Just as we care for our overall health, our voices deserve the same attention. Vocal health is essential for those who rely on their voices and want to communicate clearly and comfortably.

“I believe that knowing your own voice is the most important key to good vocal health,” said Edie Hapner, Ph.D., George W. Barber Jr. Foundation Endowed Professor of Otolaryngology and co-director of the UAB Voice Center. “It’s also crucial to understand the myths that have persisted for years about how to handle a voice change. Above all, it is essential to know when to seek medical advice and recognize that only a specialist who can examine your vocal cords can determine the cause and appropriate treatment.”

Hapner shares insights on staying hydrated, choosing effective remedies, and knowing when to seek medical advice to maintain a strong, healthy voice.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain vocal cord function and health. However, hydration is just one part of vocal care.  Hydration levels aren’t simple and are determined by the medication you take that can be drying, the environment you live in and its humidity level, and your level of exercise or exertion that causes you to lose hydration through sweat.

 Using a personal steamer or vaporizer can help keep vocal tissues moist, especially if you breathe through your mouth due to nasal congestion. Steam by breathing in through your mouth. Eat ‘wet” foods like lettuce or watermelon and drink non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages.

Remedies for congestion

Nasal congestion often leads to mouth breathing, which can further dry the throat and vocal tissues. One simple remedy is using a nasal saline rinse to gently clear the nasal passages and promote better airflow.

However, “Over-the-counter decongestants should be avoided unless directed by a healthcare provider, as they tend to dry out mucous membranes, including those in the throat,” Hapner said.

If nasal congestion persists, consult a physician, particularly an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, to determine the underlying cause and recommend the most effective treatment.

Throat relief

There’s a common misconception that cough drops provide full supportive care for your voice. While lozenges can help hydrate your mouth and throat, they don’t reach or directly soothe your vocal folds.

“In fact, menthol-based lozenges can be quite drying and may worsen throat irritation,” Hapner added. Instead, she said to choose glycerin-based lozenges, which help keep the throat moist without causing dryness.

Know when to see a specialist

Persistent throat or voice issues shouldn’t be ignored, according to Hapner.

“A cough that persists signals an underlying problem requiring medical evaluation,” she said. “Similarly, if your voice has changed and the issue lasts more than two weeks, it's important to consult an otolaryngologist. (ENT).”

“Recognizing when a voice change requires medical evaluation is important,” Hapner added. “Only a specialist who can directly examine your vocal folds can accurately diagnose the cause of your voice change and recommend an effective treatment.”

Since only a specialist can properly examine the vocal folds and determine the appropriate treatment, don’t hesitate to ask your primary care provider for a referral.