November 21st, 2015

See also my short article on the Wilful Choir Page http://www.naturalvoice.net/about_us/look_after_your_voice

There's  some really useful info in the link above. I've recently just got over a bout of viral laryngitis  followed by a horrendous chest infection..unfortunately  that's what happens when you work in close proximity to children..but as my GP said, I could have just caught it on the tube! What I noticed though, and I was trying very hard not to whisper which can cause more problems, is that people around me started to speak quieter. It was rather lovely, apart from trying to teach...sort of like being on a semi-retreat. 

I find steaming is just about the most wonderful thing for soothing throats, chest, nasal cavity, sinuses and even ears. I have an old-fashioned style  steamer from Nelsons, although the glass tube in the cork is a bit loose, and this can only go in the mouth. This was recommended by a lovely local speech and language therapist. I also have a plastic one with a mask that goes over the nose and mouth, but I'm really not sure about plastic leakage..although this is more convenient to carry about with me

Another really useful hint is to try very hard not to give in to the temptation to clear your throat ("frog in your throat" ) of catarrh as this just sets up more scratching /irritating which leads to more catarrh...you see the viscous circle! Instead do  some very deep, back of your throat-type yawn, and glottal voiceless vibrations .

If you suffer from gastric reflux/indigestion (eg hiatus hernia)this is one of the first things that the ENT people will want to investigate as it can cause voice problems. Try to get a proper diagnosis before starting on heavy meds like PPIs ( nothing to do with insurance! ) Protein Pump Inhibitors eg Lanzaprazole, Zantac etc  Try milder antacids but if you ave a physical reason why the acid is in the wrong place  (eg hiatus hernia) they might not work. Rather than trying to sleep on loads of pillows, raise the head of the bed by putting large books underneath  or blocks of wood.
​Drink loads of water when you are singing or talking alot as it hydrates the tissues from within the body. Massage your neck and all around your voice box and do Yoga head and neck exercises (but don't tilt the head back for too long, if at all!)
I'll add more tips soon...