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Protect Your Voice This Back-to-School Season

As schools across the nation reopen, members of the educational community are reminded of the necessity to safeguard one of their most invaluable tools: their voices. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is actively encouraging teachers, principals, coaches, and students to adopt vocal health practices to prevent voice-related issues, particularly during the bustling early days of the academic year.

Understanding Vocal Strain

Vocal strain can impact individuals who rely on their voice for communication, especially under circumstances requiring excessive use, such as in classroom settings demanding increased volume and attention. ASHA's 2025 President, Bernadette Mayfield-Clarke, PhD, CCC-SLP, emphasizes that vocal overuse can lead to complications like nodules and polyps on vocal folds, which may require surgical intervention if not prevented early. This highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of voice strain and taking action to avoid long-term consequences.

Healthy Voice Habits for School Professionals

To aid educators and school staff members in maintaining their vocal wellness, ASHA recommends several straightforward yet highly effective strategies:

1. Warm Up Your Voice: Just as physical activity requires a warm-up, so does vocal use. Engage in gentle humming before extensive talking to prepare your voice for the day ahead.
2. Stay Hydrated: Maintain a regularly scheduled intake of water throughout the day to keep your vocal cords well-lubricated, while being cautious of caffeinated beverages that can lead to dehydration.
3. Take Vocal Breaks: Enable your voice to rest, especially between teaching sessions. Try to conserve vocal energy during crowded and noisy transitions.
4. Avoid Whispering: Surprisingly, whispering can subject your voice to strain. Instead, aim to speak at a comfortable and moderate volume.
5. Limit Throat Clearing: This action can worsen throat inflammation. Drinking water is a better alternative if throat irritation arises.
6. Soothe Your Throat: Drink warm tea with honey or use steam inhalation to keep vocal cords relaxed and moist.
7. Utilize a Humidifier: Employing a humidifier can greatly help in maintaining moisture levels in your vocal cords, both in the classroom and at home.

Teaching Tools and Communication Strategies

For educators looking to reduce vocal strain:

• - Use a Microphone: When addressing larger groups or outdoor settings, utilizing a microphone can help project your voice without straining.
• - Promote a Quieter Classroom: Encourage students to speak at moderate volumes, turn off unnecessary equipment to decrease noise, and incorporate soft furnishings to absorb sound.
• - Visual Reinforcement: Utilize visuals to communicate instructions, minimizing repetitive vocal demand.
• - Diversify Lesson Formats: Balance periods of vocal instruction with opportunities for individual learning or group activities to give your voice a break.
• - Nonverbal Attention-Getting: Use visual cues such as clapping or ringing a bell rather than raising your voice to grab students' attention.

Tips for Students and Young Voices

Students, especially those involved in vocal-intensive activities like theater or choir, are also advised to follow some impactful voice care practices:

• - Avoid Loud Noises: Encourage the practice of speaking softly rather than shouting over noise, especially in dynamic environments like cafeterias.
• - Steer Clear of Energy Drinks: Promote hydration with water rather than caffeine-laden products that can lead to dryness.
• - Say No to Smoking and Vaping: Influence students to avoid environments where these habits are present, as they can significantly harm vocal health.
• - Rest Your Voice When Sick: Stress the importance of refraining from speaking when experiencing throat discomfort. Writing messages or texting can offer alternatives.
• - Practice Good Vocal Technique: Educators and coaches should guide students in maintaining proper posture and utilizing deep breathing techniques to optimize voice efficiency.
• - Prioritize Health: Encourage a lifestyle that includes sufficient sleep, a nutritious diet, and good hygiene practices to support overall wellness and avoid illness-related vocal issues.

Mayfield-Clarke strongly urges individuals experiencing persistent hoarseness or vocal strain for over two weeks to seek medical advice. An evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist can be invaluable, and they may recommend voice therapy from a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Furthermore, educators can consult with an SLP at their institution for tailored vocal health guidance.

For additional resources on voice disorders and protecting vocal health, visit the ASHA website at www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Voice-Disorders/.

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About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

ASHA serves as the national professional body for over 241,000 members and affiliates, specializing in audiology, speech-language pathology, and related disciplines. They provide essential expertise in diagnosing and treating communication disorders. Explore their services at www.asha.org.