Audiology/Otolaryngology/Singing lessons for boys

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 3/5/2009


Question
Dear Harriet,
Our son is 14 and his voice hasn't broken yet.  He's a musician in a band and
every weekend he is rehearsing at full voice for several hours.  I have told my
husband that he needs to get vocal lessons for proper vocal training and my
husband believes that he shouldn't have lessons until his voice "breaks".  I say
that he's singing at full voice constantly and needs to have lesson so he
doesn't do damage to his chords.  What do you think?  Thanks, Victoria

Answer
Hi Victoria,
I agree with you...proper vocal use is important at any and every age. If he is indeed misusing his voice, he can develop serious problems, among them vocal nodules. Proper vocal training will very likely help him when his voice does break and may help him ease into a trying time.

My question now to you...does he wear ear protection when he is in the band?  It is very important for him to protect his hearing now.  He can get custom made musician plugs that will be comfortable and still allow him full fidelity.  Here is a site that will show you the different earplugs as well as where to obtain them: sensaphonics.com.

Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

Audiology/Otolaryngology

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Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D.

Expertise

I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with 25 years of experience. I can answer questions regarding hearing loss, both general and specific, dizziness and vertigo, auditory processing disorders, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation as well as specialized audiologic testing, i.e., Auditory Brainstem Response, VideoNystagmography, Otoacoutic Emissions. I have worked with both pediatric and adult populations. Because of my extensive musical background, I am able to respond to questions regarding the special needs of musicians.

Experience

I have been an audiologist for over 25 years with a specialty in electrophysiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and pediatric evaluations. I currently work in my private consulting practice providing services to nursing homes and schools. My Doctoral research was on specialized techniques in Auditory Brainstem Responses.

Organizations
American Academy of Audiology, - American Speech Language Hearing Association, - Hearing Loss Association of America

Education/Credentials
Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology), Nova Southeastern University, 2000. Board Certified Doctor of Audiology (American Board of Audiology) Certificate in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

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