In 2020, Lynn (not her real name) was speaking to her class when she noticed her voice was changing and softening. Eventually, much to her concern, she tried to continue but couldn’t even whisper. What was going on?
It all actually started with the common flu. Despite having a weak voice, she pushed herself to go back to work. Over the months, it got lower, huskier and breathier, and she found it more difficult to project. Despite several trips to the doctor, it continued to deteriorate.
Lynn found herself having to repeat what she was saying, which meant she didn’t have the same control in the classroom. She would be physically exhausted before the end of the work week, with a lot of tightness in her neck.
It became crucial for her to rest her voice in the evenings and on weekends, and even during recess and lunchtimes, if possible. To avoid having to talk too much, she would ask her students to play educational games or do group work.
She learnt about the importance of vocal hygiene, without which strain, fatigue and damage are very real possibilities, especially for teachers. Her doctor recommended adequate rest and hydration, and using a humidifier if her classroom was dry.
She was also advised to be face-to-face with whomever she addresses as much as possible.
A tricky but essential part of vocal hygiene is to reduce background noise, which is particularly difficult in a classroom; try clapping or using a bell to get everyone’s attention, so one can speak at a normal level.
Breath is also important. Without proper breathing techniques, your body tenses, in turn straining your vocal cords that need to be relaxed to create sound.
So Lynn began to focus on slowing down her words to improve breath flow and, therefore, reduce strain on her voice.
She was also given a list of things not to do, such as clearing her throat harshly as this could cause further damage to her vocal cords. No cheering or yelling; get a megaphone or some sort of amplification, her doctor suggested.
Conversely, she should not whisper for prolonged periods, either – just as speaking too loudly is a strain, so is speaking in an undertone.
When to see a specialist
As a result of her complete voice loss, Lynn met with a specialist. Following some tests, she was told that polyps had formed on her vocal cords, owing to the strain of using her weakened voice after her bout with the flu.
Lynn underwent surgery and post-surgery therapy exercises, which slowly improved her condition. Thanks to rehabilitation exercises, she has made an almost complete recovery.
Her vocal habits are very different now: she rests her voice as often as she can, is more conscious of how long and loudly she speaks with her students, uses a portable amplifier while teaching, and also does exercises to help relax her muscles and with her breathing..
Lynn says if you have concerns about your voice, it’s best to speak to your doctor, who may refer you to an ENT specialist. They, in turn, can perform a scope that looks at your vocal folds. From there, they can diagnose and potentially send you to a speech-language pathologist for further counselling and treatment.
Practising good vocal hygiene may involve a total change in routines, habits and lifestyles. Lynn encourages people to start hydrating, resting, breathing properly, and speaking quietly today to help their voices tomorrow.
TELEME Healing Life Stories is a collection of inspirational stories of how ordinary people triumph over their health conditions and recover to lead a healthier life. Email [email protected] to share your story.
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