Tips to Vocal Wellness

A healthy life style can contribute to a healthy voice. Here are some suggestions of simple things you can do to take care of your voice:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and juices.
• Stimulate secretions with gum, lozenges and warm drinks.
• Inhale steam from a shower, use humidifiers and vaporizers.
• Maintain good nutrition with a healthy, well-balanced diet.
• Receive adequate sleep.
• Check medications for adverse side effects on the mouth or throat.
• Some chemical fumes, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco have adverse effects on your voice.
• Be alert to problems of hiatal hernia, reflux or bulimia

Esophageal reflux can adversely affect the voice. You can prevent reflux by following these guidelines:

• Avoid drinking alcohol, citrus-type juices and carbonated beverages.
• Avoid reclining for two hours after meals.
• Avoid eating immediately before bedtime.
• Elevate the head of your bed 4 to 6 inches.
• Avoid overeating.
• Avoid caffeine.
• If overweight, losing weight is helpful.

See an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor or ENT) if symptoms of vocal strain, hoarseness, pain, heartburn or allergies persist for two weeks or interfere with work.

The physician may refer you to a speech pathologist for voice therapy. This may consist of a one-time evaluation, or you may be seen for a series of treatment sessions to help teach and habituate optimal voice use.

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