Has vaping damaged my singing voice? Can I reverse the effects?

[Elizabethp97]

Hi everyone!

I'll first start off by saying that I am 21 years old, and I've never been a smoker of any kind. I am a singer/songwriter/performer, (in college for music business,) and my voice is extremely important to me.
With that said, I started vaping almost exactly one year ago, but wasn't vaping regularly until summer time. My boyfriend and I thought it was a fun thing to do, but it quickly became a constant, every day habit for me. I have terrible anxiety/OCD, and at the same time that my issues escalated, I began vaping a lot... So I just think I've been using vaping as a crutch - the nicotine calms my nerves.

Anyways, when I picked up vaping, I wasn't even thinking about how bad it is for a singer. For about the past 3 months, I've noticed a slight change in my voice when I sing. My voice is definitely a bit lower, and I can't reach the super high notes that I used to be able to. Sometimes there is a crackling in my voice, and I also get tired very quickly - not enough breath support. I believe that all of this is due to vaping.

Today I have decided to quit vaping for good. I understand that vaping isn't a bad thing, but it's not worth it to me, as a singer.

I know that my voice probably won't 100% return to how it used to be, due to the fact that all of our voices change a little over time, but do you think the effects from vaping can be reversed? I'm staying super hydrated at the moment. Since I've only been vaping for about a year, and I never smoked before... do you think it's possible to reverse some/most of the effects?

Thank you!

 

[beckdg]

Captain obvious, I know.

But!

If your voice is that important to you, you should never introduce anything that has the potential to dry out or irritate your throat.

Not that I'm one to talk or that I'll stop any body.

But my "singing voice" sounds something similar to jabbing an ice pick into your ear.

Tapatyped

 

[Eskie]

Hi and sorry to hear your troubles. Vaping for fun/relaxation does represent a risk that you do not need to be exposed to. Vaping with nicotine in it when you're not a smoker trying to quit isn't something I'd recommend to anyone, although folks claim it's far less addictive in vapor than when smoking. But, as well all are different with different sensitivities, I couldn't recommend trying to prove that yourself through personal experience.

You voice and vocal cords are affected by lots of different things. Age, use (let's face it, greater strain on a singer's voice than on mine) will change pitch. Vaping can irritate your throat and vocal cords. Stopping is the absolute right thing for you to do. Will it all go back to "normal"? Nobody can say as vaping isn't the only thing impacting your pitch and breath control. If everything gets better away from vaping, great. Stay there and don't pick up any cigarettes. Those will mess your voice up way more than a vape will. If you have any concerns, things not getting better, you're just feeling anxious about it, by all means go see your doctor who can either refer you to an ENT doctor or examine your vocal cords themselves to assure all is OK.

Good luck and hope all turns out well!

 

[Jdurand]

Without a doubt vaping could effect the vocal chords. I won't get into why did you start vaping with nicotine, cause if you were my 21 year old I would prefer you vape to smoking either way. If you are concerned, quit now while it might be easier than two or three years from now to do so.

 

[Elizabethp97]

Without a doubt vaping could effect the vocal chords. I won't get into why did you start vaping with nicotine, cause if you were my 21 year old I would prefer you vape to smoking either way. If you are concerned, quit now while it might be easier than two or three years from now to do so.

Very true! It's not worth it to me at all, so I'm stopping now. Do you think it would make sense for my voice to get stronger again after I stop? I'm definitely going to be doing more vocal exercises/ staying extremely hydrated.

 

[Elizabethp97]

Hi and sorry to hear your troubles. Vaping for fun/relaxation does represent a risk that you do not need to be exposed to. Vaping with nicotine in it when you're not a smoker trying to quit isn't something I'd recommend to anyone, although folks claim it's far less addictive in vapor than when smoking. But, as well all are different with different sensitivities, I couldn't recommend trying to prove that yourself through personal experience.

