Vocal hygiene (1345)

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.