Singing and public speaking are undoubtedly talents, but they can strain your vocal cords and lead to soreness, hoarseness, and even damage in extreme cases. Luckily, there are many vocal health tips you can practice that will help support your voice and ensure you are always able to express yourself clearly and safely without putting your throat at risk.
Throat & Vocal Health Care
Your voice can often reveal the state of your throat health since they are so closely connected. Whether you’re whispering, speaking, or singing, voice is produced in a section of your throat called the larynx (voice box).
The larynx is located in your throat between the end of your tongue and the top of your trachea (windpipe), a U-shaped tube that connects your voice box to your lungs.
Within your larynx, there are muscles called vocal folds that vibrate whenever you make a sound. The strain on these muscles changes depending on your vocal pitch, which increases the level of vibration and force exerted on the muscles.
Voice and throat care are essential for well-being, especially if you are a public speaker or singer.
Tips for Maintaining Vocal Health
There are several ways you can prevent vocal cord damage when speaking for prolonged periods or singing.
Always maintain good speaking/singing posture. Avoid slouching or bending when speaking or singing. Instead, stand erect with your chest open and shoulders back.
Always warm up your vocal cords before giving a speech or performance. Vocal warm ups help prepare your throat and vocal cords for the demand of singing or giving a speech. An ear, nose, and throat doctor can help recommend specific exercises for your needs.
Take vocal naps. Make sure you take periods throughout the day to not speak, ensuring that the muscles in your larynx have plenty of time to relax and recover. This is especially important after signing or delivering a speech, where your vocal cords are put under additional strain and need time to recover.
Breathe properly when singing or speaking. Breath control is important to avoid placing too much stress on the throat. Be sure to take deep breaths from the chest rather than relying entirely on your throat.
Practice muscle relaxation. Tense shoulders can lead to tension in the neck, which can lead to more pressure on the vocal cords. Relaxing your muscles is essential to maintaining proper posture and protecting your throat.
Avoid smoking or second-hand smoke exposure. Smoke damages the tissues in the throat and lungs, and it can cause permanent damage and hoarseness.
Prevention & Self-Care
Working with an ear, nose, and throat doctor like the team at our Nashville ENT center can help you get personalized care tips for your vocal health. The Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee have been treating patients for over 25 years. Our specialists strive to deliver the most outstanding clinical care to every patient, including children and adults.
At OAT, our experts provide throat care and support to help every patient feel their best. We can help you cope with many common voice problems that affect signers and public speakers, such as hoarseness, dryness, laryngitis, vocal polyps, and even vocal cord paralysis.
We can also provide personal recommendations for self-care, such as increasing hydration, taking more prolonged vocal naps, and using the right breathing techniques for signing and public speaking to avoid strain and irritation.
Call OAT Today
If you would like to work with a Nashville ENT, don’t hesitate to contact us at OAT. We are always here to help. We include you in every step of treatment because our philosophy is that the best patient care places patients as the experts in their health.
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced ear, nose, and throat doctors.
