Vocal Hygiene

Question 1

The term used for the use and care of the human voice required to keep it healthy

Answer 1

vocal hygiene

Question 2

What are the components of vocal hygiene?

Answer 2

1. ) Maintain the vitality of the vocal fold mucosa
2. ) Treat the muscles of the vocal mechanism like any athletic mechanism
3. ) Use the mechanism wisely

Question 3

The most important aspect of maintaining a healthy vocal fold mucosa is to always …..

Answer 3

• hydrate*
• *drink 8-10 glasses a day*
• *use a room humidifier*

*Avoid mentholated lozenges

Question 4

What are some sources of irritation?

Answer 4

1. ) GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
2. ) Sinus drainage a.k.a post nasal drip due to allergies or sinus conditions
3. ) Smoking
   4) Snorting

Question 5

The acid from GERD does what to the vocal cords?

Answer 5

acid burns the VCs, causes edema, irritation and increases possiblity of injury

Question 6

What are some things that can cause trauma to the mucosa?

A.) throat clearing

B.) screaming

C.) grunting

D.) extensive singing at loud pitch or loudness extremes

E.) All of the above

Answer 6

E - All of the above

*as well as coughing, hard glottal attack, extended loud talking, extensive talking in glottal fry

Question 7

True or False: Clients are often aware of the sources for loud talking.

Answer 7

False - they are often unaware of the sources for loud talking

Question 8

What are some ways you can treat the vocal chords like any athletic mechanism?

Answer 8

warming up before using the vocal cords, trained carefully and gradually, need rest and return to activity,

Question 9

True or False: It is wise to use medications that reduce mucosal swelling

Answer 9

False - medications like ibubrofen or aspirin cause the blood to thin. When the blood thins, the vocal folds are more susceptible to being damaged during phonation

Question 10

Which of the follwing is true about using the mechanism wisely?

A.) Our bodies have individual strengths and voices are no exception

B.) Some vocal mechanisms are made of cast iron and others made of glass

C.) Patients should compare vocal endurance to someone else’s

D.) Loud voices aren’t necessarily better or more talented

E.) All except for C

Answer 10

E - Patients should not compare vocal endurance to anyone else’s