Expert advice for preserving your voice

If you’re a singer, you know that your voice is like an instrument. And so as a musician, it would never cross your mind (unless of course you’re a self-destructing rockstar), to abuse it, knowing full well that there just may be some pretty hefty consequences. So, take care of your voice. Here’s how to do it like a pro.

Listen to you!
Maintained vocal cords, much like an instrument, requires constant maintenance. And although they don’t just ‘break’ like an instrument, there could be some pretty heavy damage concerning your muscles. Like any muscle in the body,vocal muscles require training, strenghtening and rest. So beware of breakdown and even exhaustion. Be able to identify the little signs your voice is sending you when you need a rest. Look for signs like a change in pitch, hoarseness, loss of voice, unusual breathing patterns and even soreness. And when in doubt, be sure to consult an audiologist.

Beware of attacks
Don’t put yourself in a position that may risk your voice getting worse. Avoid stadium or other noisy places that force you to raise your voice. Stay away from alcohol and tobacco as well, both in use and surroundings, as they are both proven to have major negative effects. Unfortunately, it isn’t always up to us. Mother Nature can rear her head and cause great consequences on the body: environmental conditions like cold, wind, pollution, and even air conditioning (which dries out the mucous membranes) may cause an unwanted reaction and even breed nasty allergies.

Desperate times call for desperate measures
If, despite your vigilance, your voice has been damaged, here are some tips:

• Don’t speak (your friends just may thank you).
• Apply constant heat to the mucous membranes that cover your vocal cords by wearing a scarf around your neck for example.
• Eat honey (ideally that of heather or chestnut) it softens the pharynx and has sanitizing effects.
• Try using essential oils like thyme, cypress or lemon.
• Check out sisymbre, ‘singer’s herb, a plant with yellow flowers or that may also be found by the name Wallflower Erysimum. It is used as a syrup or decoction. Legend has it that the Sistine Chapel’s Choir used it for clarity of their voice.
• Stay hydrated! Cover your head with a towel and place it over a pot of boiling water! Menthol products can be too powerful for your membranes, so stick to pure water inhalation.

Get some rest!
Your vocal cords benefit greatly from catching up on those zzzzzz’s. It’s only during the sleep that vocal cords decongest and are replenished . But it isn’t only with the vocal cords that you sing. Getting some sleep does the whole body good and can help overcome fatigue!

Watch your diet
We said it before and we’ll say it again, keep hydrated! Drinking water and herbal teas with a bit of honey are a big yes while café gets the no-go as it promotes dry mouth. Try to avoid soft drinks as well along with acidic and spicy foods.

To preserve your voice, heal your ears!
Yes, this sounds paradoxical, but it remains logical: a failed audition can push you to force inconsiderately on your voice. Remember to consult an ENT to devise an audiogram and advise you in general on how to take care of your voice. Other specialists, like a speech therapist or pathologist, might also provide you with useful tips and are worth checking out.

Published on: July 3, 2015