Vocal fatigue is a huge problem for singers, and can even cause cancelled concerts as well as many other problems and even permanent vocal cord damage. Looking after your singing voice is absolutely crucial. Many people are wondering how to get their lost voice back after they start to get that excessively raspy voice or even stop being able to use their voice altogether.
In this guide we’re explaining how to get your voice back and how to look after your voice and prevent vocal fatigue from being a problem at all.
What is Vocal Fatigue?
Before we can explain how to prevent and avoid vocal fatigue it is important to get to grips with exactly what the condition is. Vocal fatigue, also known as vocal tiredness or vocal strain, is a condition that occurs when the muscles of the larynx (also known as the voice box) become overworked and overtired, which can lead to a decrease in vocal performance and quality.
It is a common problem experienced by singers, public speakers, teachers, and anyone who uses their voice extensively, and those who need to project their voice or even sing challenging notes, which can lead to strained vocal cords.
With singing lessons, your journey to becoming a skilled and expressive vocalist becomes an exciting and fulfilling adventure.
How do you know if you have vocal fatigue? It is easy to confuse with issues such as laryngitis, which can also be terrible for singers and public speakers. Some common symptoms of vocal fatigue include:
- Hoarseness or roughness in your voice.
- Reduced vocal range or difficulty reaching high or low notes.
- Vocal weakness or breathiness.
- Pain or discomfort in the throat or neck.
- Difficulty projecting the voice.
- Voice breaks or cracks during speaking or singing.
- Increased effort needed to produce sound.
While vocalists can make it look like singing is effortless, this is really not true. When people aim to get better at singing one of the best things that they can do is learn how to avoid vocal fatigue.
You can see the kind of problems that crop up. Even if you use the ideal microphone and have the best recording technique, the voice can let the recording down.
Causes of Vocal Fatigue
We’ve established the symptoms of vocal fatigue, but what are the reasons why people tend to experience the condition. It is really important to understand that some of the reasons can be medical. A problem with your vocal cords, like a problem with other parts of your body, means that you should go to the doctors.
Some of the common sources of vocal fatigue include:
- Overuse: Excessive speaking or singing without proper rest can strain the vocal cords and lead to fatigue. All of us have our limits when it comes to singing, and vocal cord strain is a real problem for singers.
- Poor vocal technique: Using poor vocal techniques, such as improper breath support or tension in the throat muscles, can put extra strain on the vocal cords. To become a better singer, learning the right technique is crucial.
- Dehydration: Inadequate hydration can dry out the vocal cords and make them more susceptible to fatigue.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to dry or dusty environments can also contribute to vocal fatigue, such as when you spend a lot of time in a space with air conditioning.
- Stress and tension: Emotional stress and tension can manifest physically, a bit like the aches and pains you may get when you’re experiencing a tough time. This can lead to tension in the muscles surrounding the larynx, affecting vocal performance.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as acid reflux, allergies, or respiratory infections, can irritate the vocal cords and even cause fatigue.
Singing lessons provide the tools and techniques necessary to navigate the intricacies of harmonizing and blending voices in group performances.
How to Look After Your Voice
Knowing how to look after your singing voice is the same no matter what type of voice you have. Whether you’re a metal vocalist or singing with a soft voice, you need to think about how you are treating your voice.
Preventing vocal fatigue takes a lot of different forms, some of the techniques are listed below.
Be sure to warm up. Just like you would warm up before physical activity, vocal warm-ups are essential before extended singing or talking. Gentle vocal exercises, such as lip trills, humming, and solfege, can help prepare your vocal cords and surrounding muscles for more intensive use.
One of the easiest methods you can use is to stay hydrated. One of the most fundamental aspects of vocal health is staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your vocal cords lubricated and prevent them from becoming dry and strained. Avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate the body and negatively impact your vocal cords. Some vocalists also swear by other drinks such as honey and lemon tea.
Proper vocal technique is crucial for minimizing strain on your vocal cords. Work with a vocal coach or speech therapist to learn correct breathing, projection, and articulation techniques. You can also go a long way to improving your technique just by watching YouTube videos, too. Using your voice efficiently will reduce the risk of vocal fatigue and potential vocal injuries.
Take breaks and don’t overdo the practice. If you find yourself using your voice extensively throughout the day, take regular breaks to rest your vocal cords. These breaks should be seen as a mini vow of silence, try not to talk much throughout them. Sing simple songs with simple lyrics when you're starting to feel the strain.
Avoid shouting or whispering much. Did you know that both shouting and whispering can strain your vocal cords?
If the atmosphere in a room is dry then this can cause a lot of problems to your vocal cords. Some of us experience this when we’ve been on an aeroplane, for instance. If you find that one room is irritating your vocal cords then it is important to try and fix the issue, a humidifier could be an option.
Proper rest is essential for overall vocal health, too, so make sure you prioritise your health. Try to get enough sleep each night, as fatigue can lead to increased strain on your vocal cords during the day. On top of this, emotional and physical stress can manifest in tense muscles, including those around the larynx. Some people get a lot out of techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to keep tension at bay.
You can see from this list that there are so many different methods of looking after your vocal cords and voice that simply do not tally with the life of some musicians, especially during touring. It is important that extra effort is taken to make sure the musical talent is not compromised.
Searching for singing lessons near me will show you all of the options available in your area, you can learn about preventing vocal fatigue as soon as today!
How to Get Your Voice Back
If you have already lost your voice then it can be very difficult to get it back. If you have a show coming up then this can be a big source of panic, too.
If you are in a lot of pain or you are worried about the fact that you might be unwell, don’t take any risks, it is worth going to the doctors. If you have an infection or even laryngitis then you might need a course of treatment.
Though it is not a pleasant thing to do, gargling with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation in the throat and provide some relief. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, making sure it has dissolved. Gargle, and then spit it out. If you have any infections this can also be a way to tackle them.
Stay away from environmental irritants like smoke, dust, and strong fumes, as they can aggravate your vocal cords.
Try to avoid clearing your throat too much, as it can just make it worse. Throat clearing can be harsh on the vocal cords and may further irritate them. Instead of clearing your throat, try swallowing or sipping water to soothe irritation. Some medication also helps to reduce the tickling feeling in your throat.
Drink, and be sure you’re drinking the right things. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, but you may choose to add lemon to your drinks, and honey, which can have a lubricating effect as well as containing antioxidants.
Summary: Trying to Prevent Vocal Issues
If you have worked hard on improving your voice and getting to the point where you have the confidence to perform, or record your vocals, the last thing you want is fatigue getting in the way.
When you are preparing to record, make sure you don’t overdo it on the practice. You can spend a lot of time working on technique, microphone selection and recording methods. However, if your voice isn’t up to the task then the end result will always be disappointing.
Of course, prevention is better than cure, so if you are able to avoid issues with your vocal cords altogether then you can avoid the potential issues and disruption that come with a lost voice.
Remember that vocal health is essential, and it's better to take preventive measures to avoid overusing your voice in the future. Learning proper vocal techniques and managing your voice use wisely can help prevent vocal fatigue and potential damage.
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