Can Septoplasty Give You a New Voice?

As a Los Angeles sinus surgeon and experienced ENT, I field a lot of questions about the various possibilities and consequences of sinus procedures. One procedure in particular that tends to attract a lot of questions is septal surgery, or septoplasty. I think the reason is that this procedure is most concerned with structures that are possibly visible to others.

I have addressed before the question of cosmetic changes following septoplasty (short answer: not unless you want them), but another question I hear fairly often concerns the voice. Specifically: can correcting a deviated septum actually change the quality or volume of your speaking voice?

Probably not. Although there is some intuitive appeal to the idea that changing the shape of a resonant structure like your nose will have far-reaching effects, the simple truth is that most of us do not pass air through the nostrils when we speak. Of course, the sound is a complex thing, and there is no question that alterations can affect a few overtones here and there. But for the most part, this safe and simple procedure only does what it’s intended to do: clear an airway to improve your breathing day and night.

If you are interested in learning more about septoplasty procedures here in Los Angeles, please contact my LA sinus surgery office today.

Tags: los angeles ent, septal surgery, septoplasty, speaking voice