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    Hearing loss causes communication breakdown that impacts quality of life.

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    You don’t have to live with ringing in your ears.

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    You Want the Best Sound…We Will Help You Find Your Sound.

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  • Voice

    Is your voice healthy?

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Voice

A speech pathologist experienced in treating voice problems can provide education on healthy use of the voice and proper voice techniques. For an ongoing voice problem,  they can design and provide treatment.

Here are some ways you can take care of your voice:

  1. Limit your intake of drinks that include alcohol and caffeine. These act as diuretics and cause the body to lose water. Loss of fluids dries out the voice. Alcohol also irritates the mucous membranes that line the throat.
  2. Drink plenty of water. Rule of thumb: 1/2 your body weight in ounces is the recommended minimum for adequate hydration. Warm or room temperature water only; cold liquids cause tension in the larynx and increase vocal fold strain.
  3. Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke! Smoke is very drying to the larynx and vocal folds. Cancer of the vocal cords is seen most often in individuals who smoke, but those who are exposed to high levels of second hand smoke are also at risk.
  4. Practice good breathing techniques when singing or talking. Talking from the throat, without supporting breath, puts a great strain on the voice.  It is important to support your voice with deep breaths from the diaphragm (the wall that separates your chest and abdomen). Singers and speakers are often taught exercises that improve this breath control.
  5. If you suffer from chronic hoarseness, go to a specialist for an evaluation for reflux. Acid reflux into the larynx occurs when acid travels the length of the esophagus and spills over into the larynx.  Any acidic irritation to the larynx may result in a hoarse voice.  As the vocal folds begin to swell from acidic irritation, their normal vibration is disrupted.  Even small amounts of exposure to acid may be related to significant laryngeal damage.
  6. If you have been diagnosed with acid reflux disease, maintain reflux precautions as prescribed by your specialist. This includes No eating or drinking within three hours of bedtime or lying down to rest. This includes lying down anytime, such as an afternoon nap.  If circumstances dictate that one must eat late, the lighter and lower in fat the food, the quicker the stomach will empty into the intestinal tract.
  7. Reduce your intake of foods that increase stomach acid production. These include fatty, fried, spicy, or acidic foods, chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages, peppermint/ spearmint, and alcohol.
  8. Use a humidifier in your home, particularly where you sleep. This is especially important in winter or in dry climates. Thirty percent humidity is recommended.
  9. Try not to overuse your voice. Avoid speaking or singing when your voice is hoarse.
  10. Wash your hands often to prevent colds and flu.
  11. Include plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables in your diet. These foods contain vitamins A, E and C. They also maintain the health of the mucous membranes that line the throat.
  12. Do not cradle the phone when talking. Cradling the phone between the head and shoulder for extended periods of time can cause muscle tension in the neck.
  13. Exercise regularly. Exercise increases stamina and muscle tone. This helps provide good posture and breathing, which are necessary for proper speaking.
  14. Get enough rest. Physical fatigue has a negative effect on the voice.
  15. Avoid mouthwash or gargles that contain alcohol or irritating chemicals. If you still wish to use a mouthwash that contains alcohol, limit your use to oral rinsing. If gargling is necessary, use a salt water solution.
  16. Honey and Agave are natural lubricants for the throat
  17. Avoid talking in noisy places. Trying to talk above noise causes a strain on the voice. Wearing earplugs in noisy environments is helpful for modulating vocal volume
  18. Consider using a microphone, especially for public speaking engagements.
  19. When singing with a band, use musician’s plugs or In-Ear monitors. This can help you can hear yourself adequately and modify your vocal volume accordingly to reduce strain.
  20. Always warm-up and cool-down! Warming-up the voice is important before prolonged speaking or any singing engagements.

 

Written by Doctor