Vocal Hygiene

Question 1

vocal hygiene

Answer 1

use and care of the human voice required to keep it healthy

Question 2

objectives of of vocal hygiene (3)

Answer 2

to maintain vitality of VF mucosa (hydration); to treat the muscles of the vocal mechanism like any athletic mechanism; to use the mechanism wisely

Question 3

how to maintain the vitality of the VF mucosa (2)

Answer 3

hydrate; avoid sources of irritation (reflux, sinus drainage, smoking, snorting)

Question 4

traumas to mucosa (vocal habits)

Answer 4

throat clearing, coughing, screaming, hard glottal attack, grunting, loud phonation, frequent talking, etc.

Question 5

how to treat the muscles of the vocal mechanism like any athletic mechanism

Answer 5

warm up, train, rest after fatigue (weekend warrior syndrome)

Question 6

re: wise use of the vocal mechanism

Answer 6

everyone’s vocal endurance is different; loudness doesn’t indicate talent or proficiency

Question 7

components of vocal hygiene

Answer 7

voice usage (type and amount), caffeine / alcohol use, smoking, hydration, recreational drugs, food, exercise, sleep

Question 8

ways to increase hydration

Answer 8

increase water intake, steaming, take longer showers, humidifier, decrease caffeine, avoid menthol products, decrease alcohol, decrease smoking, mucinex

Question 9

eating habits and voice (3)

Answer 9

foods that aggravate acid reflux (caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, onions and garlic, citrus and tomato, hot and spicy foods and fatty greasy foods); no less than 3 -4 hours before bed; don’t overeat