Professional voice users such as singers, teachers, lawyers, and anyone who uses their voice excessively during their work day can benefit from a healthy voice.
Most of us take our voices for granted until we lose our voice or become hoarse. Even when we are hoarse, many of us will push and strain our voices. Yet, we will stretch before going for a run or warm up before playing a soccer game. We may even play scales before playing an instrument. But how many of us actually warm up our voice prior to using our human instrument throughout the day?
I know that I should do vocal warm ups and protect my voice. As a speech pathologist, my ability to do my job relies heavily on my voice. Yet, I find myself taking short cuts which can sometimes lead to more frightening physical ailments which affect my voice. Luckily, I have recovered from hoarseness a time or two and nothing has severely affected my voice. What can we do to promote a health voice?
Here are some tips for promoting a healthy voice and avoiding the development of vocal nodules, vocal polyps, voice loss, otherwise known as aphonia, or hoarseness.
1. Hydrate
I can't say enough about water. It's the most important thing you can do to care for your voice. Drink lots of water. Reduce caffeine and other drinks that lead to dehydration. By drinking lots of water you protect your vocal folds from getting strained or irritated.
2. Vocal Naps
Take voice breaks between calls, classes, patients, etc. Find times during your day where you avoid speaking. Sometimes a quiet lunch is just enough time for vocal rest.
3. Voice Amplifiers
Use a microphone, megaphone, or anything but your voice to speak in noisy areas. Avoid yelling or screaming or talking loudly in noisy areas. Hoarseness is a warning sign that your vocal folds are irritated so decrease your voice use. Don't push through.
Commentaires