You voice and vocal cords are affected by lots of different things. Age, use (let's face it, greater strain on a singer's voice than on mine) will change pitch. Vaping can irritate your throat and vocal cords. Stopping is the absolute right thing for you to do. Will it all go back to "normal"? Nobody can say as vaping isn't the only thing impacting your pitch and breath control. If everything gets better away from vaping, great. Stay there and don't pick up any cigarettes. Those will mess your voice up way more than a vape will. If you have any concerns, things not getting better, you're just feeling anxious about it, by all means go see your doctor who can either refer you to an ENT doctor or examine your vocal cords themselves to assure all is OK.

Good luck and hope all turns out well!

Thanks so much for your reply! I'm hoping my voice becomes stronger again after quitting. Do you think a year of vaping could damage things beyond repair?

 

[Eskie]

Thanks so much for your reply! I'm hoping my voice becomes stronger again after quitting. Do you think a year of vaping could damage things beyond repair?

Honestly, seeking that kind of information on a forum is not the way to reassure yourself. Nobody can examine you and offer medical advice here. You did mention you have issues with anxiety, and I'm sure reassurance is what you're seeking, so I'll tell you this. The chances are vaping for one year did not cause permanent damage. Besides, whether it did or not is immaterial as it's already done. All you can look at is going forward. Stopping vaping is the right decision. If you have ANY doubt, really, go see your doctor for a proper exam and remove any doubts from your mind. Otherwise your own anxiety will just make you question every little change in your voice and feel it's related to vaping when it's not.

 

[SteveS45]

As none of us are Doctors or Specialists in ENT I will never recommend to a Non-Smoker to vape as we have scientific studies it is only 95% safer. Here is a perfect example of why the 5% risk is an unacceptable risk but I hope that the change in your voice is only due to the early bloom of flowers and just allergies. Good Luck in your future endeavors.

 

[daviedog]

Frank Sinatra had a hell of a voice,,smoked his head off..

 

[Lessifer]

No one will know if your voice will get better, as no one knows what, if anything, is wrong with your voice. If you feel vaping changed it, you've made the right decision in stopping. Now go see a doctor, and maybe they can put your mind at ease. Best of luck.

 

[Eskie]

Frank Sinatra had a hell of a voice,,smoked his head off..

That's because he did it his way.

 

[sofarsogood]

Hi everyone!

I'll first start off by saying that I am 21 years old, and I've never been a smoker of any kind. I am a singer/songwriter/performer, (in college for music business,) and my voice is extremely important to me.
With that said, I started vaping almost exactly one year ago, but wasn't vaping regularly until summer time. My boyfriend and I thought it was a fun thing to do, but it quickly became a constant, every day habit for me. I have terrible anxiety/OCD, and at the same time that my issues escalated, I began vaping a lot... So I just think I've been using vaping as a crutch - the nicotine calms my nerves.

Anyways, when I picked up vaping, I wasn't even thinking about how bad it is for a singer. For about the past 3 months, I've noticed a slight change in my voice when I sing. My voice is definitely a bit lower, and I can't reach the super high notes that I used to be able to. Sometimes there is a crackling in my voice, and I also get tired very quickly - not enough breath support. I believe that all of this is due to vaping.

Today I have decided to quit vaping for good. I understand that vaping isn't a bad thing, but it's not worth it to me, as a singer.

I know that my voice probably won't 100% return to how it used to be, due to the fact that all of our voices change a little over time, but do you think the effects from vaping can be reversed? I'm staying super hydrated at the moment. Since I've only been vaping for about a year, and I never smoked before... do you think it's possible to reverse some/most of the effects?

Thank you!

What I notice is little or no effect on my lungs but a bit of irritation in my lyrnx. Singing or playing a wind instrument is ALL about the breath. If you are serious about singing or playing there's no place for vaping or smoking. I predict, if you stop vaping your voice will recover 100%. Get some voice lessions from a good teacher and it will get better yet.

 

[anavidfan]

Ok, heres a way out thought only because if my own anxiety issues and voice.
First talk to your doctors, psych and medical etc.

You said you did not smoke prior. You do have anxieties. SO anxiety.... Triggers: life, emotional, environmental etc. You did not state or I completely missed if you are now using nicotine, either way, being an anxious, OCD person you have started a "habit" You said you are vaping heavily? SO nic or no nic you have created a new thing for your mind/body to "NEED" that need might be escalating psychologically , physically etc, but its there now.

