16/04/2021
16th April is World Voice Day
The Voice Production
The Power Source – Your Lungs
The power for your voice comes from air that you exhale.
As we exhale, the process reverses and air exits the lungs, creating an airstream in the trachea. This airstream provides the energy for the vocal folds in the voice box to produce sound.
Give your voice good breath support to create a steady strong airstream that helps you make clear sounds.
The Vi****or – The Voice Box
The larynx (or voice box) sits on top of the windpipe. It contains two vocal folds (also known as vocal cords) that open during breathing and close during swallowing and voice production. When we produce voice, the airstream passes between the two vocal folds that have come together.
These folds are soft and are set into vibration by the passing airstream. They vibrate very fast – from 100 to 1000 times per second, depending on the pitch of the sound we make. Pitch is determined by the length and tension of the vocal folds, which are controlled by muscles in the larynx.
The Resonator – Your Throat, Nose and Mouth
By themselves, the vocal folds produce a noise that sounds like simple buzzing, much like the mouthpiece on a trumpet. All of the structure above the folds, including the throat, nose, and mouth, are part of the resonator system. We can compare these structures to those of a horn or trumpet.
The buzzing sound created by vocal fold vibration is changed by the shape of the resonator tract to produce our unique human sound.
How do you know when your voice is not healthy?
If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you may have a voice problem:
• Has your voice become hoarse or raspy?
• Have you lost your ability to hit some high notes when singing?
• Does your voice suddenly sound deeper?
• Does your throat often feel raw, achy, or strained?
• Has it become an effort to talk?
• Do you find yourself repeatedly clearing your throat?
What causes voice problems?
• Upper respiratory infections
• Inflammation caused by gastroesophageal reflux (sometimes called acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD)
• Vocal misuse and overuse
• Growths on the vocal folds, such as vocal nodules or laryngeal papillomatosis
• Cancer of the larynx
• Neurological diseases (such as spasmodic dysphonia or vocal fold paralysis)
• Psychological trauma.
Tips to prevent voice problems
• Drink plenty of water.
• Limit your intake of drinks that contain alcohol or caffeineAvoid or limit use of medications that dry out the vocal folds, including some common cold and allergy medications.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet:
• Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Avoid eating spicy foods.
• Include plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet.
• Wash your hands often to prevent getting a cold or the flu.
• Get enough rest.
• Exercise regularly.
• If you have persistent heartburn or GERD, talk to your doctor about diet changes or medications that can help reduce flare-ups.
• Avoid mouthwash or gargles that contain alcohol or irritating chemicals.
• Avoid using mouthwash to treat persistent bad breath.
Use your voice wisely:
• Avoid speaking or singing when your voice is hoarse or tired.
• Rest your voice when you are sick. Illness puts extra stress on your voice.
• Avoid using the extremes of your vocal range, such as screaming or whispering.
• Practice good breathing techniques when singing or talking.
• Avoid cradling the phone when talking.
• Consider using a microphone when appropriate.
• Avoid talking in noisy places. Trying to talk above noise causes strain on the voice.
• Consider voice therapy.
