Preventing Hoarseness In Your Voice

Jessica Ford

Hoarseness is the term often used by singers to describe changes in their voice quality. Any singer with hoarseness persisting for more than two weeks requires a complete evaluation. Voice abuse is one of the most common causes of hoarseness and can lead to other vocal problems such as vocal nodules. Good vocal hygiene can prevent and treat some problems, and voice therapy is a cornerstone of management in some cases of hoarseness.

Vocal Care

An important aspect of the prevention of vocal hoarseness is the maintenance of good vocal hygiene. Singers should be advised to avoid straining their voices by shouting, whispering or attempting to talk over excessive background noise. Hydration i.e. water, is also very important! Certain medications, such as antihistamines, anti depressants and drugs that dry the mucosa, may also create unfavorable voice changes, and these drugs should be avoided if possible. Irritants such as tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs and industrial chemicals should be avoided.

Things To Avoid

1) Breathing bad-smelling air

2) Smoking

3) Shouting

4) Clearing throat continually

5) Trying to be heard in noisy places like bars

6) Making sounds while yawning

7) Trying to talk with a cold or illness

8) Whispering loudly or for very long

9) Trying to change natural speaking voice

Tea with Honey & Lemon – A Myth?

Tea with honey & lemon is good to drink before we sing, Yes or No? Well, we’ve all heard of this myth, is it true? Is it good for your voice or not? Well, this formula could not be more untrue. Tea has tannic acid in it as do lemons. These two combined will really dry out the throat and give one a false sense of control, creating throat tightening when singing.

Vocal Rest

Your voice does not naturally get hoarse or strained from talking or singing and your throat and voice should never hurt but if it does, you are abusing your vocal cords and the muscles of the larynx. The cause is not from too much use but from poor training and improper technique. Vocal rest will help temporarily but will not solve the problem. Eventually your vocal problems will return; most likely the very next time you use your voice. You must eliminate the cause….vocal abuse and seek out the help of a good vocal instructor or throat Dr. or specialist. The right vocal coach can show you the right techniques to help eliminate improper techniques and future hoarseness.

This article is reprinted with the permission of Jessica Ford, a respected vocal coach who is based in Nashville, TN. For more information on her vocal coaching and studio, please visit her website: www.DouglasCornerMusic.com. Or you can call her at her studio, 615-397-2563.