Ask The Speech Therapist

August 08, 2008 2 Comments

 What do a teacher, coach, preacher, radio announcer and an aspiring singer have in common? They all rely on their voices to do their jobs.  And for those of us not at the head of the class, on the sideline, or behind the microphone, we typically have not given our vocal health much thought. Indeed, you may engage in activities that can lead to long-term voice damage. But you may or may not know the best way to keep your voice healthy.

When you speak, you make sound in your larynx (voice box) with your vocal folds. Your vocal folds are soft tissue folds that consist of muscle, ligament and mucous membrane. The vocal folds need to be lubricated with a thin layer of mucus in order to vibrate efficiently.

Here are a few tips to help your vocal fold stay hydrated and healthy:

• Drink, swig, or sip room temperature water. Most physicians recommend 32 ounces per day as a minimum. And 64 ounces is even better.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol pull water out of your system and deplete the vocal folds of needed lubrication. Caffeinated drinks include coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Small amounts of these beverages are acceptable but must be counterbalanced by drinking more water.
• Keep your environment moist. Dry environments can dry out your vocal folds. If your home or work environment is dry, consider using a humidifier.
• Nurse your voice when sick. Many over-the-counter cold and flu medications contain agents that dehydrate your vocal mucus membranes. While the medicines may alleviate some of your cold symptoms, they also may dry out the vocal folds. Drink plenty of liquids.
• Minimize throat clearing: Clearing your throat can be compared to slapping or slamming the vocal cords together. Consequently, excessive throat clearing can cause vocal cord injury and hoarseness. An alternative to voice clearing is taking a small sip of water or simply swallowing to clear the secretions from the throat.

It is believed that 7.5 million people have diseases or disorders of the voice. Some of these disorders can be avoided by taking care of your voice. So remember to stay hydrated and you will maintain a healthy voice for years to come.

Denise Moore Revel is a leading Speech Therapist & Coach who specializes in improving communication skills. Visit her website www.askthespeechtherapist.com and sign-up for the FREE online newsletter for more tips, ideas, and strategies on how to improve communication skills.

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