Losing your voice can be a major inconvenience. Such loss can be caused by exhaustion of the vocal cords or more serious medical problems. Many vocalists and other individuals who use their voices at high volume for extended periods of time are mute from time to time. If the loss is caused by a reason other than temporary overuse of the vocal cords, see a physician. If your loss is caused by exhaustion or excessive strain on your voice, you can recover quickly in a few steps.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Having healthy behaviors
Step 1. Rest your voice for as long as possible
A simple conversation at normal volume can put unnecessary strain on the vocal cords, shortening your recovery time. Of course, certain situations require speaking. Limiting the use of your vocal cords can help speed up the recovery process – so try not to talk.
- Whispering is even worse. It's unnatural and ends up straining the vocal chords even more.
- Keep a pen and paper with you to write down what needs to be communicated to others. This can be a lot of fun!
Step 2. Gargle salt water.
Gargle hydrates the throat, softens the vocal cords and speeds up the voice recovery process. There are several commercial mouthwashes that can kill bacteria in the throat. Some bacteria can cause voice loss.
If you heat a glass of water in the microwave, make sure the liquid is not too hot. The last thing you want is to burn your throat
Step 3. Warm up your body with yoga
The voice is part of the body – so if you want to warm up your voice, warm up your whole body. Yoga is a great way to stay aware of your body and start getting your diaphragm to work. If you're not super sick, this is a way to let go (if you're sick, it might be better to stay in bed!).
Here is a good exercise to get your diaphragm working. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and slightly apart. Place your hands on your knees and, with your arms straight, inhale deeply through your nose. Exhale powerfully with your mouth. Place your hands on your knees and press them firmly, spreading your fingers apart. Look up, stretch your tongue and mimic a lion's roar – a loud, open “ahhh”. Make sure the sound comes out of your diaphragm, not your throat
Step 4. Use the power of steam
It's all about hydration – I mean it. If you have water around, everything will be fine. If a hot shower is not available at the moment, bring a pot of water to a boil and put your head over it. Throw a towel over your head to keep the steam circulating through your nasal cavity.
Stay in position for a few minutes. You should start to feel your nasal cavities clearing (if you have a cold). Repeat this as many times as you like
Step 5. Stop smoking
As if this hasn't been said for years, smoking is absolutely terrible for every aspect of your health, including your voice. This is what drying out the esophagus is! You will likely also strengthen your vocal cords.
If in doubt: quitting smoking will save you money; it's better for those around; cuts the risk of heart disease and lung and bladder cancer; makes all kinds of exercises easier
Step 6. Visit a doctor
If you simply sang karaoke a few times last night, you probably don't need to be too concerned about the problem. However, be alarmed if your voice has not been manifesting for a week for no apparent reason. Visit your doctor to find out what's going on.
Generally speaking, you should see your doctor if any problems last longer than a day. It's always better to be safe than sorry. If the problem is accompanied by other symptoms (cough, fever, etc.), you will definitely need to see your doctor
Method 2 of 3: Eating and Drinking Better
Step 1. Drink lots of water
Keep your body well hydrated while restoring your voice. Increasing your fluid intake helps your throat produce a healthier amount of moisture and restores voice functions. Moisture is vital for voice recovery.
What is the opposite of water? Alcohol. It dries out the throat and leaves the entire body dehydrated. If you want to recover your voice, avoid it
Step 2. Avoid acidic foods and acidic drinks
Acidic foods and drinks – such as teas, citrus fruits and chocolates – have no direct positive effect on the vocal cords, but they do promote acid reflux (a very bad thing). Acid reflux can worsen inflammation and exacerbate voice loss. The best way to get rid of foreign substances and bacteria that are harming your voice is to drink lots of clean water.
You heard right: Tea is acidic, and acidic things are bad for the tissue in your esophagus. People swear that tea soothes the throat because it makes them feel better. Tea is relaxing, but it doesn't help
Step 3. Keep liquids warm
Okay, since you probably won't just drink water, keep any liquid you drink warm. You don't want it to be too hot or too cold – both temperatures negatively affect the throat tissue. If you're drinking tea (let's face it: you probably are), honey is acceptable.
Curious about milk? Dairy products will coat your throat. This can be relaxing, but it only covers up the problem and makes it come back after a short time. If you are going to sing or perform in any other way, do not consume dairy products hours before the performance
Method 3 of 3: Using Products to Get Relief
Step 1. Visit your local pharmacy
There are at least a dozen products that claim to magically heal our voices. Elmo Vermelho is an example of a product that apparently helps your voice get back to normal. If you are desperate for a magic solution, such a product can help.
But just to remind you: water, water, water, water, a little more water and vocal rest are the best solutions. Don't depend on miracles
Step 2. Use lozenges or medicine in drops to lessen the pain
A change in temperature or a dry environment can irritate the throat. Because of this, providing moisture can help alleviate this irritation. The use of medication in drops and other tablets is effective in keeping the throat lubricated.
Even chewing gum can help a dry hole. The longer you stay lubricated and hydrated, the better it will be
Step 3. Invest in a humidifier
Especially if the dry environment is the cause of this irritation, a humidifier can help solve your problem. It's a bit like throwing your head into a steaming pot of water. However, with the humidifier, the water will circulate throughout the environment.
Step 4. Address the problem
Losing your voice is usually a symptom of a bigger problem. If you have a cough, colds, or sore throats, address these issues without focusing only on losing your voice. You may find that your voice returns after taking antibiotics. Start taking Vitamin C. Stop the flu.
