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Singing Vocal Health

August 25th, 2010

Vocal health for singers is very important when it comes to singing your best. There are several things that can have an effect upon the quality of your vocal performance. What’s important is that you recognize problems and keep them at bay before a big performance. Here are a few common things to keep in mind when it comes to your vocal health:

How alcohol affects your vocal health

Alcohol is not good for your vocal cords because it causes the blood vessels in them to dilate. When the blood vessels dilate, the blood thins and comes to the surface, which makes you more susceptible to a hemorrhage on your vocal cords. Limit your intake of alcohol to those days that you don’t have to practice or perform and drink plenty of water on those days that you choose to drink, because alcohol dehydrates you.

Cigarette smoke affects your voice

Smoke causes your throat to get irritated and this leads to inflammation that makes it difficult for you to sing your best. Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke as best you can. You especially want to avoid smoke several days before a lesson or performance.

Clearing your throat

If you are a habitual throat clearer, now is the time to break the habit and find the root of the problem. Excessive throat clearing can be caused by mucus buildup from postnasal drip or acid reflux. Swallow instead of clearing your throat and talk with your doctor about the cause. For many singers, throat clearing is just an unconscious habit that results from trying to clear the vocal cords for singing. Singing with a little mucus won’t hurt.

Vocal health and the foods you eat

Certain foods can irritate your voice. Dairy products often cause mucus to build up, which causes you to clear your throat frequently. Some people may be affected by spicy foods while others are not. Since everyone is different, you will have to listen to your own body and discover the foods you should avoid for a few days before you are scheduled to sing.

Pollen, dust and your vocal health

Sensitivities to allergens, such as pollen or dust, may cause the vocal folds and throat to swell. Ask your doctor for suggestions to help with allergy problems. There are some basic precautions you can take at home for allergy relief. Maintain a clean home so dust doesn’t have the chance to settle and cause your problems and select allergy-free bedding to sleep on at night. Pay attention to your local news and weather for pollen count updates. Most areas have higher pollen counts in the early morning or early evening. If you need to spend time outdoors, doing so in the middle of the day is a good idea so you encounter less pollen.

How medication affects your vocal health

Many of the medications that you take to treat a runny nose or watery eyes will dry out your throat too. If you have to take the medication, then drink lots of water before you sing so your throat won’t become too dry. If it is possible, you might want to avoid taking any medications before your singing engagement.

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