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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What is the best vocal recovery after a thyroid lobectomy?

    Related Topics
    Children's Health Speech Disorders Thyroid Cancer
    I am three weeks post thyroid lobectomy for a benign nodule. I have a voice, but it is not strong and the tone I am used to speaking in is very strained, so I have to speak in a lower register which is uncomfortable and requires more air than normal. I don't have projection in my normal tone either.

    Also, I cannot sing higher notes at all, or yell, or scream. I can get out some higher notes with my head down or lying back, but when I look straight ahead I can't sing…it's so tight and I just am so devastated.

    I am a TV news contributor and a singer (first soprano). How do I get my voice back like it was never surgery?

    I am willing to travel and pay what it takes. I NEED it back. It has thrown me into anxiety and depression and my children need me.
    • 1 answer
    • Nikki Martin
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    Thanks

    Nikki Martin

    Speech Pathologist

    I have over 13 years experience in adult Speech Pathology and specialise in voice and swallowing problems/cancers of the face and throat. I work very … View Profile

    It's very comon after thyroid surgery to have voice and/or swallowing issues, as the nerves responsible for those function lie very close to the thyroid gland. The issues may be temporary (vocal fold paresis) or permanent (vocal fold paralysis). Seeing a Speech Pathologist, like myself, who specialises in voice therapy and has an interest in thyroid issues/professional voice users is the main treatment. An ENT assessment may also be needed. Take a look at my profile and contact me if you'd like to discuss further.

    Nikki Martin 
    Speech Pathologist

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