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Can The Larynx Drop Due To Constant Screaming And Singing?

Posted on Tue, 21 Jul 2015

Question: hi am arock singer an screamed alot i read an interview recently from a famous rock singer whos 26 was told by someone in the know that he had to stop screaming cause the larynx drops an if he kept screaming his larynx would drop by quarter of an inch an his singing career would be over is this possible it seems your larynx drops again when your 27/28/29 round about that age i just wanted to know if this is true?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No It's not possible for the larynx to drop permanently...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

1. It is not possible for the larynx to drop permanently while singing some notes for a long duration.
2. The larynx do not grow after the age of 20, because the laryngeal cartilages start to calcify.
3. Voice abuse can cause permanent damage to the elasticity of the vocal cords but cannot alter either the size or the shape of the larynx.
4. Laryngeal drop happens because of the spasm of the muscles of the base of the tongue and strap muscles of the neck.
5. In rock singers, because of the constant use of high notes there appears as if the laryngeal drop has occurred. But, practically speaking, there would be no alteration in either the length of the musculature of the larynx or the vocal cords.
6. The only thing which changes is the timbre of the voice, because of the calcification of the laryngeal cartilages.
7. Finally, a voice therapist can help you with effective use of the larynx and maintainence of the vocal cord hygiene.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (54 minutes later)

ok thanks.so if i have damaged the elasticity in my vocal cords made them thin or whatever is there anyway to thicken them to get the elasticity back i read on internet that there would be a special gel coming out that thickens the vocal cords would this bring the elasticity back or make it better?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It's difficult to use any gel or medicine over the cords...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back.

I do understand your concern, but it's very difficult to apply any sort of gel or medicine over the vocal cords. As the vocal cords are very sensitive, it induces cough even when a tiny foreign body comes in contact with the cords.

Instead of this, I would rather suggest you to consult a good voice therapist or a phonosurgeon who can help you in maintaining the vocal cord hygiene and the elasticity of the cords.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar