Look For the Signs: Part Two
March 17, 2019
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A “hoarse” voice is NOT normal. In a survey of ~230 fitness professionals/instructors (Davis, 2018), approximately 70% of all respondents reported experiencing hoarseness related to class instruction/voice use. Previous research suggests a strikingly similar percentage. In a 2013 study by Rumbach, the prevalence of self-reported acute and chronic voice symptoms in fitness instructors was 78.95% and 70.91% respectively, and another study in 2017 (Fontan et al) noted the prevalence of self-reported vocal difficulties in fitness instructors as 55%. Despite these high percentages, “hoarseness” is NOT normal (for anyone), even this at-risk population who consistently uses the voice as a vehicle for inspiration, coaching, and motivation—and often dynamically and while moving/exercising themselves! As an occupational voice user, YOUR VOICE is your calling card, your instrument, and the vehicle through which you deliver a very important message DAILY. It’s important for those you interact with to hear a FIT VOICE because the voice is reflective of what’s going on inside the body (physically, mentally, and emotionally). . . What are the signs of an INJURED voice?
*Deteriorated vocal quality
*Increased need to strain to produce voice
*Increased pressure for output/effort required to produce/use voice
*Pain during speaking, singing, or other voice tasks
*Feeling of lump in the throat
*Vocal fatigue (voice gets tired during/after you use it)
*Reduced range (speaking or singing voice)
*Pitch breaks and/or inability to maintain “normal” pitch
*Overall loss of vocal control
*Unable to depend on voice
*Unsure what is going to “come out”
*Inconsistent quality of voice
*Reduced ability to project voice
*Change in voice quality throughout the day
*A feeling like you are “running out of air” when you talk
*Delayed onset of voicing, especially at higher pitches (this means your voice doesn’t “turn on” when you intend for it to
There are a variety of reasons your voice could experience any of the above signs/symptoms. Even just slight inflammation, irritation, and/or swelling of the vocal folds can have a significant impact on the voice because these changes in the vocal fold tissues cause the vocal folds to be “larger” and “more puffy”—when they are like this, it takes more force/air to vibrate this “larger mass”, and the vibration (sound) is negatively affected. In addition, your brain may “tell” your body to overcompensate via muscle tension (use more effort/strain/muscle to produce the target voice). High vocal demand can lead to vocal fatigue, which is related to overuse or misuse of the voice, using poor vocal techniques, and/or being emotionally or physically stressed.
It’s important to learn how to care for and efficiently (and dynamically) use your voice NOW, so you are being proactive versus reactive. Studies have indicated that formal vocal training is beneficial to vocal endurance; trained vocalists appear to be less susceptible to vocal fatigue than individuals who have not had vocal training (Milbrath & Solomon, 2003). EDUCATION IS POWER. Learn about your instrument, how to care for your voice, and how to use it in the most efficient and dynamic ways possible to experience daily success as an occupational voice user! Decide to “have your voice’s back” and LOOK OUT FOR THE SIGNS! . .
