Our Summary

This study looks at how having your tonsils or adenoids removed can affect a child’s voice. The researchers looked at 50 kids who had these surgeries and tracked changes in their voices. They found that the younger the child, the more likely they were to notice changes in their voice after surgery, with 72% of all patients reporting changes. They also found that having both the tonsils and adenoids removed caused more voice changes than just having the adenoids removed, but the difference wasn’t statistically significant. They found that some aspects of the children’s voices, like the overall pitch and the sound of certain vowels, did change after surgery. However, most of these changes were not significant and half of the patients’ voices returned to normal on their own after a month. This suggests that while these surgeries can cause temporary changes in a child’s voice, most children will likely not experience any long-term effects.

FAQs

  1. Can having your tonsils or adenoids removed affect a child’s voice?
  2. What types of changes in a child’s voice can occur after having their tonsils or adenoids removed?
  3. Do these surgeries cause long-term effects on a child’s voice?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that after an adenoidectomy, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and help with the healing process. They may also recommend sticking to soft foods for a few days to avoid irritating the throat. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by the doctor to ensure a smooth recovery. If there are any concerns or unusual symptoms after the surgery, the patient should contact their doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended adenoidectomy are those who have recurrent or chronic infections of the adenoids, obstructive sleep apnea, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through the nose, chronic ear infections, and chronic sinus infections.

Timeline

Before adenoidectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent sinus infections, snoring, and sleep apnea.
  2. Patient undergoes a consultation with an ENT specialist who recommends adenoidectomy as a treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and preparation for surgery.

After adenoidectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes adenoidectomy surgery, which typically takes about 30-45 minutes.
  2. Patient may experience pain and discomfort in the throat and may need pain medication for a few days.
  3. Patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few days post-surgery.
  4. Patient may experience changes in their voice, with younger children more likely to notice these changes.
  5. Most voice changes are temporary and resolve on their own within a month.
  6. Patient follows up with the ENT specialist for post-operative care and monitoring of recovery.
  7. Patient experiences improvement in symptoms such as improved breathing, reduced sinus infections, and decreased snoring and sleep apnea.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with adenoidectomy?
  2. How will my child’s voice be affected after the surgery?
  3. Are there any specific factors that may increase the likelihood of voice changes after adenoidectomy?
  4. How long do voice changes typically last after adenoidectomy?
  5. What can be done to help alleviate any temporary voice changes my child may experience?
  6. Are there any specific exercises or therapies that can help improve vocal changes post-surgery?
  7. When should I expect my child’s voice to return to normal after adenoidectomy?
  8. Are there any long-term effects on voice quality that may result from adenoidectomy?
  9. Are there any specific precautions or recommendations to follow to protect my child’s voice post-surgery?
  10. How frequently should my child’s voice be monitored following adenoidectomy to ensure proper healing and recovery?

Reference

Authors: Yang JJ, Cheng LY, Xu W. Journal: Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2021 Jul 7;56(7):724-729. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115330-20200813-00672. PMID: 34344099