READ THE FIRST TWO PARTS OF THIS HYDRATION BOOT CAMP SERIES to give you a foundational understanding of the positive impact of hydration on the VOICE. The general take-home message from both animal and human research regarding vocal fold (VF) hydration is that dehydrated VFs do not function physiologically as well as hydrated VFs and also that hydrated VFs require a lower lung pressure to initiate VF vibration (and therefore function more efficiently). In simpler terms, if your VFs are dry, then you will likely “push” more to use them to speak or sing & this can lead to vocal fatigue, increased muscle tension, & possible vocal injury (& none of these are worth the risk). We have discussed the general research as well as the positive effects of water & humidification; today we focus on the importance & benefits of superficial/direct hydration to the VFs via ultrasonic nebulizers &/or steam.
Hydration Boot Camp: Part 3 of 3...
August 5, 2019
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Nebulize your way to optimal hydration...
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Superficial hydration refers to fluid covering the VF surface & provides a physical & biochemical barrier protecting the VF mucosa from mechanical damage, irritation, & pathogen invasion AND facilitates efficient VF oscillation. It’s also a lot quicker of a benefit to those VF tissues (immediate!) when compared to systemic hydration (which can take 1-3 hours to benefit the VFs depending on several factors). Imagine a glass of water that you BREATHE..and has immediate impact!
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Superficial hydration efforts of the “past” promoted STEAM as the top choice, but research has shown that tiny inhaled droplets of the boiled water via the steam are actually too large to make it to the VFs & instead usually absorb into the walls of the mouth & throat. This will likely still benefit the throat & oral cavity & possibly provide soothing to the muscles, but more recent research has proven the dramatically beneficial impact of ultrasonic nebulizer use (with 0.9% isotonic saline solution). The particles of moisture created from a nebulizer are much smaller than those created from steaming & therefore are able to truly moisturize the VF tissues instead of condensing in the supralaryngeal tissues (those above the voicebox), the throat, &/or oral cavity. Ultrasonic nebulizers using 0.9% isotonic saline are most effective in optimizing voice function prior to dehydration or dry environment (Hansen et al., 2016). The fluid in our VFs is made up of 0.9% saline, so using the same concentration via nebulization will promote the most optimal lubrication & hydration of the laryngeal tissues/VFs. Studies by Tanner et al. in 2010 found that nebulized isotonic saline provides immediate relief from the perceived negative effects associated with brief exposure to dry air in the singing voice & may serve as a laryngeal lubricant, decreasing the viscosity of the surface liquid on the VFs & thereby reducing vocal effort & increasing VF vibratory efficiency. It was also found that use of nebulized isotonic saline displayed the potential to reverse the perceived adverse effects associated with laryngeal dryness in singers (whereas nebulized sterile water was inadequate in achieving the same effects). Another study in 2015 by the same first author found that nebulized isotonic saline improved voice production based on acoustic & patient-based ratings of voice severity. Research has also shown that the hydrating effects of nebulizer use can last up to two hours, which is enough time for your systemic hydration (water) to have also positively impacted your VFs. More hydration BANG for your BUCK!
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Challenges to achieving VF hydration occur daily and can result in reduced efficiency of VF vibration, increased perceived “effort” for voice use, & vocal fatigue/discomfort. Eliminate these effects by consistently CHOOSING optimal hydration despite busy days, crazy schedules, & unpredictable environments. The health of your VOICE is in your hands!!
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VOXFIT™ recommends VocalMist—an extremely portable ultrasonic nebulizer that is chargeable via USB and comes with a “hydration pack” (0.9% isotonic saline solution)… use code VOXFIT to get a discount!
Author
Sara Davis, M.A. CCC-SLP
Author
Check out the Meet The Founder page for bio!