Lupita Nyong’o recently revealed that her role as a robot in the animated film The Wild Robot caused her to develop a vocal cord polyp due to the strain she put on her voice by using a super-positive tone that was not in her usual vocal register. This led her to undergo three months of vocal rest to recover.
Vocal cord polyps are noncancerous growths that can form on one or both vocal cords, often due to overusing or misusing the vocal cords. Nyong’o’s doctor recommended voice therapy, behavior changes, and surgery as treatment options. Despite being advised to have surgery, Nyong’o was determined to recover naturally and successfully cured herself without the need for surgical intervention.
Although recovering from vocal cord polyps without surgery is uncommon, Nyong’o managed to do so and even attended concerts during her vocal rest period, wearing a note that explained her condition to avoid any misunderstandings. She humorously mentioned that she upgraded to a button for Beyoncé’s concert to communicate her need for silence.
Nyong’o’s experience highlights the importance of vocal health and the potential consequences of overstraining the voice. It serves as a reminder to listen to your body and seek medical attention if you experience any vocal issues. By taking the necessary steps to rest and recover, individuals can prevent further damage to their vocal cords and ensure long-term vocal health.