Each of us has a unique voice. Whether you’re singing or talking, it’s important to keep your voice healthy. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, some signs that you may have a voice problem include raspiness, losing the ability to hit some high notes when singing, feeling that your voice sounds deeper, and having a raw or strained feeling.
There’s a variety of things that can cause you to experience voice problems like an upper respiratory infection, vocal misuse and overuse, or growths on your vocal folds.
Are you experiencing voice problems?
Here are some ways you can keep your voice healthy:
Hydrate Your Voice
Avoid Harmful Substances
Maintain Good Speaking & Singing Posture
Watch Your Diet
Give it a Rest
Need professional help? Contact OAT today to learn more about our services.
Hydrate Your Voice
Keeping yourself hydrated is key to keeping your voice healthy. Most experts recommend drinking at least eight to ten eight-ounce glasses of water daily to ensure this. However, you’ll want to make sure you’re drinking more water if you’re dealing with conditions that may dehydrate you such as being in a very dry climate or taking medications like antihistamines or decongestants. If you’re looking to soothe your voice, you can also try things like tea with honey or ginger.
Avoid Harmful Substances
As you may know, you should avoid harmful substances like smoking cigarettes or vaping in order to protect your voice as it can irritate your vocal folds and cause cancer. You should also avoid things like spicy foods as they can cause stomach acid to move into your throat or esophagus and cause heartburn. If you have persistent heartburn or other issues, talk to your doctor about diet changes or medications that can help reduce flare-ups.
Maintain Good Speaking & Singing Posture
To maintain proper posture, you should stand up and place your feet so they’re evenly spaced on the ground in line with your shoulders. This allows you to stand straight up without hunching over or leaning back too far. When singing, Your hands should be relaxed and held still at your side. Keep them slightly away from your body to allow air to flow around you.You can also lean the weight of your body slightly forward, standing with your feet shoulder-length apart. You can put one foot just a tiny bit in front of the other for balance.
Watch Your Diet
Just like keeping your voice hydrated with water is important, you’ll need to make sure you’re watching what you eat. Things like warm herbal tea, melons, and unsalted crackers are good for your voice while you should avoid things like milk, bacon, and citrus. To promote good muscle tone and endurance, you should be eating a balance of protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and moderate amounts of healthy fats and oils.
Give it a Rest
As you may suspect, there is a clear link between your voice’s health and sleep. While you sleep, your cells regenerate and your body is able to build up your immune system. Without enough sleep, your body’s natural circadian rhythm is disrupted and increases the chances of you getting sick. Lack of sleep can also lead to things like your voice sounding rough and the inability to reach certain notes while singing.
Let the Experts at Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee
It’s easy to take your voice, breathing, and your ability to swallow for granted. Should you ever experience difficulties, however, our team of specialists can diagnose and treat a wide array of throat and voice disorders. Our doctors are highly skilled in treating speech impediments, voice disorders, and even cancers of the throat and neck.Whether you’re singing in the shower or on a Nashville stage, our physicians can help you achieve the sound and vocal quality you’re seeking. Treatment options may range from behavioral changes to in-office procedures to surgery.
Ready for your voice to be heard? Contact OAT today to learn more about our throat and voice care services.
