5 Tips for a Vocally Healthy Summer

We only have one set of vocal cords that we must take care of throughout our lives. This is not just true for singers, performers, announcers, and other professions that require a lot of vocal use.

While most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, giving our voice a rough season, the summer season also presents some unique challenges. Here are five tips to care for our voice during summer:

1. Hydrate

The hotter the weather, the more you sweat so it is best to stay hydrated.  The vocal cords are made out of the same soft, moist stuff as the inside of your cheek, and when they don’t get enough water, they become more brittle and susceptible to damage. So be sure to drink plenty of water, not just for your vocal cords, but for your whole body!

2. Manage Allergens

Even under quarantine, there are allergens everywhere. Allergy symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, congestion, and a bunch of other problems that inhibit breathing and irritate the throat.

One of these issues, post-nasal drip, is particularly damaging because it involves mucus dripping from the sinuses onto the vocal cords, irritating and inflaming them. Doctors usually prescribe the use of OTC medications, nasal sprays, and neti pots to deal with these problems.

3. Save Your Voice

When quarantine time is over and everyone is allowed to visit amusement parks and attend concerts, be reminded of this – do not to abuse your vocal cords by screaming (on rides or when you see your favorite artist), loud talking, or yelling. One trick to do is to open your mouth as if you are screaming or yelling but hold off making a noise.

4. Distance Yourself from Smoke

Smoke from “smoking” cigarettes to barbecues and bonfires can cause coughing, wheezing, and mucus buildup. If you are sensitive to smoke, make sure to distance yourself from a smoker or from the smoke of barbecues and bonfires.

5. Manage Use of Air Conditioning

May it be quarantine time or not, summer signals the frequent use of air conditioners. Air conditioning removes moisture from the air, resulting in dry, wintery conditions. This can irritate the respiratory system and cause coughing just like winter air. Air conditioning and fans can also circulate dust, aggravating allergies.

To combat this, try not to crank up the air conditioning too much at home. If you spend a lot of time in a highly air-conditioned environment (like an office), you can protect yourself by staying hydrated, and using cough drops or a personal humidifier if your throat feels dry.

Should you feel any uneasiness or discomfort with your vocal cords, visit or call The Medical City Ear Nose Throat Head and Neck Institutes’ Center for Voice and Swallowing at tel. No. 8-988-1000 ext. 6250.

Source: https://takelessons.com/blog/summer-tips-for-singers-z02