Taking Care of Your Voice

Everyone can take some easy steps to protect your voice and prevent problems:

1. 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.
2. Avoid noxious fumes, allergens, and secondary smoke.
3. 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.
4. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.  These cause the body to lose water and have a high acid content.
5. Treat Gastroespohageal Reflux Disease (GERD) if present.
6. Avoid loud or prolonged voice use.
7. Do not clear throat.
8. Get plenty of sleep.
9. Avoid over the counter antihistamines that cause dryness.
10. Avoid lozenges and sprays containing menthol or phenol that dry and irritate the throat.
11. “Warm up” vocal muscles prior to prolonged use.
12. Rest your voice after vigorous use. Avoid excessive social voice use if you have increased your performance or rehearsal schedule.
13. Use a microphone where you need to project your voice or if you are being treated for horseness.