Voice Care During COVID-19
Talking while wearing a face mask and visor for prolonged periods may lead to vocal strain or fatigue. You may find the following tips helpful.
10 Tips on Voice Care
1. Drink plenty of fluids
Your voice will work better and last longer if you are well hydrated.
Drink roughly 2 litres (8 glasses) of water a day.
2. Adequate breath support
Take a deep, slow breath to fill your lungs with air.
Push your stomach muscles out to allow your lungs to expand.
Relax your neck muscles.
Gently let the air flow through your lungs and out of your mouth.
Open your mouth wider than usual when speaking.
3. Avoid shouting
Prolonged periods of speaking in a loud voice may lead to vocal strain/fatigue.
4. Find a quiet space
Reduce background noise.
Environmental noise will force you to speak loudly.
5. Vocal warm-ups & stretches
Voice exercises before and after your work day will stretch yourvocal cords and help prevent vocal strain/fatigue.
Take in a full breath
Slowly and gradually release the air while saying “ahhhhhh’
Vary your pitch while saying “ahhhh” (ex: low pitch to high pitch and high to low)
Gently hum a tune
6. Pace yourself
Rest your voice when you can.
Slow down and keep your sentences shorter than usual.
7. Use visuals
Use pictures, written information and gestures to help communicate your message.
8. Relax your speech & voice muscles
Take three slow breaths;
1ST breath: drop your shoulders
2ND breath: unclench and relax your jaw
3rd breath: relax the back of your tongue
9. Avoid irritants
Limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks and high fat, spicy or acidic food.
Cut down or ideally quit smoking.
10. Try steam inhalation
Inhaling steam relaxes the vocal cords and throat while adding moisture.
Boil water and pour into a bowl.
Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl.
Inhale deeply for 5 - 10 minutes
QCH’s Speech-Language Pathologists
Post submitted by our Speech-Language Pathologists