Articles by Anthony F. Jahn
My Ear Never Popped Clear!
Dear Doctor Jahn, It’s been months and one of my ears never “popped” clear after a flight! To make things worse, when I sing it sounds like I’m wearing earplugs. I’ve had scans etc and there appears to be nothing wrong. There’s no allergies or anything else I can think of – help! Those who [...]
My Band Plays Outside My Range!
Dr. Jahn, My band likes to play our songs in the keys that they are used to, but often those keys are too high or too low for my voice, and require me to strain. What can I tell them to help them understand why singers need to sing songs that sit well in their [...]
Can I Sing “Sultry-Sexy”?
Dear Doctor Jahn, I’m curious: I have a friend who sings in a sultry, airy voice. My voice is more clear (I think both styles are great) – but what is it, exactly, that makes her voice sound “breathy”? And could I do that??? Ken Dear Ken, What an interesting question! The answer is complex, [...]
I Don’t Want My Voice to Fail!
Dear Doctor Jahn – I’m just about to embark on a major European tour (2 gigs a day, seven days a week for 5 weeks) – and I don’t want my voice to fail! I’m open to any advice! -Gary Dear Gary, Touring can be stressful to your body on many levels, and before we [...]
Have I Messed Up My Voice?
Dear Dr. Jahn, I’ve been sick for a long time – first with a sore throat followed by an infection. Then, I suffered with allergies and now I’m sick again! I tried singing earlier today and it sounded really bad – do you think I have messed up my voice? How would I know if [...]
Endless Phlegm!
Dear Dr. Jahn, I have a student that produces a lot of phlegm (heard as a “gravel-rattle” kind of sound) in his upper range of head voice. He’s not unwell (or been unwell) so it’s not connected to a virus or bacterial infection. It’s quite disconcerting as we’ve already worked on all the obvious things [...]
Is it Really Reflux?
Dear Doctor Jahn, I want to get rid of acid reflux. In my case I am wondering if it is possible that wisdom teeth on only the bottom jaw can cause throat problems and reflux? I only have wisdom teeth on the bottom jaw and I’ve had problems with my throat closing when I sing [...]
I Want My Voice Back
Dear Doctor Jahn, I am a teacher and singer – as a result I don’t have much chance to rest my voice. 2 months ago I had a cold, lost my voice and since then have found that both my speaking and singing voice have not recovered their full strength. Talking for too long is [...]
Attack of the Phlegm
You can get on stage with a clear head…and nose -says Dr. Jahn Oh, Dr. Jahn, I am being assaulted by Phlegm when I perform! I even hate revealing this! But when I get on stage the inner mucous production seems to go into over-drive and I am constantly clearing my throat and swallowing. I [...]
Polyps, Nodules – The Same Thing?
Dear Dr. Jahn, I’m confused. I have developed a hoarse voice, and saw a couple of ENT doctors. One said I had a nodule, the other one thought I had a polyp. Are they not the same thing? Confused Dear Confused, In fact, polyps and nodules of the vocal folds are quite different entities, both [...]
