Today is World Voice Day, a day celebrated by speech-language pathologiists, otolaryngologists, head and neck suregons along with other voice health professionals world wide. The awareness day encourages men and women, young and old to assess their vocal health and take action to improve or maintain good voice habits.
In celebration, we wanted to share with you some voice care suggestions:
- Drink plenty of water—well-hydrated tissue is less prone to damage.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption—both are dehydrating.
- Use a humidifier if the air is dry.
- Avoid irritants such as cigarette smoke, fumes and dust.
- If you have frequent reflux (heartburn), see a physician promptly, to avoid potential vocal cord damage.
- Avoid yelling and screaming—such as at sports games.
- Avoid straining your voice by talking excessively to overcome background noise.
- Take frequent voice breaks if your job demands long periods of speaking.
- If you speak to groups, and have to project your voice, use a microphone.
- Minimize frequent throat clearing.
- If an upper respiratory infection has made your voice hoarse, limit talking.