How is the voice produced?

The voice is generated by air from the lungs. First we breathe air in. This should be allowed to go deep into the body. As we breathe out, air flows from the lungs, up the wind pipe and passes between the vocal cords.

There are two vocal cords in the larynx. The air makes the vocal cords vibrate, causing a sound wave or voice. This vibrating column of air is then shaped into speech sounds by the tongue, teeth, jaw and lips.

The spaces of the chest, throat, mouth and nose modify and resonate the sound produced by the vocal cords. As we are all slightly different in size and shape, our voices resonate differently and we each have our own individual, recognisable voice.

Voice depends on:

• good breath supply, easily controlled from the centre of the body
• a released body and posture, free from tensions that might interrupt the air flow or that might constrict the throat
• a healthy larynx (muscles and cartilages of the throat.

Why do people have problems with their voices?

• over using their voice, using a strained loud voice, talking over noise and generally forcing for sound
• continual coughing and throat clearing. Throat clearing begins as a way of clearing mucus from the throat or as an attempt to shift discomfort but, if done to excess, it has the opposite effect. It exacerbates mucus production and causes the vocal folds to become irritated, inflamed and sore
• untrained singing
• stress and anxiety
• the voice is closely linked with emotion. Tension or depression will be reflected in the voice
• poor posture
• arthritis of the neck, shoulder or spine may be a factor
• asthma or other breathing difficulties
• smoking or a smoky environments
• irritations from fumes or dust
• acidity, reflux from stomach
• continuing to talk or sing a lot during a cold or throat infection
• as we age our voice quality and strength changes
• in many cases, there is a combination of factors contributing to the voice problem.

How to help the voice

Our voices reflect our physical and emotional wellbeing. A healthy voice sounds balanced and clear; it is flexible and appropriate for the individual’s needs.

A healthy voice involves:

• keeping relaxed. Tension in the body has a constricting effect on the voice
• good posture, the way we stand and sit and the way our spines and heads position themselves, all influence our vocal functioning
• breathing from the centre of the body, breathing before speaking and pausing regularly for breath
• imagining an easy flow of sound through an open throat and jaw
• focusing the sound out to the front of the mouth and face, not holding it back or pushing from the throat.

Do:

• conserve the voice, especially when it is tired, but do not whisper
• take time to speak and remember to breathe
• drink plenty of water, at least six to eight glasses a day
• use steam inhalation to help lubricate and relax your throat
• be aware that relaxation can help the voice
• make notes on your voice, when it is good and when it is bad – this can provide insight into your problems
•  have some ventilation at home.
•  avoid smoky, dry, dusty atmospheres. Humidify rooms, if necessary
• get enough sleep
• eat regular meals and have a balanced diet.

Don’t:

• shout or force your voice
• talk over loud background noise
• call from room to room
• sing until your voice improves
• suck strong lozenges as these only numb and irritate the throat
• throat clear or cough. Instead sip water, hard swallow, yawn or silent throat blear (huff)
• smoke
• drink alcohol to excess as it has a drying effect. Spirits, in particular, may cause swollen blood vessels and thickened vocal folds
• take care about what you drink: too much coffee, tea or cola will dry you up
• eat late at night as this encourages indigestion, which may affect the voice. Spicy food may damage the lining of your throat
• speak too quickly. Allow yourself to pause for easy breath
• let tension build up – pace yourself.