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krossum · 01-23-2006, 02:18 PM

Interesting thread...

Sinus and Sonus, a topic I have spent much time considering. I found out a couple years ago that I have a chronic condition, sinus polyps. This is a condition which, if not handled correctly, can lead to complete blockage of the sinuses w/ soft tissue (polyps).

I had battled sinus infections for years and one finally wouldn't go away. After a horrifically uncomfortable series of weekend shows, I found a specialist.

Anyway, the most difficult hurdle I had to overcome was not the ear blockage and the change in sound perception, but the unbalanced air pressure between my head cavity and my oral cavity. The sinuses seem to balance the air pressure in ways that we are not directly aware of while we play.

I was able to overcome the sound changes by relying more on feel, as I often do while playing in electric situations wearing ear plugs. "Playing by feel" goes agains my practicing and teaching philosophy, but in a real world environment, one does what one must do.

I'm interested in hearing other stories, input, ideas on this topic:)

-Kelly

01-23-2006, 02:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
krossum Piano User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA Posts: 310	Interesting thread... Sinus and Sonus, a topic I have spent much time considering. I found out a couple years ago that I have a chronic condition, sinus polyps. This is a condition which, if not handled correctly, can lead to complete blockage of the sinuses w/ soft tissue (polyps). I had battled sinus infections for years and one finally wouldn't go away. After a horrifically uncomfortable series of weekend shows, I found a specialist. Anyway, the most difficult hurdle I had to overcome was not the ear blockage and the change in sound perception, but the unbalanced air pressure between my head cavity and my oral cavity. The sinuses seem to balance the air pressure in ways that we are not directly aware of while we play. I was able to overcome the sound changes by relying more on feel, as I often do while playing in electric situations wearing ear plugs. "Playing by feel" goes agains my practicing and teaching philosophy, but in a real world environment, one does what one must do. I'm interested in hearing other stories, input, ideas on this topic:) -Kelly __________________ “This art is acquired only by laborious studies, for the rebellious nature of the instrument demands a great aptitude coupled with a persevering willingness to become a master of it.” – F.G.A. Dauverné (1857)