When I get really stressed or upset my throat/ vocal chords constrict and when really stressed, nervous or angry/ sad I have a real hard time even talking.

Maybe when you need to vape and cant at that moment, you are stressing? If you are using nicotine, your bodies chemistry is stressing and maybe affecting your vocal chords/ throat etc.

Just a thought...... See a doctor to make sure.

 

[RainSong]

I don't really have anything to add that wasn't already addressed above and I'm definitely not a Dr but I would be very surprised if vaping caused long term, irreversible damage. Like everyone else has said, go see your Dr if it would help you to feel better about it.

 

[Elizabethp97]

Honestly, seeking that kind of information on a forum is not the way to reassure yourself. Nobody can examine you and offer medical advice here. You did mention you have issues with anxiety, and I'm sure reassurance is what you're seeking, so I'll tell you this. The chances are vaping for one year did not cause permanent damage. Besides, whether it did or not is immaterial as it's already done. All you can look at is going forward. Stopping vaping is the right decision. If you have ANY doubt, really, go see your doctor for a proper exam and remove any doubts from your mind. Otherwise your own anxiety will just make you question every little change in your voice and feel it's related to vaping when it's not.

You're very wise in saying this. I appreciate it, thank you. The changes in my voice are very subtle, but of course since I have have OCD, I notice them more than someone else might.... And I also always seek reassurance, which is something I shouldn't do. So I appreciate your insight. I suppose I will wait a month or so, and if my voice still doesn't sound right, I'll make a doctor's appointment.

 

[Elizabethp97]

What I notice is little or no effect on my lungs but a bit of irritation in my lyrnx. Singing or playing a wind instrument is ALL about the breath. If you are serious about singing or playing there's no place for vaping or smoking. I predict, if you stop vaping your voice will recover 100%. Get some voice lessions from a good teacher and it will get better yet.

Yes, I appreciate your response! I think you're definitely right. The changes in my voice are subtle, as I said in another reply. My boyfriend tells me he can't hear a single change in my voice, but I know that there have been some changes. I'm thinking that quitting vaping, better breath support, hydration and warm -ups will help me to recover.

 

[Elizabethp97]

Ok, heres a way out thought only because if my own anxiety issues and voice.
First talk to your doctors, psych and medical etc.

You said you did not smoke prior. You do have anxieties. SO anxiety.... Triggers: life, emotional, environmental etc. You did not state or I completely missed if you are now using nicotine, either way, being an anxious, OCD person you have started a "habit" You said you are vaping heavily? SO nic or no nic you have created a new thing for your mind/body to "NEED" that need might be escalating psychologically , physically etc, but its there now.

When I get really stressed or upset my throat/ vocal chords constrict and when really stressed, nervous or angry/ sad I have a real hard time even talking.

Maybe when you need to vape and cant at that moment, you are stressing? If you are using nicotine, your bodies chemistry is stressing and maybe affecting your vocal chords/ throat etc.

Just a thought...... See a doctor to make sure.

That's an interesting thought. I'm not sure if that's the true culprit, but it could certainly be playing a role. I find it easy to not need/crave the nicotine as long as I am keeping myself busy with something... like making music, cleaning, working out, etc. I have an addictive personality, but can thankfully quickly break an addiction.

I'll wait a month or so and if I still feel like there are problems singing/breathing I'll make a doctor's appointment.

 

[sofarsogood]

Yes, I appreciate your response! I think you're definitely right. The changes in my voice are subtle, as I said in another reply. My boyfriend tells me he can't hear a single change in my voice, but I know that there have been some changes. I'm thinking that quitting vaping, better breath support, hydration and warm -ups will help me to recover.

If you are serious about your singing here is some vocal wisdom from another singer who by coincidence happens to be Elizabth P.
http://elizabethparcells.com/interviews/Daily Vocal Exercises.pdf

 

[r77r7r]

Just sing how you want, honey. I gots a button on my radio to adjust stuff.

 

[Hendog24]

This is a scary concept. I'm the guitar player in numerous bands and I do sing some backup.

I need to research this...