- **Epistemic status:** #budding Vocal hygiene is a routine of good habits to maintain a healthy voice. There are several rules to follow in order to maintain healthy vocal folds during voice training or speech therapy. - **Water intake:** During the voice exercise and whenever you are thirsty, make sure to have a bottle with a healthy fluid such as water. This will keep the mucosa of the vocal folds well hydrated. - **Limit caffeine intake:** Caffeine is a diuretic, in other words, it forces fluid to pass through the body rapidly. If fluids are not replaced regularly, the mucosa of the vocal folds become dehydrated. This makes it harder for the muscles of the larynx to keep the vocal folds vibrating smoothly. If you do drink coffee, make sure to drink extra water to compensate. - **Limit alcohol:** Alcohol can cause mucus build up since the blood vessels can dilate. Consume it on moderation and compensate with drinking extra water. - **Quit smoking and stay away from second hand smoke:** Smoking is damaging to the whole vocal system. It can cause permanent hoarseness. - **Avoid throat clearing or coughing:** Patterns such as this one can put too much force on your vocal cords, delaying the time it takes them to heal. - **Avoid whispering:** This can put too much air pressure on your vocal cords that may cause damage. - **Perform warm-up exercises:** Before singing or doing any intensive vocal exercise, perform a warm-up exercise to avoid damaging your voice. - **Perform cool down exercises:** After singing or doing any intensive vocal exercise, perform a cool down exercise to avoid damaging your voice to be able to return to a normal speaking voice. --- ## References - Mayo Clinic. “How Much Water Do You Need to Stay Healthy?” Accessed August 8, 2022. <https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256>. - S-LP, Melissa James, M. H. Sc. “What Is Vocal Hygiene?” Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy - for Adults, Teens, and Workplaces. Accessed August 8, 2022. <https://www.torontospeechtherapy.com/blog/2020/what-is-vocal-hygiene>. - “Solid Introductory Voice Training Resources : Transvoice.” Accessed August 8, 2022. <https://www.reddit.com/r/transvoice/comments/mgaci7/solid_introductory_voice_training_resources/>.