Newsletter - Past Articles
Care of the Voice
by Marie LeVasseur Brown, MM, MA, CCC-SLP
February, 2007 Half Notes Newsletter
Our voice is as unique as our fingerprint. We use this amazing instrument throughout our day with no thought to the complexity of its function. We just assume it will be there when we need it throughout our day. However, with the many demands placed upon us in our lives and jobs we can misuse our voices without realizing it until we develop voice problems. Singers and other professional voice users are prone to voice disorders. Many of these disorders can be avoided by taking care of your voice. Here are some suggestions.
Vocal Care Recommendations:
- Limit your intake of drinks that include alcohol or caffeine. These act as diuretics and cause the body to lose water. This loss of fluids dries out the voice. Alcohol also irritates the mucous membranes that line the throat.
- Drink plenty of water. Six to eight glasses a day is recommended.
- Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. Cancer of the vocal folds is seen most often in individuals who smoke. Stay away from smoky bars and restaurants.
- Practice good breathing techniques when singing or talking. It is important to support your voice with deep breaths from the diaphragm. Singers and speakers are often taught exercises that improve this breath control. Talking from the throat, without supporting breath, puts a great strain on the voice.
- Avoid eating spicy foods. Spicy foods can cause stomach acid to move into the throat or esophagus (reflux).
- Also avoid fried foods, chocolate, acidic foods and dairy products.
- Use a humidifier in your home. This is especially important in winter or in dry climates. Thirty percent humidity is recommended.
- Try not to overuse your voice. Avoid speaking or singing when your voice is hoarse.
- DO NOT LIE DOWN AFTER YOU EAT. WAIT 3 HOURS BEFORE GOING TO SLEEP.
- Include plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. These foods contain Vitamins A, E, and C. They also help keep the mucus membranes that line the throat healthy.
- Do not cradle the phone when talking. Cradling the phone between the head and shoulder for extended periods of time can cause muscle tension in the neck. No talking on the cell phone while driving in the car. The ambient noise from surrounding traffic and trying to talk over the radio can damage the voice.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise increases stamina and muscle tone. This helps provide good posture and breathing, which are necessary for proper speaking.
- Get enough rest. Physical fatigue has a negative effect on voice.
- Avoid talking in noisy places. Trying to talk above noise causes strain on the voice.
- Avoid mouthwash or gargles that contain alcohol or irritating chemicals. If you still wish to use a mouthwash that contains alcohol, limit your use to oral rinsing. If gargling is necessary, use a salt water solution.
- Avoid using mouthwash to treat persistent bad breath. Halitosis (bad breath) may be the result of a problem that mouthwash can't cure, such as low grade infections in the nose, sinuses, tonsils, gums, or lungs, as well as from gastric reflux from the stomach.
- ALWAYS WARM UP BEFORE A REHEARSAL OR PERFORMANCE!!!!!!!!
Consider voice therapy. A speech-language pathologist who is experienced in treating voice problems can provide education on healthy use of the voice and instruction in proper voice techniques.
Remember, it is the only instrument you have so treat it with the care and the respect it deserves, and it will serve you well through the years as you continue to enjoy the gift of music through song.
The Chorale thanks guest author Marie LeVasseur Brown for her contribution to this issue of Half Notes.
