Avoid Irritants
- Cigarettes and second hand smoke
- Reflux
- Refer to GERD/LPR handout for additional information.
- Over the Counter (OTC) Medications
- See an Ear, Nose & Throat doctor who specializes in voice disorders (a laryngologist) for prescription medications which may be less drying
Take Care of Your Body
- Hydration
- Drink 6 – 8 eight-ounce glasses of water/day.
- Rest
- Exercise and Good Nutrition
Voice Habits
- Avoid throat clearing and coughing
- Avoid whispering.
- Warm up your voice before making big demands on it
- Vocal Ergonomics
- Avoid Repeated Stress on the Voice
- Posture
- Environmental Factors
Signs of a Voice Problem
Many factors contribute to the onset of a voice problem and frequently there is an interplay of multiple factors. You should make an appointment to see a laryngologist if you experience any of the following symptoms for more than 2 weeks (not accompanying a cold):
- sore throat or pain during or after voice use
- hoarse, scratchy, rough voice
- increased effort when producing voice
- decreased loudness or pitch range
- breathiness, weakness or vocal fatigue
- shaky, strained voice or voice cutting off unexpectedly
Other characteristics one might not associate as readily with a voice problem are the following:
- a feeling of a “lump” in one’s throat
- shortness of breath
- excessive phlegm and/or the need to throat clear or cough
- difficulty swallowing
- feeling a frequent urge to cough or throat clear
Replacement strategies for injurious vocal habits:
| Instead of | Try this |
| Competing with background noise |
|
| Increasing loudness to project voice or get attention |
|
| Yelling, cheering, screaming at sporting events or concerts |
|
| Grunting when lifting weights |
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