Voice health and care

Proper hydration and water temperature

The speaker must treat his or her voice as an elite athlete treats his or her muscles. Hydration is the cornerstone of vocal health.

The vocal cords need to be coated with a fluid mucosa to vibrate freely and without harmful friction.

However, it is not enough to drink water just before speaking; systemic hydration takes time to reach the laryngeal tissues, so it is recommended to drink small sips of water steadily throughout the day, avoiding waiting until you are thirsty, as thirst is already a sign of dehydration. It is crucial to pay attention to the temperature of the liquids.

Ice-cold water can cause vascular and muscular constriction in the throat, reducing vocal flexibility.

Ideally, room temperature ("weather") water should be consumed to keep the area relaxed and lubricated.

Avoiding diuretic or sugary drinks before a performance also helps prevent dry mouth.

Table of common vocal problems and solutions

It is vital to know how to identify and manage signs of vocal fatigue or damage. There are common symptomatic conditions that the speaker should watch out for.

For example, constant hoarseness or throat clearing should not be solved by "clearing the throat" (coughing loudly), as this violently shocks the vocal cords, aggravating the irritation.

Instead, it is suggested to swallow saliva forcefully or drink water to clear the area without trauma.

If the voice sounds "airy" or weak, it may indicate lack of glottic closure or muscle fatigue; the solution is vocal rest and gentle resistance exercises with straws in water.

If there is pain when speaking, it is a red flag indicating excessive tension or pathology, requiring absolute silence and revision of the respiratory technique or medical consultation.

Having a reference guide to these problems allows preventive action to be taken before they become chronic lesions.

Summary

The speaker should constantly hydrate his or her vocal cords to avoid damaging friction. Water should be consumed at room temperature to keep the area relaxed and lubricated.

It is vital to watch for signs of fatigue such as persistent hoarseness. Clearing the throat by coughing further irritates the area; it is preferable to swallow saliva with great force.

If acute pain occurs, absolute silence and technical review are required. Using preventive guidelines helps to prevent mild problems from becoming chronic injuries.