Vowel Sounds
Make vowel sounds and then try and say ‘e’ and hold it for as long as you can with a single breath.
Time yourself. How long did the sound last? If it lasts for more than 10 seconds you’re doing really well or back to normal.
Advise from Consultant Surgeon Mr James Kirkby-Bott
Voice change can occur after any tupe of neck operation including thyroid and parathyroid surgery.
Try these exercises to strengthen your voice post Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
Usually it is due to damage to a nerve running just under the thyroid gland to the voice box. It can make the voice weak and difficult to project. It will also tire quicker than usual so that towards the end of your day it can be harder to speak audibly.
Voice change can effect up to 20% of patients of which 90% is temporary
If you have experienced some change in your voice then we suggest you take some time to build it up again. It is useful to visualize this injury as if you have injured a muscle.
When first healing, it likes some rest and then it likes to have activity re-introduced and built up gradually.
Follow the exercise below for your voice when you feel ready to strengthen your voice again.
Blow Bubbles
Using a straw and a glass of water blow bubbles through the straw into the water for as long as you can make each breath last.
Maximising Your Voice
Press the side of your neck firmly and talk. Then do the same on the other side. Try and work out if pressing one side improves your voice. If it does then the nerve on the side pressed is the side injured.
A useful tip if socialising: try sitting to the side of someone you want to talk so that you have to twist your head to the side of the injured nerve when talking. It will make your voice stronger and last for longer.