Introduction:
Vocal hygiene comprises the habits a person performs to maintain a strong, healthy, and powerful voice. To keep a healthy, strong, and powerful voice, a person needs to take care of the vocal cords. The vocal cords are two bands of muscle inside the voice box (larynx) that allows the person to make sounds or vocalize. The voice box is at the top of the windpipe (trachea), the tube that allows air to flow to and from the lungs. When a person breathes in (inhales) and breathes out (exhales), the vocal cords open so air can stream voluntarily. When the person speaks, the vocal cords close by meeting in the middle of the exhaled airstream and vibrate. The vibration creates the sound of the voice.
What Is Vocal Hygiene?
Vocal hygiene is a representation of words used to illustrate habits that keep a healthy and strong voice throughout life. Just as good oral hygiene can aid in protecting the teeth as a person ages, vocal hygiene can assist a person maintain a resonant voice into the 60s and beyond. Speech therapists also utilize good voice habits to aid a damaged voice. A person maintains overall hygiene by practicing various steps regularly in such a way one can also maintain and keep vocal hygiene. Vocal health requires keeping both the speaking voice and singing voice free from infections, overuse, and other issues. Voice therapy and vocal exercises can both help a person maintain their voice healthfully.
How to Maintain Vocal Hygiene?
Vocal hygiene can be maintained in the following ways:
1. More Consumption of Liquids:
One should aim for at least eight oz glasses of water or other non-acidic non-caffeinated quenchers per day. Chewing gum or sucking on lozenges can help lubricate a very dry
throat.
2. Do Not Consume Alcohol:
Alcohol dehydrates the larynx (voice box) and forces the larynx to make mucus that will thicken quickly and need to be removed.
3. Avoid Too Much Throat Clearing:
Chronic throat clearing will result in the collection of fluid in vocal fold tissue, which can make vocal folds more exposed to irritation and bruising. It also causes throat pain and will impact the voice. Tepid water gargling every morning will ease the accumulated mucus in the throat. If the person’s voice sounds scratchy when they first begin to speak, then they should gargle more and drink a glass of water.
4. Speak in a Moderate Voice:
Do not whisper, and never shout. One should always be within reaching distance of the person speaking to. It is always better to face the listener. Yelling or shouting may cause damage to the vocal cords. If the voice feels strained or tired, then it is an important signal that one should provide it a rest. Do not speak louder or do not put effort to push one's voice out even after the feeling of strain.
5. Avoiding Smoking:
Smoking is the top on the voice abuse list and can potentially cause cancer of not just the vocal cords but many other sites.
6. Abstain From Environment Consisting Irritants:
Environments that have tobacco smoke, automobile exhaust, and strong smells such as chemical fumes or products to which the person can be allergic or sensitive will exacerbate the speaking and breathing mechanism and make them more sensitive to harm.
7. Eat Mindfully:
Eating spicy food, and drinking alcohol, especially soon before going to bed, can stimulate gastric reflux, which potentially irritates the vocal tract.
8. Sing When Healthy:
Singing should be avoided when the voice is hoarse, the person has vocal fatigue or other vocal problems. Warm up or gargle with lukewarm water before singing.
How to Know if There Is a Problem With Vocal Hygiene?
The following points could be the indicator of a problem with vocal hygiene:
-
If the person’s voice becomes raspy or hoarse.
-
If a person has lost the ability to hit some high notes when singing.
-
If the voice suddenly sounds deeper.
-
If the throat often feels achy, raw, or strained.
-
If a person has to make a lot of effort while talking.
-
If a person repeatedly clears the throat.
What Causes Lead to Voice Problems if One Does Not Maintain Vocal Hygiene?
The causes that may lead to voice problems if vocal hygiene is not practiced are as follows:
-
Infection in the upper respiratory tract may direct toward voice problems.
-
Inflammation which is caused by gastro-intestinal reflux (acid reflux) or heartburn, harms the vocal cords.
-
Improper use of one's voice, like yelling, shouting, etc.
-
Neurological diseases or disorders.
-
Psychological trauma.
Why Is It Important to Practice Vocal Hygiene?
Vocal strain can lead to a change in the overall quality of the person's voice and, at times, pain or discomfort with speaking. If the person is finding that they are moving away from social engagements or interactions at work because of the voice, then the person should consider getting an evaluation. Voice changes or hoarseness that last longer than two to three weeks because of illness or extreme use of voice should be examined by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor; in certain, if want to visit a doctor who is an expert in the voice, known as a laryngologist. Maintaining vocal health proactively is essential, especially for singers. If a more serious problem arises with vocal cords (or vocal folds), it can mean an immediate and required trip to an emergency medical center. Some vocal injuries can forever impair voice use, an agonizing issue for people who sing professionally or as a hobby. That is why it is crucial to start treating the voice with plenty of fluids, honey, and silence at the first sign of hoarseness or strain.
Conclusion:
The person’s voice is a defining factor of who they are and is often one of the first things others notice about them. Much like a person takes care of the body, it is also beneficial to take care of the voice to support vocal longevity. One can take steps on their own to improve and maintain vocal health. These contain remaining hydrated, sidestepping from smoking, and minimizing vocally appealing behaviors such as talking loudly for long periods of time, yelling, cheering, or throat clearing, and frequent coughing.
