Vocal Hygiene and Voice Management

[Notes: Highlights from the lecture by Vanessa Tait-Jones ]

Introduction
The voice is a most valuable instrument, even more so, as it resides inside the body. Would you neglect your instrument of wood or metal? No, you would protect it. The voice is exposed to many potentially detrimental factors: smoking, stress, temperature change, unhealthy diet and excessive alcohol intake. [Thesis The role of the singing teacher in the interdisciplinaryis available] The thesis covers Tait-Jones experience over 17 month with professional voice users i.e. teachers, preachers, sports coaches and singers. The range of singers include: classic professional, voice students, amateurs and choral singers.

General anatomy - physiology

Pharynx, tongue, Larynx, epiglottis etc. [Pictures were shown] [Pictures: http://www.voiceproblem.org/anatomy/learning.php and http://www.gbmc.org/home_voicecenter.cfm?id=1552] NB: The larynx is mainly composed of cartilage. The only bone is the hyoid bone Everything you breathe in passes through your vocal chords

Voice problems
Voice problems may appear in the following ways Prolonged irritation which causes a hoarse voice Swelling which is indicated by redness which causes a hoarse voice A callus which forms on vocal fold edge

Pathological voice problems

[Pictures: http://www.ghorayeb.com/PicturesLarynx.html] Legions Vocal nodules These occur in pairs (sore on one side bigger as it causes the other) Treatment: o Rest, proper oral hygiene, correct vocal management, and treatment of acid reflux o Surgery in the worst cases o Time period: May occur gradually over months or years

Result: o Limits range (high notes) and you may not notice until you feel that something is wrong

Polyp Cyst Occurs when a gland bursts in the muscle, forming a sore that fills with phlegm Symptoms: One struggles to make a sound as the vocal folds cannot close properly. There is a visible gap causing a breathy tone in the voice. Treatment: o Not easily treated, usually surgery Like a blister Treatment: o Not easily treated, usually requires surgery Time period: As soon as trauma has occurred and may be noticed after a day or two

Other
Laryngitis Laryngitis occurs when an infection occurs in the larynx Symptoms include: o Red and swollen larynx o Voice loss

Vocal haemorrhage Trauma Physical contact trauma is not common, but may occur while playing any contact sport oo if one gets into a fight This is where a single traumatic episode of voice use occurs

Hyper-function In the case of hyper-function, o legion or pathology is visible, rather the pathology is of a functional nature i.e. bad voice technique or a tenseness in the voice

Voice problem symptoms

Though these pathologies are neither cancerous nor painful, it affects the voice causing a loss in range, a breathy quality and causes the voice to get tired or hoarse.

Acid reflux
Acid from the stomach moves up into the oesophagus and irritates chords Arytenoids joints red and swollen Open ends of vocal chords affected Avoid complete closure, posterior gap visible Silent reflux Mostly at night Quality/overcompensation-push voice harder Symptoms o Hoarse or deeper voice in morning o Bad taste in mouth o Thick feeling o Produce voice with effort o Voice tires easily o Throat clearing becomes a habit o Compensatory voice use

Functional nature Misuse Singing/speaking technique Incorrect /abusive voice use patterns Shouting or smoking

Vocal care Avoid vocal abuse Be aware of abuse Reflux Use diaphragmatic breathing rather than Clavicular Avoid using too small a resonance space

Are you regularly hoarse? Reason: o Over use of voice: using force or making use of voice at too loud a volume for too long o Vocal legion (nodule/cyst) may have formed o Incorrect vocal technique is used on a regular basis

Prevent hoarseness Regulate the amount and manner of voice use Dont always sing out at rehearsals

Rest when tired especially long rehearsals or performances Be more sensitive to the needs of your voice Take treatment for acid reflux and adapt diet accordingly

Lifestyle and diet habits

Stop smoking. It is the top cause of laryngeal cancer and smoke is breathed through vocal chords Avoid places with polluted air (smoke, dust) Allow yourself to be fully rested. This means between 6-9hrs sleep Manage stress levels as the vocal apparatus is linked with emotions Minimise alcohol intake o It dehydrates vocal apparatus and causes acid reflux flux, especially hard liquor and red wine Healthy diet and exercise Drink a minimum of 6-8 glasses of water per day for a healthy clear voice. If you do not know whether or not you have had enough water check that your urine is pale or clear. Steam for immediate relief (water bottle) Consider meds: antihistamines and anti-depressants Be careful during weight training

Acid reflux Effective meds available to treat acid reflux. They are referred to as protoinhibitors. Gaviscon and other over the counter medication may help for a short period, but does not treat acid reflux effectively The cause of acid reflux may include a dysfunctional stomach valve, stress and an unhealthy diet Avoid: o Caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks and big fatty meals o Examples of foods that contain caffeine : Coffee, Ceylon tea, chocolate and chocolate related products o Spicy foods or those containing tomato o Being overweight as the pressure on your stomach may push acid up youre your oesophagus o Lying down 2-3 hours after eating, wait until food has been properly digested o Wearing tight clothing around waist o Combining carbohydrates and protein o Citrus, onion, pastries, fatty potato chips Drink enough water

Summery
For a long singing career treat your voice as the valuable instrument that it is, take lessons with good a good teacher. A healthy voice makes for a happy sing. For an ENT that is sensitive to the needs of a singer should you require one, you may make contact with the Tygervally medical centre or Vanessa Tait-Jones from the SU Conservatory