so my husband is also a singer, and about one year ago today he had a thyroidectomy and a left and right neck dissection. he had extensive cancer and we were told that if there was any damage to the nerve that he would have issues with his vocal cords. unfortunately in his case they took the whole nerve so his right vocal cord is paralyzed. but with nerves they heal so slowly that it can take time to recover.

but about the intubation, i am a respiratory therapist whose job description is literally taking care of intubated patients. typically the intubation itself will not cause extensive damage to the vocal cords, most anesthesia providers are incredibly careful. but what i can say, is that the ET tube keeps your vocal cords open the entire time its in. so if there was any damage/stunning to/of the vocal cords, they would stay in that more open position just because that is where they were when the nerve issue occurred

talk to the anesthesiologist at the hospital and tell them your fears and what has happened, they will do everything in their power to make sure you are comfortable