Voice Care: Guide for Professionals Who Use Their Voice Daily
Teachers, singers, speakers and professionals who depend on their voice need special care. Discover how to prevent vocal problems.
Voice is a fundamental tool for millions of professionals: teachers, singers, actors, speakers, call center workers, doctors and many more. However, vocal abuse can lead to problems affecting your career and quality of life.
What are vocal cords?
Vocal cords are two folds of tissue located in the larynx that vibrate as air passes, producing sound. Their proper function requires:
- Adequate hydration
- Good vocal technique
- Proper rest
- Absence of irritants
Common vocal problems in professionals
Functional dysphonia
Voice alteration without structural lesion, caused by:
- Vocal overexertion
- Poor technique
- Muscle tension
- Stress
Vocal nodules
"Calluses" on the vocal cords caused by chronic abuse. More common in:
- Teachers
- Singers
- Sports coaches
Vocal polyps
Benign lesions that appear due to:
- Acute vocal trauma (shouting)
- Smoking
- Gastroesophageal reflux
Reinke's edema
Diffuse swelling of vocal cords associated with:
- Smoking
- Chronic vocal abuse
- Hormonal changes
Warning symptoms
Consult an ENT if you have:
- Persistent hoarseness (more than 2 weeks)
- Vocal fatigue: Tiredness when speaking
- Pain when speaking: Throat or neck discomfort
- Loss of vocal range: Difficulty with high/low notes
- Broken voice: Involuntary pitch changes
- Foreign body sensation: "Something" in the throat
Golden rules for voice care
1. Hydration
Drink 2-3 liters of water daily
- Keeps vocal cords lubricated
- Avoid excess caffeinated drinks
- Use humidifier in dry environments
2. Vocal technique
Learn to use your voice correctly
- Breathe from the diaphragm
- Don't force your voice
- Avoid speaking in noisy environments
- Use microphone when possible
3. Vocal rest
Give your voice recovery time
- Avoid excessive talking outside work
- Rest voice after intense use
- Get enough sleep (7-8 hours)
4. Avoid irritants
Protect your vocal cords
- Don't smoke (including vaping)
- Limit alcohol
- Avoid smoky or polluted environments
- Properly treat reflux
5. Vocal warm-up
Prepare your voice before using it
- Do vocalization exercises
- Start with low volume
- Gradually increase intensity
Vocal hygiene exercises
Diaphragmatic breathing
- Place hand on abdomen
- Inhale through nose (abdomen expands)
- Exhale slowly through mouth
- Repeat 10 times
Resonance
- Hum softly
- Feel vibration in lips and nose
- Vary pitch gradually
- Maintain neck relaxation
Vocal range
- Start at comfortable mid-pitch
- Go up gradually (do-re-mi...)
- Go down gradually
- Don't force extremes
Treatment of vocal problems
Specialized evaluation
The ENT will perform:
- Laryngoscopy: Direct visualization of vocal cords
- Stroboscopy: Vibration analysis
- Acoustic analysis: Objective voice measurement
Treatment options
Voice therapy (speech therapy) First line of treatment Vocal re-education Specific exercises Relaxation techniques Medical treatment
- Reflux control
- Anti-inflammatories (selected cases)
- Allergy treatment
Surgery (microlaryngoscopy) Only when necessary:
- Polyps
- Nodules not responding to therapy
- Suspicious lesions
Prevention for voice professionals
If your work depends on your voice:
- Annual preventive vocal evaluation
- Vocal technique training
- Vocal ergonomics at work
- Stress management
- Constant hydration
Conclusion
Your voice is your work instrument. Caring for it is not optional, it's essential. Most vocal problems can be prevented with good habits and treated effectively when detected early. If you notice changes in your voice, don't wait. Early evaluation can make the difference between quick recovery and a chronic problem.
Questions or need a consultation?
I'll be happy to help you resolve your doubts or schedule an appointment.