What is vocal hygiene?
Using your voice too much or in the wrong way can hurt the voice. This is a list of behaviors that promote a healthy voice. This is called vocal hygiene. These may also prevent or take care of some voice problems.
Important note: This information is not a substitute for treatment. If therapy is needed, this information may be used before, during and after therapy.
Behaviors that may hurt the voice
- Shouting or yelling
- Screaming, cheering
- Coughing, clearing throat
- Not drinking enough water
- Excess mucus in throat
- Shallow breathing when talking
- Making animal and vehicle sounds with your throat or growling.
- Talking fast
- Whispering
- Talking loudly
- Talking nonstop or too much
- Talking over loud music or noise
- Talking fast
- Talking at a really high or low pitch
- Talking in an angry or excited voice
- Talking to large groups of people without a microphone
- Singing beyond comfortable range
- Eating spicy foods
- Drinking caffeinated beveragesClenching teeth or tensing jaw or tongue
Behaviors for a healthy voice
- Walk up to the person.
- Clap, whistle, ring a bell or blow a horn to attract attention.
- Use a noise maker, whistle or clap your hands.
- Swallow or drink water. Or sniff and swallow.
- Drink lots of water.
- Drink more water. Or if needed, take medicine to decrease mucus.
- Use belly breathing.
- Use your lips and tongue to make silly sounds.
- Talk slow and pause often.
- Use a quiet voice.
- Use a quiet or inside voice.
- Take time to rest your voice when you can.
- Turn the music or noise down or off. Or go to a quiet area to talk.
- Talk slow and pause often.
- Talk at your normal pitch.
- Wait to calm down and then talk.
- Use a microphone for performances.
- Get professional voice training.
- Never sing a note you can’t sing quietly.
- Avoid or limit spicy foods.
- Avoid caffeine.
- Keep upper and lower teeth slightly apart.
- Let jaw move freely during speech.
Caregivers should stress the importance of a healthy voice and set a good example.