How much can colds, blocked sinuses, etc, affect your pitch? And your ability to hear/discriminate pitches?
I've been googling this and not getting a great deal back. Just wondering, 'cause I often suffer from blocked sinuses and do a bunch of stuff that doesn't help, like eating dairy products when I know I have a mild allergy/intolerance, and smoking. If I thought there was any great musical gain to be had from changing my ways, it might just prove sufficient motivation.
And yes, I know quitting smoking will lead to 'continuing to live' which in turn will lead to musical gains, but I'm talking about the day to day sinuses-hearing-singing relation. :evil:
I guess its down to how you are made. If you sound fine, with a cold, whilst smoking, and eating a block of cheese... Then go right ahead!
But some people's voices are more fragile than others, and smoking and dairy products can make phlegm build up which can restrict your vocal cords meaning its a strain to hit higher notes. Also blocked sinus can make you sound stuffy too.... but its really down to how you want to sound!
Maybe just cut down on things like smoking and dairy products for a week, see what effect it has and whether you like it or not.
Keep on singing.
Nath
