Voice is one of the most basic tools that enable and support the functioning of a modern society based on communication. Voice disorders have a negative impact on many areas of human activity, with specific psychological, social, and occupational consequences, and they affect quality of life.

– Voice is not just a mechanical-acoustic phenomenon but also a transmitter of moods and emotions. Voice production is a subject of scientific research in ENT, phoniatrics, audiology, physics, acoustics, phonetics, linguistics, and psychology. Voice – just like hearing – is crucial in a modern society based on information exchange – said Prof. Henryk Skarżyński, director of the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, the National Consultant in Otolaryngology.

World Voice Day, celebrated each year on April 16, is an international holiday promoting knowledge about proper voice hygiene, essential for teachers, actors, singers, and all professionals working with voice. This year, the World Voice Day’s motto reads: “RESONATE. EDUCATE. CELEBRATE!”. Let’s actively join in the celebration of this holiday, which is an excellent chance to remind everyone, not only professional speakers, how important is the voice care.

How to take care of your voice

We speak without thinking about how our voice comes out of the throat. Meanwhile, the voice-producing organ is like a wind instrument. The voice-producing process begins in the respiratory system, where a stream of exhaust air at the appropriate pressure is produced. It reaches the larynx, where a laryngeal tone is formed. Finally, the timbre of the voice and speech sounds are formed in the articulatory-resonant spaces. Physiological production of voice that meets aesthetic requirements is difficult but necessary for professionals such as singers, actors, speakers, politicians, lecturers, and teachers.

Voice is one of the most important human communication tools, and its disorders can be detrimental to many fields of human activity and diminish the quality of personal and professional life. – Voice is not only a work tool but also an essential part of personality and a way of expressing emotions. Vocal disorders can impair the quality of life and the ability to communicate, as well as negatively impact mental health – emphasizes Prof. Henryk Skarżyński.

Follow these few simple rules:

• Stay hydrated.

Drink a lot of water. Hydration helps to maintain adequate moisture in the vocal cords, which is crucial to its well-being.

• Avoid excessive voice use.

While working in noisy environments or during parties, avoid raising your voice. Screaming may lead to vocal cord overload.

• Rest your voice

Giving your voice regular rest helps to prevent overload and damage.

• Use correct singing and speaking techniques.

Work with a speech therapist or a voice coach to learn techniques, which enable you to use voice healthily and effectively.

• Keep a healthy diet.

Avoid too sour, spicy, or hot foods, as it may irritate your throat. Gastroesophageal reflux can also affect the condition of the vocal cords.

Alarming symptoms

Voice problems, such as hoarseness or chronic voice fatigue, can be the first symptoms of more severe illnesses. – Many factors can disrupt voice production and change its sound. Among them are stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and shouting over noise, which often surrounds us throughout the day. We often speak without wondering how our voice is produced. Meanwhile, the vocal organ is a sensitive instrument. Many people, especially professionals who use voice in their work, require therapy to support them so they can take proper care of their voice and use it correctly – explained Prof. Henryk Skarżyński.

Remember to pay attention to the following symptoms:

• chronic hoarseness

If hoarseness continues for more than two weeks, be sure to consult your doctor.

• difficulties with swallowing

Difficulties with swallowing may indicate throat or larynx disorders.

• changed voice tone

A sudden change in the tone of voice, unrelated to a cold, can indicate more serious health problems.

• voice fatigue

If you feel fatigued when speaking or singing, it could mean that your vocal cords are overloaded.

• throat or larynx pain

Pain during speech is not normal and requires medical consultation.

– Nowadays, we have access to various therapies that can restore proper vocal tract function. It is very important to make patients aware of their existence and build trust and understanding. Another element that determines the results of therapy is auditory control. Without any of these elements, therapy wouldn’t be successful  – said Prof. Henryk Skarżyński.

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World Voice Day was appointed on April 16, and its main objectives are raising awareness of the importance of voice and staying alert to voice problems.

The celebrations commenced in Brazil in 1999 in the form of Brazilian National Voice Day. It was created by a joint effort of doctors, speech therapists, and singing teachers who were part of a former association “Sociedade Brasileira de Laringologia e Voz – SBLV” (Brazilian Association of Laryngology and Voice), under the leadership of dr Nedio Steffena. Soon, other countries, such as Argentina and Portugal, followed Brazil’s footsteps, and the Brazilian National Voice Day became World Voice Day. In the US, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery officially recognized the holiday in 2002, the same year the event was named “World Voice Day.”

World Voice Day is an opportunity to remind people to care for their vocal organs and celebrate our uniqueness – a person’s voice is as unique as their fingerprints.