Recommendations to reduce Vocal Strain for Speakers, Teachers & Lecturers
Reduce Background Noise
- Close all windows and doors
- Turn off all unnecessary equipment (ie, computers, overheads when not in use, etc.)
- Make use of room decorations that absorb extraneous sound e.g., curtains, rugs, student projects, wall hangings).
- Position seating around your primary speaking position (circular seating vs. rows, remove chairs from the back of the room, etc.)
Use amplification
- Incorporate note packages, visual outlines, handouts, for the listeners to decrease verbal repetition of concepts
- Incorporate question/answer sessions to build in a “vocal rest” time
Maintain Good Vocal Hygiene
- Drink water constantly – maintain good vocal hydration while speaking
- Don’t talk through a cold or laryngitis – use these days as non-lecture days
- If possible, modify your lectures to incorporate a “hands on” approach for periods of vocal rest
- Run a humidifier if allowed (they run quietly)
Most importantly, before any big lecture, rest your voice for the time right before. Don’t use your voice unless necessary
AND.....
ALWAYS REMEMBER
to use any and all vocal strategies taught during therapy!
Basic Treatment for Vocal Nodules
"ASHA Leader", 2013
"Treatment for nodules includes emphasis on two different aspects of voice health: behavior changes and increased hydration.
In providing behavioral interventions, SLPs should include education for the child, parents or caregivers, and others in the child's life—including siblings, teachers, etc., about why the child's behaviors are affecting the vocal folds and how the child and communication partners can help change the behaviors.
Some specific voice use suggestions include:
The targeted amount of water appropriate for the younger child needs to account for any medical and medication concerns. "Peeing pale" is a useful guide for adults and may help children and their parents gauge if the child is getting enough water. The recommendation for older children is the same as for adults (up to 64 ounces per day) and again is related to weight, medications, athletic activity and other vocal use, such as singing. Eating water-rich fruits and vegetables can also help increase hydration. Use of interesting, colorful water bottles (after securing permission from the school) can be additional incentive for the younger child to cooperate. It is also helpful if the family adopts a "more water, less soda" habit.(ASHA Leader, 2013)
In providing behavioral interventions, SLPs should include education for the child, parents or caregivers, and others in the child's life—including siblings, teachers, etc., about why the child's behaviors are affecting the vocal folds and how the child and communication partners can help change the behaviors.
Some specific voice use suggestions include:
- Turn down the vocal volume (actually pretend to turn down a dial) and ask parents to model appropriate volume.
- Ask the child to get closer (the same room as the parent) to make requests or share information.
- Teach the child how to increase volume safely by "cheering" or yelling at a lower frequency level where, theoretically, vocal folds are more lax and shorter and less susceptible to impact from phonation.
- Take voice naps—times during the day when talking time is limited.
- Substitute behaviors such as sipping water and using a hard swallow for throat clearing.
- Substitute sounds such as a lip buzz or whistle for harsh or rough sounds made during play.
- Use an easy onset, rather than a hard attack, and speak softly, as if you were telling a secret.
- Reduce background noise.
- Don't use earbuds—or at least turn down the volume—when listening to music.
- Anticipate noisy circumstances—for example, parties and sports events—identify vocal overuse "triggers," and rehearse the strategies listed above.
The targeted amount of water appropriate for the younger child needs to account for any medical and medication concerns. "Peeing pale" is a useful guide for adults and may help children and their parents gauge if the child is getting enough water. The recommendation for older children is the same as for adults (up to 64 ounces per day) and again is related to weight, medications, athletic activity and other vocal use, such as singing. Eating water-rich fruits and vegetables can also help increase hydration. Use of interesting, colorful water bottles (after securing permission from the school) can be additional incentive for the younger child to cooperate. It is also helpful if the family adopts a "more water, less soda" habit.(ASHA Leader, 2013)
