Vocal Hygiene

1
Vocal Hygiene

• By Sonza L Curtis MPAS PA-C
• Advanced Ear Nose and Throat
• 960 Johnson Ferry Rd. 200
• Atlanta GA

2
Topics of Discussion

• Anatomy and Physiology of Vocal Function
• Common Vocal Cord Disorders
• Vocal Hygiene 101
• Vocal Team

3
Vocal Cord anatomy
4
Vocal cord Mechanism

• Resonating system
• Vibratory system
• Air pressure system

5
Vocal cord examination

• Flex laryngoscopy at Lions Voice Clinic

6
Vocal mechanism examination

• Video stroboscopy

7
Normal vocal cords
8
Common Vocal Cord Problems

• Acid Reflux (LPR)
• Vocal Cord Nodules/Cyst
• Laryngitis
• Vocal Cord Polyps
• Vocal Cord Granulloma
• Vocal Cord Papillomas
• Vocal Cord Hemorrhage
• Aging of the Larynx
• Pre-cancerous lesion

9
Vocal Cord Lesions
10
Vocal Cord Lesion
11
Vocal Team

• Physician/Provider ENT
• Professional Vocal Coach/ Specialist
• Speech Pathologist

12
Medication that may affect the voice

• Decongestant
• Antihistamines
• Diuretics BP med
• Antidepressants
• Inhaled steroids
• Other BP medication
• Muscle relaxants
• Inadequate level of thyroid meds

• Oral contraceptives
• Estrogen replacement therapy
• Testosterone and other androgen hormones
• Blood thinners
• Herbal medication

13
Helpful Therapy

• Medication for Reflux (Prilosec)
• Expectorants i.e. Mucinex DM
• Sugar free Cough drops (non menthol)
• Nasal Saline/ Nasal irrigation Nedie pot
• Steroid nasal spray ( make sure to rinse mouth
  after use)
• Cool mist Humidifier
• Healthy diet and exercise
• Organic Herbal tea okay
• Teccino alternative to coffee

14
Reflux can affect your voice

• Elevate head of bed to 45 degree
• Do not eat 3 4 hrs before sleep
• Exercise on an empty stomach
• Avoid ETOH, tobacco and caffeine
• If overweight lose weight
• Avoid tightly fitted clothing
• Reduce stress if possible
• Chew sugarless gum, especially bicarbonate gum
• Avoid fatty foods, black pepper and cinnamon

15
Wedge pillow
16
Dietary changes

• Drink at least 64oz water daily
• Avoid Milk and Sugar
• Avoid Carbonated beverages
• Avoid Caffeine or Alcohol
• 6oz of caffeine requires 16oz water
• Drink more water if athletic on hot days or
  prolong singing

17
How to avoid Throat clearing

• Slight cough instead
• Take small sips of water
• Dry swallow
• Pant lightly then swallow
• Hum lightly
• Laugh gently or giggle lightly then swallow
• Talk through the mucous
• For singer, vocalize lightly on a 5 note scales
  in a comfortable range.

18
Avoid trauma to Vocal cords

• Whispering
• Grunting/Noisy vocalization
• Yelling/Screaming or Loud talking
• Talking in Noisy Environments
• Excessive Talking
• Environmental Dryness
• Inadequate Rest and sleep patterns

19
How is your Voice?

• Does your voice sound hoarse, rough, raspy or
  gravelly?
• Does your voice sound weak, breathy or tired?
• Does your voice sound or feel tired after talking
  or singing?
• Do you have discomfort in your neck or throat
  after talking or singing?
• Do you feel like your voice is leaking, like
  theres silence or a burst of air and that words
  dont come out?

20
Cont..

• Do you have a very dry, raw, burning or stinging
  feeling in your throat?
• Do you fell like that your voice is worse in the
  mornings? Does your voice take several hours to
  wake up?
• Do you feel that you cant sing as high/low,
  loud/soft, or as long as you use to?
• Did your voice become worse immediately following
  a surgery?
• Did your voice get worse with illness and not
  return to normal when the illness resolved?
• Do you Snore?

21
Steps for Vocal Hygiene

• V - Value your voice through healthy diet and
  lifestyle.
• O - Optimize your voice with vocal warm-ups
  before use.
• I - Invest in your voice with training in proper
  voice technique.
• C - Cherish your voice by avoiding voice misuse
  and abuse.
• E - Exercise your voice to increase endurance and
  power.

22
Thank You