When it comes to caring for your voice there are a number of key points to keep in mind to ensure that you are doing what you can on a day to day basis to help avoid voice disorders such as: nodules caused by vocal abuse. This does not necessarily mean you have to talk less, it is more about using the correct vocal quality to maintain a healthy voice.
Here are a few everyday voice care tips to keep in mind.
- Avoid shouting, screaming and using a tense speaking voice. Use a voice amplification tool when necessary.
- Avoid forceful coughing and avoid throat clearing. If it is necessary, do it as gently as possible.
- Keep your larynx and vocal tract hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid or limit time spent in dry environments such as overheated room and air conditioning.
- Avoid talking over background noise such as: in overcrowded restaurants and bars or over loud machinery.
- Reduce exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke and excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid talking when you have an upper respiratory tract infection. Voice rest is particularly important when your vocal muscles are not in their most optimal condition.
- If you plan to talk a lot during the day, warm up your voice before using it a lot.
- Avoid making grunting sounds or noisy vocalisations when lifting or exercising and instead use softer exhalation to promote a more relaxed voice quality.
- Watch out for reflux and see your doctor or an ear nose throat specialist if you suspect that reflux may be present.
- Use appropriate speaking and singing strategies. The most healthy voice to use is one that you are comfortable producing and does not cause pain.
If you have difficulty producing a healthy feeling and sounding voice, see a speech pathologist to instruct you on the appropriate vocal exercises to assist with health voice production.
Contact us for results focused on speech therapy
This article was written by our Speech Pathologist Ashleigh Fattah who is a Speech Pathology Australia member. If you have voice therapy related questions, make an appointment. We will provide you with simple and effective therapy targeted to your concerns. Contact us today.
