Chapter 7 - Vocal Health
In the beginning of chapter, McCoy gives some advice for maintaining good vocal health. His tips include speaking well, singing with proper technique all of the time, singing in moderation, hydrating, resting, having good hygiene, avoiding unnecessary drug use, maintaining physical fitness, having safe sexual practices, and avoiding singing when sick. In the next part of the chapter, McCoy discusses important voice disorders that cause damage and pain in the voice. The first is laryngitis, which is a medical word that indicates laryngeal inflammation, where the vocal folds are puffy and stiff and a normal mucosal wave cannot form over them. It is a common symptom of allergies, alcohol or tobacco use, overuse of the voice, dehydration or gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). In moderate cases that are caused by overuse, laryngitis can be treated by vocal rest and hydration. Another important disorder to know about is Muscle Tension Dysphonia, which is a condition in which excessive tension occurs in the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the larynx. This leads to hoarseness (laryngitis), vocal fatigue, and frequent pain when singing or speaking. It can be caused by abnormally high or low pitch in the speaking voice, poor breath support for speech, and poor vocal technique. As voice teachers, it is important for us to have a deep understanding of these basic vocal health issues so that we can help our students when they show early signs of these problems. Also, things like Muscle Tension Dysphonia and Vocal Nodules can be completely avoided if our students have proper technique and vocal health from an early age. We can help our students have a much easier and enjoyable singing career if we have proper knowledge of vocal technique.
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