Preserving the sounds of the season

As the holiday season approaches, more people voice concern about the best methods for keeping vocal cords in shape for upcoming church choir performances, holiday concerts and spur-of-the-moment caroling.

Common causes for voice problems include misuse, such as loud talking in noisy environments and excessive coughing; smoking; and acid reflux, as well as stress, allergies, medications and even inadequate water consumption.

“The best thing you can do is to keep up an adequate level of hydration,” said Janis Deane, a speech pathologist who specializes in voice disorders at the Clinical Center for Voice Care at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Grab a bottle of water instead of a cup of coffee, which tends to dry you out.”

If you have to do a lot of singing in a short period of time, consider giving your vocal cords a rest by staying quiet during rehearsal break, said Dr. Ted Mau, a laryngologist and throat surgeon with the Clinical Center for Voice Care. “It’s particularly important to not push your voice when you already feel you need to strain to sing or talk.”

Other precautions to consider:

• Avoid smoking and smoke-filled rooms or entryways, particularly just before a performance.
• Avoid eating a large meal just before a performance, particularly caffeine and acidic foods such as chocolate or citrus, all of which can cause acid reflux.
• Avoid repeated clearing of the throat, which can irritate the voice box. Take a sip of water instead.
• Treat coughs quickly so they don’t develop into more serious hacking.
• Avoid alcohol, including folk remedies such as brandy and hot toddies, which are more likely to dry out the vocal cords.

Voice problems that last beyond a few weeks should be evaluated by a physician.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/earnosethroat to learn more about
UT Southwestern’s clinical services in otolaryngology.

Media Contact: Russell Rian