Vocal hygiene and drug effects

Question 0

How do you avoid forceful coughing and throat clearing?

Answer 0

Dry swallow - closes VF and helps remove mucous.
Small sips of water.
“Silent cough” - abdominal support to push air through glottis to produce /h/ which removes mucous.
Pant lightly then swallow.
Hum lightly.
Laugh gently or giggle then swallow.
Talk through mucous - natural vibrations of VF may rid them of secretions.
Vocalise lightly on 5 note scale.
Increase awareness of throat clearing.

Question 1

How do you avoid shouting, screaming, cheering etc

Answer 1

Use a whistle
Monitor vocal abusive behaviours
Gesturing
Hissing
Know limits of voice
Soft articulated speech better than shouting

Question 2

How do you avoid talking in noisy situations?

Answer 2

Face the listener.
Gently overarticulate.
Slow rate.
Speak at normal pitch.
Use nonverbal communication.

Question 3

How do you avoid excessive talking?

Answer 3

Vocal naps 2-3 times per day.
Limit phone time.
Be a good listener.

Question 4

How do you keep vocal tract/larynx moist?

Answer 4

Drink water frequently.
Super-hydrate for air travel.
Steam inhalations.
Avoid caffeinated drinks.
Avoid drying medications.

Question 5

How do you avoid vocalisations when lifting or exercising?

Answer 5

Exhale slowly on exertion phase.

Adduct VF gently prior to initiating exercise activity.

Question 6

How do you warm up your voice before use?

Answer 6

Hum gently (progressing from 1 pitch to 3 or 4).
Hum a melody.

Question 7

How do you maintain appropriate relaxation?

Answer 7

Relax mouth - chewing, blowing raspberries etc.
Relax neck and shoulder area.
Relax vocal tract and larynx - silent giggle, large yawn, chewing sighing, swallowing.
Develop awareness of tension sites and learn how to reduce tension there.

Question 8

How do you reduce exposure to irritants?

Answer 8

Don't smoke.
Avoid alcohol.
Keep hydration up.
Wear face masks.
Improve ventilation.

Question 9

What sort of abusive vocal behaviours should you avoid?

Answer 9

Hard glottal attack.
Speaking on reduced breath supply.
Avoid talking with UTRI.

Question 10

What are appropriate singing and talking strategies?

Answer 10

Maintain upright and balanced posture.
Suppose voice with adequate breath.
Singing lessons if appropriate.
Maintain open mouth production.
Face listening/audience.

Question 11

What are some of the drugs that affect voice?

Answer 11

Androgens
Anabolic steroids
Central nervous system stimulants
Sedatives
Narcotics
Tricyclic antidepressants.
Antihistamines
Inhaled steroids
Some cardiovascular drugs
Anti-anxiety agents (benzodiazepines) - rare