If you are concerned about your voice, seek medical advice (if you haven’t already).
Hydration is important, so drink about 2 litres of water/squash a day. Well-hydrated vocal cords vibrate with less effort from the lungs and resist injury from voice use, recovering better than dry vocal cords. Increased hydration also thins thick secretions.
Inhale steam through your mouth several times a day for 1-2 minutes if your throat feels dry.
If the atmosphere around you is dry, ventilate or humidify the room.
Do not smoke! If you are a smoker, the best thing you could do for your voice is to stop smoking.
Avoid throat clearing and coughing if possible as chronic throat clearing can result in irritation and swelling of the vocal cords. Try to swallow instead.
Avoid vocally abusive behaviours:
If you need to use your voice loudly, ensure that you have good technique. Warm up your voice before prolonged speaking or singing and cool down afterwards.
If you lose your voice or have a sore throat accompanied by a rise in temperature:
DO: Rest your voice for two days
AVOID: Whispering
Singing if your throat is sore or your voice is hoarse
If you suffer with acid reflux or a troublesome cough, see your G.P.
This advice is based on current evidence and is in line with advice given by The British Voice Association and the Voice Care Network. Some aspects of this general advice may be particularly relevant for you, and may be emphasised or supplemented with other advice by Marianne following discussion.
Please do not hesitate to contact Marianne if you have any concerns or questions.
Hoarseness of voice (dysphonia) that does not respond to antibiotics or improve within 2-3 weeks should be examined by an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) Specialist.
(‘Dealing with Dysphonia’ British Voice Association 2010)
Report your symptoms to your General Practitioner (GP) who can diagnose and treat some voice problems. They can refer you on to an ENT specialist for further investigations and treatment.
(‘Tune into your voice’ British Voice Association 2008)
Your ENT Doctor may advise you attend voice therapy with a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist.
