Healthy Vocal Behaviors
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Whether or not you have a voice disorder, it is always important to engage in healthy vocal behaviors. Poor vocal behaviors may put you more at risk for a voice disorder, or exacerbate an already present voice disorder. Vocal hygiene techniques are simple tips and tricks you can do at home to prevent wear and tear on your vocal folds, and subsequently, your voice.
Basically, the main goal of vocal hygiene is to eliminate traumatic behaviors which can damage the health of your vocal folds and increase those behaviors which can improve the health of your vocal folds (Sapienza & Ruddy, 2009).
Basically, the main goal of vocal hygiene is to eliminate traumatic behaviors which can damage the health of your vocal folds and increase those behaviors which can improve the health of your vocal folds (Sapienza & Ruddy, 2009).
Vocal Hygiene Tips-hydrate with plenty of water throughout the day
-avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol products -avoid tobacco products which can irritate the vocal folds -speak in a normal pitch, don’t speak excessively loud -don’t use a whisper voice -use amplification (such as a microphone) when public speaking -recognize tension throughout your body and learn to relax to reduce vocal fold tension -avoid phonotraumatic behaviors such as throat clearing, yelling, and habitual coughing |
Do You Think You Have a Voice Disorder?One should always practice good vocal hygiene techniques to avoid a possible voice disorder. However, if you think you have a voice disorder, you should contact the nearest ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP) or a certified otolaryngologist or Ear Nose & Throat doctor (ENT) for a full evaluation.
If you have made an appointment, or are nervous about what to expect when having a voice evaluation, click here for some of the most common steps completed by otolaryngologists and SLPs to gain valuable information about the possible diagnoses of a voice disorder. |
Sapienza, C., & Hoffman, R.B. (2009). Voice Disorders. San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing, Inc.