Will my singing voice change if I get my tonsils removed?

Singers are understandably anxious about undergoing throat surgery in case it impairs their vocal performance. However, a recent paper from the Journal of Voice suggests that not only does tonsillectomy not damage vocal cords, but could even make you a better singer.

Do tonsils effect singing?

Large or oversized tonsils can create unwanted pressure and force you to “push” when you sing. They can even contribute to formation of nodules.

Does a tonsillectomy help you to sing better?

People report that after having tonsils removed there is more room in the back of their throat. This can make it easier for singers to bring the voice forward in the mouth and on the soft palate. The voice will often have a brighter quality after surgery.

Will my voice go back to normal after tonsillectomy?

Your voice probably will get back to normal in 2 to 6 weeks. It’s common for people to lose weight after this surgery. That’s because it can hurt to swallow food at first.

How does removing tonsils affect your voice?

Objectives and hypothesis: Anecdotal evidence suggests that tonsillectomy has no deleterious consequences on a person’s voice under normal vocal demand. However, whether the enlarged dimensions of the oropharynx after tonsillectomy impair the quality of a professional voice user remains unclear.

Do tonsils affect height?

The chronic tonsillitis, has also an impact in the patient’s weight and height, where the retardation varies about 10\% from the children with normal development (5, 6).

Will a tonsillectomy ruin my singing?

Singers fear any surgery, and rightfully so. There are risks to the voice, even when the surgery is not done to the vocal cords themselves. However, tonsillectomy often gets a reputation for being detrimental to the voice when this is normally not the case.

How does tonsillitis affect singers?

Stress is a major trigger for tonsillitis. Performances, auditions, frequent trips to the doctor, frequent rounds of antibiotics… that is stressful! Enlarged tonsils also have a mechanical impact on the voice. Singers will have trouble achieving a full vocal resonance. Their voice can sound “covered up”.

Can you still sing without tonsils?

Yes. You will still be able to sing without tonsils. In fact, with a bit of online singing training, your voice may even be improved by removing your tonsils. What? Improved? Yes. In fact, this information is not new.

Is it worth it to take your tonsils out?

Their voice can sound “covered up”. With truly enlarged tonsils, the speaking voice can be affected as well. All this to say; if your tonsils are enlarged, it is worth taking them out. You only take them out once. When a tonsillectomy is medically necessary and properly done, it is worth doing.