Tag: vocal health

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When Throat Viruses Attack – Back to singing after illness/vocal fatigue

Reading time: 4-5 minutes

Singing after illness or after bouts of vocal fatigue (especially when viruses, colds, sinus issues, mucous-heavy bugs have hit you) is a critical topic to consider. There is a certain amount you CANNOT do as you have to let an illness run its course. However, there are also things you can do to ensure your voice is as good as it can be for when the virus finishes it’s run. In this post, I wanted to take you through five key tips I use as part of my regimen to a) get my voice through a tricky throat virus or cold-based sickness, and b) alleviate how the symptoms can further aggravate your voice. Continue reading “When Throat Viruses Attack – Back to singing after illness/vocal fatigue”

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500 words or less: Five Good Habits for Vocal Health

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: