Ten Top Tips to A Healthy Voice

Sunday, June 19, 2011

1. Use your voice well! Learn to optimise healthy voice production.  If you do a lot of talking or singing, learn to produce voice well – without strain or damage.

2. Keep your voice well hydrated! Adequate hydration is very important for healthy voice and vocal holds.  Drink at least 2-3 litres of water per day.

3. Warm up your voice! (As you would the rest of your body) if you’re going to embark on prolonged singing or talking (for those who are teachers, speakers, or call centre operators).

4. Be wary talking or singing above background noise.  This can strain your voice so you need to recognise and avoid high risk situations.

5. Don’t smoke and avoid smoky environments.

6. Don’t repeatedly clear your throat and avoid coughing excessively!  These activities damage your throat.

7. Consider using amplification (microphone or megaphone) where loud voice is necessary.

8. Certain medications and drinks can dehydrate your voice.  These include antihistamines, cold and flu medications, coffee and alcohol.  Take these into account when talking or singing.

9. Don’t scream or shout!  Using loud voice without damage requires special skills.  If you have to use loud voice, get specialist training from a voice trainer or speech pathologist.

10. Especially look after your voice during allergies and upper respiratory tract infections!  Your voice is more susceptible to damage at these times.

Remember it’s important to seek evaluation and advice from an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist if your voice is hoarse or husky for more than a few week, particularly if you smoke or don’t have cold symptoms.

Sourced from The Australian Voice Association