Taking Care of Your Voice
Everyone can take some easy steps to protect your voice and prevent problems:
- Do not smoke. Exposure to smoke and other airborn particles can lead to throat cancers and at the very least is a continual irritation to the throat and vocal cords. Assistance with smoking cessation can be found on the internet or through your family physician.
- Avoid noxious fumes, allergens, and secondary smoke.
- Keep yourself hydrated. You should drink 8 glasses of water a day. If you drink caffeine or perform strenous physical activity, you'll need more. Chewing gum and sucking on hard candies will also help. You should keep your environment humid.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol. These cause the body to lose water and have a high acid content.
- Treat Gastroespohageal Reflux Disease (GERD) if present.
- Avoid loud or prolonged voice use.
- Do not clear throat.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid over the counter antihistamines that cause dryness.
- Avoid lozenges and sprays containing menthol or phenol that dry and irritate the throat.
- “Warm up” vocal muscles prior to prolonged use.
- Rest your voice after vigorous use. Avoid excessive social voice use if you have increased your performance or rehearsal schedule.
- Use a microphone where you need to project your voice or if you are being treated for horseness.