Vocal Hygiene
Over 40,000 new individuals present with a voice disorder each year.
With professional voice users such as teachers and secretaries being two of the top ten occupations in which voice disorders are most likely to occur (Herrington- Hall, 1988). By following simple vocal hygiene steps you can help prevent voice disorders from developing.
What is a voice disorder?
A voice disorder can affect the quality, pitch, and loudness of the voice. This can result in the voice differing from other voices that are of a similar age, gender or cultural background. Symptoms can include:
- Hoarseness – Where the voice sounds “raspy” or “rough”.
- Breathy Voice – The voice can sound tired and the person often runs out of breath when speaking.
- Strained Voice – Patients find it is a strain to talk, causing them to feel tension whilst speaking due to the increased effort involved.
- Aphonia – The absence of voice resulting in the speaker having to whisper, which requires increased effort.
- Tremor – The voice is wobbly or shaky resulting in the client being unable to produce a steady, sustained sound.
- Pitch Breaks – Periodic squeakiness and voice cracks which the patient cant control.
Who demonstrates vocal abuse?
Everyone demonstrates some form of vocal abuse. However, people who are most likely to demonstrate vocal abuse are those that have occupations that require them to use their voices continually such as teachers.
Vocal abuse includes:
Vocal abuse includes:
- Screaming or yelling
- Prolonged talking
- Throat clearing or coughing
- Singing
- Smoking or exposure to second hand smoke
- Consuming alcohol
- Excessive whispering
What is vocal hygiene?
By following these simple good vocal hygiene tips, you can help reduce vocal abuse and reduce the risk of developing a voice disorder.
- Hydrate your vocal folds by increasing your fluid intake. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake and smoking.
- Eliminate throat clearing and coughing by substituting with a “sniff-swallow” instead.
- Reduce nonessential talking.
- Reduce the amount of time spent speaking in loud background noise.
- Try to be within three feet of your listener when speaking e.g. instead of shouting up the stairs to get your partners attention, go upstairs and speak to them.
- Build periods of vocal rest into your day e.g. if you know you need to make phone calls, schedule them with a break in between.
- Use of a sound amplification systems while teaching/talking to large groups.
How Integrated Treatment Services can help
If you need any further help or advice about vocal hygiene and voice disorders or if you feel that you could benefit from therapy, Integrated Treatment Services (I.T.S) are here to help. A therapist is available throughout the week to discuss your individual requirements, answering any questions you may have. We are happy to speak with you over the telephone on: 0845 838 2921 or by email info@integratedtreatments.co.uk.
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