When we use our voices frequently, sometimes they endure a lot of wear and tear. We notice that our ability to consistently produce quality sound may become compromised. Therefore, we need to actively use strategies to make sure the voice is healthy.
What is Hoarseness?
Hoarseness is the condition that displays changes in the pitch or quality of the voice. The voice may sound husky, scratchy or weak when it is in this state.
Hoarseness signals swelling. Your vocal cords can be swollen for different reasons. Abuse, misuse, or overuse can cause swelling. Infection and viruses may cause swelling. Bad mucus on your vocal cords can be hurting them and wearing them down. (Yes, there is good mucus.) In some cases, growths on the vocal cords, like cysts, polyps, or nodules, can also cause a change in the quality of your voice. If your voice is persistently incapacitated, you should definitely go see a medical professional. Just know there can be a plethora of reasons that your voice is not working properly. It is left up to you to investigate your voice and understand it.
How to Combat Hoarseness
If you notice hoarseness that does not allow your voice to work at 100% capacity, there are some things that you can do to address this. Firstly, “Don’t do nothing.” Always actively care for your voice. Waiting for it to get better isn’t necessarily the best strategy. Doing what you can to make your voice improved is a better strategy.
One of the things that I like to do is give myself deadlines for a vocal improvement. For instance, if my throat is bothering me on Wednesday, I say to myself “You have until next Wednesday to get your voice back on track. That means you have one week.” In this way, I am more likely to use scheduled definitive strategies to ensure progress.
The first thing you must do when combating hoarseness is stop and recognize that your voice is not working up to par. If your voice is very tired, you should determine a period of time to rest it, even if it’s only 24 hours. Feel comfortable with not answering the phone, taking the day off from work, or using using pen and paper to communicate instead of using your voice. Do what you can to rest the voice and refrain from speaking or singing.
Hoarseness Strategies at a Glance
Apply a combination of any of the following strategies:
Rest
Suck on lozenges (Fisherman’s Friend)
Steam
Do not whisper
Avoid alcohol
Avoid the wrong foods/ irritants (especially if you have acid reflux)
Gargle with warm salt water
Drink lots of water
Take ibuprofen to reduce swelling
Drink golden milk /turmeric milk to reduce swelling (Here's a link to an article and recipe)
Use a humidifier
Avoid smoking or vaping
Boil fresh ginger and lemon, then drink (add honey as a sweetener)
Drink decaffeinated tea (caffeine can dry the vocal chords)
But understand, if you are not properly using the voice after you rest, the voice is still not going to work the way you desire if you are not using it correctly.
After you try a combination of the strategies mentioned in this article, and your voice is not still working the way you would like it to work, seek professional help. Acquire a vocal coach, vocal teacher, and/or vocal therapist when needed. (Do a little research to understand the difference between the three professionals.)
And please take care of your voice! It’s the only one you have.
If you didn't know, this is the website for our upcoming show "Got to Tell It". Tickets for the public reading have already sold out so make sure family and friends visit the website for updates on the next public showing!
Comments