Your voice is one of your most important communication tools. Learn how to keep it healthy

Whether it’s a hoarse voice or a dry, red, irritated throat, we have some interesting tips to help you to prevent losing your voice.

Ten recommendations for protecting your vocal chords

1. Don’t smoke: tobacco smoke irritates the larynx. Smoke passes through the vocal cords on its way to your lungs and can cause swelling and polyps. It is also the main cause of cancer of the larynx.

2. Avoid conversations in noisy places: shouting over environmental noise is a battle you’ll never win. Get as close as you can to your audience, talk face on, articulate more than usual and speak slowly and clearly so you won’t have to repeat yourself.

3. Don’t strain your voice: don’t shout, control your breathing and try to use the muscles in your diaphragm rather than the throat so as not to strain your vocal chords.

4. Have quiet times: in general, you shouldn’t talk continuously for more than four hours or sing for more than two hours. It’s important to give your voice a 15-20 minute rest two or three time a day. Also, don’t talk on the telephone for too long.

5. Stay hydrated: Drinking two litres of water as a day keeps the mucosa that covers the vocal chords properly hydrated. Remember to drink water whenever you eat, always have a bottle of water to hand and avoid mints, which have a drying effect.

6. Get enough rest: sleep for more than six hours and rest before you are going to use your voice a lot for maximum performance. Physical fatigue is reflected by the voice.

7. Don’t use up all the air in your lungs: try not to talk so much that you run out of breath. To avoid straining your vocal chords, stop, take a breath and then continue.

8. Avoid frozen products: cut down on or avoid very cold products that can cause hoarseness, such as very cold water and ice cream. When you do eat or drink them, keep them in your mouth for a few seconds to warm them up.

9. Keep your surroundings moist: an over-dry atmosphere leaves your vocal chords vulnerable. Use humidifiers, avoid central heating and open the windows to let fresh air in.

10. Don’t ‘hawk’ or clear your throat: clearing your throat is a brusque, violent movement for the vocal chords. It is healthier to swallow your saliva, take little sips of water or inhale steam.

Specialists advise seeking medical advice if the problem persists for more than two weeks.