Ep.257 Inside the Voice Clinic: Common Vocal Problems & What Happens Next with ENT Mr Nicholas Gibbins

What are the most common vocal issues singers actually face, and how can we prevent them without falling into the trap of overthinking every tiny symptom? In this engaging and refreshingly honest chat, ENT voice specialist Nick Gibbins breaks down the patterns he sees in clinic, alongside practical insights on building vocal stamina and injury prevention. The conversation tackles what can actually be detected via laryngostroboscopy, reflux, hypermobility, rehabilitation, and Nick also tackles some questions from you, the listeners. Expect expert knowledge, myth-busting, and plenty of down-to-earth, relatable discussion that every singer and teacher will benefit from hearing. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 5:21 What singers does Nick see in clinic? 8:16 Patterns of challenge and injury in singers 13:06 Reflux 17:38 Preparing for vocal load increase 24:10 What can you actually tell about a singer via laryngostroboscopy? 26:46 Hypermobility 36:25 Surgery and recovery 41:08 Singing teachers and rehabilitation 47:52 Can you feel your vocal folds? 54:22 Vocal hygiene without the hype About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Declan Costello Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.87 87 How to Manage Allergies and Upper Respiratory Infections Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.201 Working with Hypermobile Singers British Laryngological Association CEORL-HNS Congress ABOUT THE GUEST Mr Nicholas Gibbins is a Consultant Laryngologist and Head & Neck Surgeon at the University Hospital Lewisham. Trained in London and the South-East of England, Nick has built a reputation as an excellent surgeon, teacher and lecturer. Patient outcomes are a key focus for Nick and, along with the whole of the renowned voice team at Lewisham, has built the largest Voice Database in Europe to analyse outcomes. His key interests in the voice are the diagnosis and treatment of vocal fold scars and sulci, and the care and treatment of the professional voice. More recently he has been sought after to lecture on musculoskeletal problems that can either originate in the larynx causing muscle tension imbalance or that arising distally and effect the biomechanics of the voice. He has built a team that can address all these issues that includes speech therapists, osteopaths, vocal rehabilitation coaches, kinetic chain specialists, gastroenterologists, neurologists and more. He writes and publishes regularly and is the current Editor of the Chapter on the Larynx for Gray’s Anatomy (43rd Ed). His term of office as President of the British Laryngological Association began in 2025. 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated