How do I take care of my voice?
How do you protect your voice when speaking?
Some people think that they should whisper to protect their voice. However, when we whisper we squeeze out vocal folds together causing more strain. Avoid shouting as this can damage your vocal folds. Try to talk at a normal volume. Rest your voice if you are unwell with acute laryngitus, or if your voice is becoming hoarse.
Be aware of the effect that your work has on your voice. In a job that involves a lot of talking and raising your voice - such as teachers, singers, actors or broadcasters. Try to allow yourself to have frequent voice breaks. Our voice therapists can work with you to teach you voice techniques, such as projection, so that your voice does not fatigue.
If you have developed a hoarse voice or have had recent voice changes you would benefit from your GP referring you to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist for an examination.
Be aware of hobbies that might cause you to lose your voice such as karaoke or yelling at sports matches. Keep this to a minimum to let your voice recover.
What is the best thing to drink for your voice?
Its important to keep the vocal folds hydrated. Drinking 2 litres of water a day will be adequate. Water thins out the mucous on your vocal folds, and helps them vibrate smoothly. Try to avoid caffeinated drinks such as tea or coffee as these dry out the vocal folds - try decaffenated tea or coffee instead. Cut down on alcohol or balance drinks out with drinking water. Some medications can such as those for colds or allergies. Discuss any changes with your doctor beforehand.
Can foods affect the voice?
Foods that are high in fats, salts or spice can cause laryngo-pharngeal reflux (LPR). These might be include curries, fried food or fast food. These foods can cause stomach acid to move into the throat or oesophagus, causing heartburn or reflux. If you do experience reflux, talk to your GP about possible medications. Try not to eat within two hours of going to bed at night. Watery foods that dilute stomach acid such as melon, celery or cucumber are helpful for reflux.
How does smoking affect your voice?
Smoking dehydrates and irritates the vocal folds, becoming dry and inflamed. They do not vibrate as they should. Smoking can also increase laryngo-pharyngeal reflux which can affect the voice. It lowers voice pitch and causes vocal fatigue. As smoking affects lung function, you may have reduced breath support for your voice, and feel like you are running out of breath when you talk.
There is a voice condition directly related to smoking called Reinke’s odema which causes a gravelly low-pitched voice. This is a result of the swelling of the vocal folds. Smoking can also increase your risks of vocal cord cancer. You should either stop smoking or cut down. Have a chat with your GP about advice to stop smoking.
Stop smoking. If you can’t give up, cut down. Smoking irritates and damages the vocal folds. Talk to your GP about advice to support stopping smoking.
Why do I feel like I need to clear my throat?
Throat clearing is very common when people have a voice disorder such as muscle tension dysphonia due to the tension they feel in their throat. Many people feel like they have mucous in their throat. There are many reasons, including reflux and post nasal drip that our voice therapists can support you in identifying these difficulties and providing yiou with strategies to reduce this habit. Try not to clear your throat unnecessarily. It can create excessive mucous and lead to a further need to clear your throat. Try drinking water instead or swallowing, or try steam inhalation.
In summary:
Stop smoking (or cut down)
Drink 2 litres of water a day
Reduce caffine - try caffine free drinks
Avoid spicy and greasy foods
Do not whisper or shout
Rest your voice if you are sick
Avoid dry and dusty enviroment.
Our Speech and Language Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice. Feel free to book a free consultation or email us for more information regarding our reasonable fees.