Thea’s tips for preventing a voice problem

• Keep a glass of water at hand. Sipping it all day whilst talking will keep you well hydrated and help keep your vocal folds lubricated thus reducing voice fatigue. Aim for 2 litres of water/day.
• Stop smoking as nicotine can irritate and dry out the vocal folds. Smoking can cause cancer of the larynx.
• Take voice naps. Schedule some quiet time into your day.
• If you have a talking job stay home from work when you have a cough or cold and minimise talking.
• Avoid excessive throat clearing and coughing where possible.
• Breathe before speaking as many patients hold their breath when talking which increases vocal effort.
• Avoid singing out of your range or excessively loudly.
• Avoid talking excessively outside of your comfortable range
• Scan your body for tension. General tension constricts the vocal tract and increases vocal effort.
• Remember to have a laugh. Smiling and laughing reduces physical tension.
• Ensure you get sufficient sleep both before and after busy talking days.
• Reduce shouting at the football or other sporting events.
• Keep coffee and alcohol to a minimum as they can dehydrate your larynx.
• Reduce talking in noisy work or social environments.
• Manage reflux effectively so that it does not inflame an already irritated larynx. Discuss reflux management with your doctor.
• Aim for a balanced life so that stress can be minimised or at least managed effectively as
  “Tension murders the voice!”

If you have a voice problem which persists seek professional help