Symptoms of Vocal Abuse

The following symptoms signal vocal abuse

Dryness of the throat

Fullness or “lump” in the throat

Excess mucus in the nose and throat

Vocal fatigue after a period voice use.

Throat irritation or soreness

Loss of vocal range

Raspiness

Hoarseness

Dr. Fraser has listed these symptoms in order of increasing severity. By recognizing and treating the earlier symptoms, you may prevent the others. Once symptoms begin, it is important to determine the causes of the symptoms and eliminate them. Prevention is the key to preserving the voice.

Causes of Vocal Abuse

The following are the most common causes of abuse:

Throat dehydration

A healthy voice is dependent on vocal cords that are kept continually moist with watery mucus. Thin, watery mucus in the throat is normal and necessary. It allows the vocal cords to slip early past each other during voice production. Without adequate mucus, the vocal cords must work harder to produce sound which leads to inflammation or swelling of the vocal cord tissues.

Throat clearing.

There is a correct and incorrect way to clear your throat. When done incorrectly, a person produces a sound like a car trying to start and not catching. This bangs the vocal together and causes irritation.

Clearing your throat correctly keeps the vocal cords from colliding. To clear your throat, make the sound of the letter " H" with some force as you exhale. It sounds like a heavy wind rushing out of our lungs. This clears your throat without harming your vocal cords.

Smoking

Cancer-causing chemicals and tar in tobacco smoke cause inflammation of the vocal cords and dry out the vocal area. The lining tissue of the vocal cords eventually thickens and swells, and a lesion or growth may form.

Treating vocal abuse

You can stop vocal abuse by altering habits that harm your voice, adding new habits that will help your voice. Proper care of your voice can keep your larynx and voice functioning normally. If the effects of vocal abuse cause physical changes (lesions or growths) to your vocal cords, you may need surgery.

The most important factor in vocal care is proper hygiene and hydration. Fluid promotes production of mucus and reduces vocal stress. Drink at least 8 to 10 large glasses of the following fluids each day to add water your body:

· Water

· Fruit juice

· Decaffeinated soft drinks

· Decaffeinated coffee and tea

· The following are ways you can prevent voice problems:

· Learn to clear your throat correctly.

· If you smoke, stop.

· Lower your pitch slightly when your sing.

· Raise the pitch of your speaking voice.

· Don't raise your vocal pitch when your get excited.

Conclusion