Vocal hygiene is a term used to describe good habits to look after your vocal cords and support a healthy and strong voice throughout your life. Good voice habits are taught by speech therapists to help your treat a damaged voice or maintain your voice in good condition.

Signs of Voice problems

Although there are many factors which can contribute to  a voice problem, these are some signs which are red flags for you to seek consultation by an ENT specialist or speech therapist;

• sore throat during or after voice use
• hoarse or scratchy voice
• reduced loudness or pitch of your voice
• increased effort to produce voice
• easy to tire after speaking or singing
• having your voice cutting off unexpectedly
• feeling something in your throat all the time
• excess mucus or phlegm
• difficulty swallowing

Click to view University of Melbourne video on How to protect your voice from fatigue

DO’s and DON”Ts

DO speak in your normal voice by facing your listener within reaching distant

DO use a moderate conversational level of loudness

DO take regular breaths as you speak without rushing your words

DO practise regular gargling with tepid water in the morning to loosen any mucus in the throat

DO drink water regularly to stay hydrated (around 8 glasses a day)

DO warm up before singing

DO remember your posture if you sing regularly

DO suck on a lozenge to lubricate your throat

DO NOT take alcohol because it dehydrates the larynx and throat

DO NOT raise shout or whisper

DO NOT talk continuously as it will strain your voice

DO NOT keep clearing your throat which can cause bruising or irritation to the vocal cords

DO NOT smoke or stay long periods in dusty environments which can irritate your throat

DO NOT take excessive spicy or acidic foods especially before sleep as it may result in GERD

See your ENT specialist or speech therapist if you have any voice issues

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Disclaimer. TELEME blog posts contains general information about health conditions and treatments. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such. 

If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.