Singing, whether on stage or in the shower, is a fun way to express yourself, but it can also take a toll on your throat. If you’ve noticed signs like a hoarse or raspy voice, frequent throat clearing, a deeper tone or difficulty hitting those high notes, your vocal cords might be under strain. A sore, achy or fatigued throat is your body’s way of signaling that it’s time to give your voice some TLC.
Voice issues affect nearly 17.9 million adults in the U.S., and these challenges can feel especially daunting for singers. Let’s look at a few practical steps to protect your voice.
Warm Up
Just as you would stretch your legs before a run, it’s important to warm up your voice before belting it out. Try a few of these vocal warmups:
- Hold the sound “eeee” softly at a comfortable mid-range pitch as long as possible
- Inhale for four counts, then exhale for eight counts
- Hum softly in your comfortable range, starting with low pitches and gradually moving higher
- Glide from a high pitch to a low pitch on one word
Warming up your voice before singing will help prevent excess strain and lower your risk of vocal cord damage.
Hydrate
When your throat is dry, it’s at a greater risk of irritation or damage. A few ways you can help keep your throat hydrated include:
- Drink plenty of water and fruit juices
- Drink herbal tea with honey
- Use throat lozenges
- Limit or stop alcohol usage and smoking
By prioritizing hydration and avoiding irritants, you’ll set the stage for a healthier, stronger voice.
Take Breaks
After a few high-energy nights at Ultimate Karaoke, your voice might need some time to recover. Give your vocal cords a break before heading back for another round. In the meantime, rest your voice by speaking softly and avoiding excessive talking or shouting. Let your throat fully recover, so you’re ready to hit those high notes without discomfort or strain.
Talk to an ENT Specialist
If you frequently experience throat pain, hoarseness, voice changes or frequent throat clearing, talk to your ENT specialist about your options. While these symptoms could be due to vocal strain from singing, they might also signal an underlying condition. A few common conditions that can affect the throat include:
- Acid reflux
- Chronic cough
- Tonsilitis
- Postnasal drip
- Sleep apnea
Our specialists can help uncover the cause of your vocal discomfort and create a treatment plan. Contact Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today to make an appointment.