World Voice Day

How the voice is formed and why it needs hygiene

The sound of our voice is created by the vibration of the vocal cords - two small strips of smooth muscle tissue located opposite each other in the larynx.

When we are silent, our vocal cords are not closed, which allows us to breathe freely. When it's time to speak, the brain sends signals to the vocal cords, and they come closer to each other. At the same time, air leaves the lungs, causing the ligaments to vibrate.

Vibrations of the ligaments create sound waves that escape through the throat, nose and mouth. These organs act as resonators, amplifying the volume of the voice.

The quality of a voice— its pitch, volume, and tone —is determined by the size and shape of the vocal cords and resonating cavities, which are individual to each individual.

That's why different people's voices sound different.

We use our voice every day, and hardly anyone wants it to sound hoarse, hoarse or cracked.

Therefore, tips on keeping your voice healthy are suitable for the widest audience — all of us.

However, it is especially important to observe voice hygiene for those for whom the voice is not just a way of communication, but also a working tool.

Such people include teachers, singers, teachers, lawyers, politicians, and many others.

In addition, voice hygiene can be useful for those who have recently undergone medical procedures and interventions that can injure the vocal cords, such as intubation or bronchoscopy.

What is included in the hygiene of the voice

Sufficient water consumption and humidification of the room

At the same time, you need to drink as much as you want — it doesn't have to be.

!!!! However, if you exercise, are in a hot climate, or lose water for any other reason, this needs to be compensated with an additional volume of liquid.

It is good if you have a humidifier installed in your apartment — it is especially important in winter, when the air at home is dry due to heating. For the health of the vocal cords, it is recommended to keep the humidity in the apartment at 30%.

Balanced nutrition

Include more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. These products contain vitamins A, E and C. They help to keep the mucous membranes of the throat healthy.

Healthy lifestyle 

Engage in physical activity regularly — this increases endurance and muscle tone, as well as ensures good posture and proper breathing, which are necessary for the speech apparatus. Do not forget about adequate rest: physical fatigue negatively affects the voice.

How to use your voice correctly

During a conversation, try to breathe evenly, so that there is enough air volume to pronounce phrases. Sentences that are too long can be avoided.

Important: don't overexert your voice. Both loud screams and whispers lead to tension in the vocal apparatus. These extremes are best avoided.

Do not try to shout over a noisy crowd at a concert or a TV set turned on at maximum volume — this will be a great stress for the vocal cords. If you want to say something to a person in another room, it is better not to be lazy and approach him.

If you feel that your voice is sinking, it is better not to strain your vocal cords, but to let them rest. Colds also put additional strain on our vocal system, especially when we cough and expectorate phlegm. At this time, you should speak as little as possible.

We have prepared a small reminder for you that will allow you to replace bad voice habits with useful ones.

If you drink enough fluids, lead a healthy lifestyle, don't overload your vocal system by shouting or whispering, and avoid substances that irritate your vocal cords, your voice will thank you.

If you feel unpleasant changes in your voice or it has become more difficult for you to speak, it is better to consult a specialist — a phoniatrist or an ENT doctor.

Voice hygiene and who needs it