Exercise and adequate nutrition are important to keep our bodies healthy. These concepts extend to the health of our vocal mechanism. It is important to engage in certain behaviors to promote a healthy voice while avoiding other behaviors that may harm the vocal mechanism. This is referred to as “vocal hygiene” or “vocal health.” Engaging in behaviors to promote vocal health while avoiding certain behaviors that reduce vocal health, reduces the risk of acquiring a voice disorder. For example, it is important to keep the vocal folds moist and hydrated by consuming between nine and thirteen cups of water a day (Zapienza& Hoffman Ruddy, 2009). This is a behavior that promotes vocal hygiene. Alternatively, engaging in extended amounts of speaking may have negative effects on one’s voice because these speakers are likely to speak with a louder voice with an increased pitch (Hunter & Titze, 2010). This is an example of a vocal behavior to avoid in an effort to maintain a healthy voice. For more information on voice enhancing and voice destructing behaviors, click here. You will find information about improving your vocal health.
Hunter, E.J., & Titze, I.R. (2010). Variations in intensity, fundamental frequency, and voicing for teachers in occupational versus nonoccupational settings. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 53. 862 – 875. Doi: 10.1044/1092-4388(2009/09-0040)
Sapienza, C., & Hoffman Ruddy, B. (2009). Vocal Health. Voice Disorders (pp. 89 – 105).San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.
Sapienza, C., & Hoffman Ruddy, B. (2009). Vocal Health. Voice Disorders (pp. 89 – 105).San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.