Below are some reminders to help maintain your best vocal quality. Remember, speaking or singing in a clear voice is the most important part of maintaining a healthy voice.

1. WATER, WATER, WATER! Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the best ways you can maintain your best voice. We recommend approximately 50% of your body weight in water daily.

2. Vocal Rest. If you begin to notice that your voice is getting a little hoarse, it’s time to stop talking or singing. Once you begin to sound hoarse, the damage to vocal tissue is already done. Vocal rest can be very beneficial in restoring your voice in the short term.

3. STOP SMOKING. Period.

4. Reduce caffeine and alcohol. These products tend to dehydrate your body, and therefore, your voice. Typically, we recommend if you drink a caffeinated beverage or an alcoholic beverage, you drink an equal amount of water to help compensate for the loss of fluids. These products also contribute greatly to laryngopharyngeal reflux, by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter and allowing more acid to reflux into the esophagus and pharynx.

5. Cross screaming off your list. One good scream is enough to severely damage vocal tissue, to the point of making it very difficult to repair or rehabilitate it.

6. Avoid frequent throat clearing and coughing. These are considered abrasive to the vocal folds and may cause injury. Throat clearing and coughing can start a “vicious cycle”. We clear our throats to get rid of the mucous we feel there. Mucous forms in response to an irritation. Throat clearing and coughing are an irritation, so mucous will form quickly again by way of padding the vocal fold tissue. Instead of perpetuating this cycle, substitute a hard swallow, or a “silent cough” (try a silent “huh” or “heh” with a strong burst of air), or a very gentle throat clear (1 or 2 taps only). These should help to move the mucous high enough to swallow it.

7. Medications may be dehydrating, especially over the counter drugs. Common medications that cause dryness include antihistamines, antidiarrhea, beta blockers, acutane, inhaled steroids, high doses of vitamin C and anti-nausea drugs. To see if your medication may have a drying effect on your voice, click here. This site lists approximately 200 commonly used medications.

8. Throat lozenges. Minted, menthol or medicated lozenges are not recommended. Mint, particularly peppermint or spearmint, have been shown to relax the lower esophageal sphincter and allow increased acid reflux. Menthol is drying, and medicated lozenges can further irritate a sore throat. Recommended substitutes include sugar-free gum (although not peppermint or spearmint), Hall’s Fruit Breezers, Ricola herbal drops, glycerin drops, gummy bears (if you can let them dissolve in your mouth), and Entertainer’s Secret.

9. Breath support and relaxation. Your clinician can instruct you in diaphragmatic breathing, although it is very similar to breathing recommended in Yogic exercise as well as Pilates. Diaphragmatic breathing will increase support and reduce the strain on your laryngeal system. Stress directly effects the laryngeal system, particularly for those who carry it in their neck and shoulders. Find a good relaxation method (deep, measured diaphragmatic breathing is very relaxing), and use it during times of increased stress. Jaw and tongue relaxation is also very important.

10. Adequate Warm-ups. Make sure your vocal warm-ups are completed before you begin your day, or if you have increased voice use on a particular day.