The Unexpected Health Consequences Of Being A Professional Singer

Whether you gig in local spaces regularly, tour to perform for crowds all over, spend a ton of time in the recording studio, or sing live on stream, you may already be feeling some of the effects it can have on your body. However, being able to put a name to them and, indeed, taking steps to mitigate and address them is important. Here are some of the health impacts of being a working singer, and what you can do about them.

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Vocal Strain

Perhaps the most obvious health risk is to your voice. Constantly rehearsing, performing, and spending hours in the studio can easily lead to vocal strain, nodules, or even permanent damage. Singing at high volumes or with improper technique only worsens the risk. As such, it’s vital to have regular vocal rest, to spend time on proper vocal training, and to hydrate, while avoiding harmful habits like smoking. One crucial point is that when you’re on vocal rest, this means a complete rest, as even whispering can damage tired vocal cords.

Hearing Loss

A lot of singers spend time exposed to loud environments, whether it’s the sound of being on stage, the acoustics of studio sessions, or even singing to music being played through their headphones. These can, over time, lead to gradual hearing loss by damaging the hair cells in the inner ear. It’s important to take a free hearing exam when it’s available and to check your hearing health regularly. You may also want ot invest in some custom hearing protection that can ensure you’re not being exposed to unneeded excess noise, if you don't need to be. Good hearing can be vital to good singing, so protecting your ears can be as important as protecting your voice.

Posture Problems

It’s not just your voice and throat that take the strain of singing, it can be your entire body as well. A lot of singers have poor posture as they sing, and spending hours in a bad position, especially if you’re straining, can lead to neck, back, and shoulder strain, which, in turn, are going to affect your performance and breathing control. Regular physical therapy, stretching, and body awareness practices are tools commonly used by singers to prevent injuries from bad ergonomics.

The Mental Strain

Performing, regardless of what art form it is in, comes with a lot of pressure. The mental stress of being “on”, as well as the work it takes to maintain your vocal health and meet the expectations of your fans, can take a real toll on your emotional health. Professional singers often face anxiety, depression, and burnout due to irregular schedules, criticism, and the emotional intensity of their art. As such, it’s vital to invest in strategies like therapy, mindfulness, and finding your emotional support outside of your art to help you build resilience and the tools of relief you need.

Every job comes with its risks, and singing so regularly can be surprisingly taxing, both physically and mentally. Take the tips above to heart and take your health seriously.