by Mark JW Graham – Vocal Coach in Nottingham, UK | Book Now
Singing Voice Hurts? Here’s What to Do
If your singing voice hurts, you’re not alone. Many singers experience discomfort or even pain when using their voice. Keeping your voice healthy is critical for both short-term performance and long-term vocal health. Here are my top 5 essential tips to help protect and strengthen your voice:
1. Always Carry a Bottle of Water
Hydration is critical for vocal health. I recommend carrying a bottle of water with you at all times. Whether you sip, gargle, or simply have it nearby, this habit will help combat dehydration and keep your vocal folds lubricated. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to avoid pain if your singing voice hurts.
2. Avoid Speaking Over Loud Noise
Trying to talk over loud environments like gigs, concerts, or crowded venues puts tremendous strain on your vocal folds. This can cause swelling (adema) and temporary or even permanent damage. If you’re in a noisy place, either speak minimally or protect your hearing and voice with earplugs. Prevention is key to protecting your singing voice from unnecessary injury.
3. Stay Away from Smoke and Smokers
Smoking—and even passive smoke inhalation—is devastating to vocal health. Smoking dries out the vocal folds and causes long-term damage to the delicate tissues you rely on to sing. If you take your singing career seriously, avoid smoke-filled environments whenever possible to protect your vocal longevity.
4. If You Lose Your Voice, Rest Longer Than You Think
When you’ve lost your voice, it’s often a sign of swollen vocal folds. While complete vocal rest can speed recovery, it’s vital to continue resting even after your voice returns. Resuming vocal use too soon risks re-injury and can make problems chronic. Always allow extra recovery time after any vocal trauma.
5. Listen to Your Body
Every singer’s voice is different. Some voices can handle hours of use; others fatigue quickly. Learn to recognise the signs of fatigue, strain, and discomfort. Over time, as your stamina grows, you’ll be able to do more safely. But until then, respect your body’s limits to prevent injuries before they happen.
Learn More About Vocal Health
If you want to explore more on vocal health, singing technique, and avoiding injury, check out these related articles:
- Shouting Masquerading as Singing: Why So Many Singers Are Just Yelling
- Why Vocal Problems So Regularly Derail Careers, Permanently
- Famous Singers with Voice Problems
- Vocal Health Issues
- Vocal Longevity: The Icarus Effect
- Why Do I Keep Losing My Voice: Overuse, Misuse, and Abuse
- The Seriousness of Vocal Fold Nodules
Suggested Reading
Mark JW Graham - Mark is a high-end vocal coach and singing teacher based in Nottingham, UK.
Certified in Speech Level Singing, and with over 20 years of musical experience, he is known as the "go-to vocal coach" for singers wanting dramatic improvements in their singing voice in a short space of time.
Trusted by singers worldwide, Mark’s expertise as a coach, singer and musician helps clients transform their voices and raise their musicianship to new levels.