The voice should not be taken for granted. For non-professionals, voice is essential for communication. For professional singers and speakers, voice is a precious tool that needs to be well cared for to perform optimally. There are many steps you can take to protect your voice and avoid problems. If you do develop difficulties, prompt attention by a professional voice care specialist, such as an ENT doctor called an otolaryngologist, can help ensure your vocal health.
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The vocal cords (folds) are located in the voice box (larynx) in your neck. When you talk or sing the vocal cords vibrate and create sound.
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Any condition that affects the vocal cords can change the quality of sound that is produced. Such conditions include swelling, bleeding, growths, dehydration, rough edges, trauma, infection, and gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD).
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It is recommended that performers receive a baseline voice evaluation. The evaluation may help identify potential problems and tailor a customized prevention plan. Your doctor will review your medical history and lifestyle habits. Your vocal cords will be examined with an endoscope.
An endoscope is a thin tube with a viewing instrument and a light source. The endoscope is inserted through the nose to allow the doctor to view your vocal cords while you speak or sing. It is inserted into your mouth to create a magnified view of your vocal cord structures.
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Treatments for professional voice care depend on the cause of your difficulty. For example, GERD may be treated with medications and changes in eating habits, whereas a polyp growth may need to be surgically removed, and infections may be treated with antibiotics. Others may benefit from participating in voice therapy with a speech language pathologist. Your voice care specialist will discuss treatment and prevention recommendations that are specific to you.
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Common ways to prevent voice problems include:
• Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep and relaxation
• Drinking plenty of water and avoiding products that contribute to dehydration, such as caffeine, alcohol, decongestants, and antihistamines.
• Avoid spicy and acidic foods, mint, chocolate, milk products, alcohol, and carbonated beverages that can increase stomach acid and cause GERD.
• Do not smoke cigarettes and avoid second hand smoke
• Talk to your doctor before using aspirin, NSAIDS (e.g., ibuprofen and naproxen) or blood thinning medication, as they can cause vocal cord bleeding and hoarseness
• Use proper breathing techniques
• Avoid forceful throat clearing or coughing.
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