a pro.
That being said, the buzzing ears is a fairly common affect from over doing it. Headaches less so, but they do happen.
With both of the exercises, you’re creating back pressure into the head, including the bones. This can result in the vibrations passing though sensitive areas (like the inner ear).
If you decrease the intensity, frequency, or duration of the exercises and there’s a decrease in the affect, you’ve found the problem and can adjust accordingly.
Went to my doctor today. BP came in high, doctor sent me for more tests. Will know more tomorrow.
Not sure if this is the kind of pro you were recommending or a voice coach. Also curious as to what you would call overdoing, if you don’t mind. (I’m, or rather I was doing three sets of three rounds of pitch sirens about 5 seconds each every 4-5 hrs. Kinda put that off now and just quietly panicking.)
Well, a good voice coach will help make sure you aren’t pushing too hard, and a speech therapist can guide your progress to your goals, but a doctor can rule out anything medical, so it’s a great place to start. Wasn’t sure what your financial/health care situation is, so I just meant to consult who you could. Please don’t panic, there’s nothing going on that’s going to be a serious issue.
As far as over doing, I do need to give the disclaimer that I’m not a pro of any stripe, I’ve just been around people going through hormone therapies, and musicians. The partially occluded exercises can generate more pressure than you’d think. That pressure can strain the throat some, as well as pushing up through the eustachian tubes.
So, you’ve got pressure and vibration hitting some small, sensitive areas. Usually, people will feel strain in the throat, above the vocal folds, if they’re pushing the air too hard, or otherwise straining the areas involved, and back off a little. But it can still cause some ringing or other artifacts in the ear, even when done perfectly.
In my limited, non professional experience, it can be really hard in the absence of someone that is trained to know where the point is to back off. Even when done perfectly (and you probably are, they aren’t difficult exercises), they can be done too often or too long. However, the schedule you’re describing shouldn’t be causing a problem.
Tbh, high blood pressure, even if it isn’t medically significant levels, is a more likely cause of the headaches after doing the exercises. The ear issue, I’ve seen happen often enough from pretty much any vocal exercises, I would be surprised if there’s any kind of pathology involved at all. I did some of the ones you’re talking about while I was typing this up, and my ears are kinda tingling inside.
The schedule you describe is pretty much on par with what I’ve seen speech therapists recommend, so I doubt it’s that. Most likely this is just a combination of the bp and the vibration/air pressure causing a stronger affect than normal. Again, don’t panic. Worst case scenario, you get blood pressure meds and keep going as you are, maybe with a little less oomph as you push the air out.
I would definitely see some kind of professional if that’s an option. At least see a doctor.
Went today. My blood pressure came in high, going back tomorrow for results from other tests.
