How can I protect my voice to prevent hoarseness?
October 29, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Roberta Weinert
Dear Sir or Madam,
my name is Hildegard Wagner and I have been suffering from recurrent hoarseness for some time now. I work in a profession where I have to speak a lot and strain my voice. Lately, I have noticed that my voice quickly becomes tired, hoarse, and sometimes I even have trouble expressing myself clearly. I am worried that I could suffer long-term damage to my voice if I do not take active measures to address it.
I have already tried to save my voice by avoiding loud environments and long conversations. I drink a lot of tea and water to keep my vocal cords moist, and I try not to smoke or consume alcohol. However, my hoarseness does not seem to be getting better, and I am wondering if there are other measures I can take to save my voice and avoid long-term damage.
Could you please give me tips on how I can save my voice even better? Are there specific exercises or techniques that I can use to strengthen and protect my vocal cords? Are there perhaps certain foods or home remedies that can help maintain my voice? I am grateful for any help that helps me protect my voice and alleviate my hoarseness.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Hildegard Wagner
Dear Mrs. Wagner,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an ear, nose, and throat doctor. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from recurrent hoarseness, especially in your professional environment where you speak a lot and strain your voice. It is important that you take care of your voice and take measures to avoid long-term damage.
It is commendable that you have already tried to protect your voice by avoiding loud environments, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol and smoking. These measures are important steps to protect your vocal cords. However, further steps may be necessary to alleviate your hoarseness and strengthen your voice.
One way to protect and strengthen your voice is through specific vocal exercises. These exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the vocal cords and stabilize your voice. A speech therapist can show you individual exercises and techniques tailored to your needs. Regular training can strengthen your voice in the long term and protect it from damage.
In addition to vocal exercises, certain foods and home remedies can help maintain your voice. It is important to continue to stay hydrated to keep your vocal cords moist. Warm drinks like tea can be particularly soothing. Inhalations with chamomile or sage tea can also help calm and nourish the vocal cords.
Furthermore, you can focus on a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help strengthen your voice and support your immune system. Avoid spicy, irritating, or fatty foods that could strain the vocal cords.
It is important that you also seek medical examination to rule out any organic causes for your hoarseness. An ear, nose, and throat doctor can examine your vocal cords and recommend further treatment steps if necessary.
I hope these tips help you protect your voice and alleviate your hoarseness. Feel free to ask any further questions or schedule a personal consultation.
Best regards,
Roberta Weinert
