How to Prevent Voice Disorders
The voice is the most expressive and convenient form of communication known to inform, debate and maintain contact with others. Its degradation limits this essential communication medium. To care for it properly there are some easy, but necessary prevention measures that will assure the ability to speak and sing. Among society’s inhabitants, there are those who use their voices professionally and, therefore, more frequently. Singers and comedians, public speakers, teachers, priests, ministers, politicians, attorneys and salespeople are exposed to a greater possibility of voice disorders and should, therefore, take particular precautions to prevent them.
The most common causes of voice disorders include smoking, vocal abuse (excessive yelling), upper-respiratory infection, cancer and a variety of neuromuscular diseases. If the voice sounds harsh, if the throat needs continuous clearing, if it is difficult to reach high singing notes (when usually reached), if the voice is suddenly lower, if the throat feels sore and scratchy, or speaking is accomplished with difficulty and pain, a vocal disorder is likely the cause. While some of these will require a physician’s care for maintenance and healing, many causes can be averted by taking preventative measures; that is, utilising small steps to prevent big problems.
Preventing voice disorders begins with general good health and care for the body. Drink plenty of fluids; the more, the better. Avoid alcohol and coffee; these are diuretics, causing excessive urination and dehydration. The most effective fluid that should be consumed more than any others is water; six to eight glasses per day.
Maintain a healthy diet including a good blend of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains to boost the intake of essential vitamins and minerals and to keep the throat lined with moisturising mucus.
Stop smoking.
Avoid excessive speaking, stop yelling completely during periods of vocal distress and do exercises that encourage the healing process.
Professionals should always perform deep breathing and vocalising exercises. As much as possible, continue these exercises during distress of the voice, but limit the amount of voiced exercises, that is, those exercises that stimulate the vocal folds to vibrate. Maintain voiceless exercises.
Assist good, deep breathing, particularly at night while sleeping, by using a humidifier in the room.
Following these and other measures of preventing vocal disorders should assure a healthy voice and a long, vocal career.
If you have questions about speech pathology contact your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see a speech pathologist. We‘ll provide you with a straightforward, efficient and very effective treatment plan targeted to your concerns. Contact Us Today!
