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By Connor Gunn

Vocal strain common during pandemic, U of A experts say

May 27, 2021 | 11:36 AM

EDMONTON, AB– University of Alberta specialists are advising people of vocal strain and vocal fatigue brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U of A says with an increase in virtual meetings due to remote work and the use of personal protective equipment, our voices are “constantly straining to be heard across barriers.”

“Vocal strain or vocal fatigue happens when we use our voices a lot or with greater intensity,” says Andrea MacLeod, professor of communication sciences and disorders and speech pathologist at the University of Alberta.

“If you notice your voice becoming hoarse or breaking more often, it’s a sign that your voice is tired.”

MacLeod says there are multiple large reasons why our voices are being strained throughout the pandemic.

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Silence is golden:

Working from home and doing meetings, classes, and having conversations without proper time to rest your voice could be damaging to your vocal folds.

“We no longer have that downtime between meetings to allow our voices to rest, whether that be our commute, water breaks or just walking between meeting spaces,” says MacLeod.

She recommends building vocal rest breaks into your daily routine and finding time to rest your voice will go a long way in maintaining good vocal health.

The right chair for your voice:

It may sound strange that a chair can affect your voice but it’s true, according to MacLeod.

Proper posture and the right workstation not only improves our spine but can help our long-term vocal health.

“Make sure you’re in a comfortable chair that supports you,” says MacLeod. “This allows for greater breath support which, in turn, positively affects your voice.”

Stop clearing your throat:

Although clearing your throat or coughing may feel like a natural reflex, apparently these habits can make the problem worse.

“Instead of clearing your throat, try some healthy voice exercises.” Experts recommend softly humming or trilling your lips.

This will help to vibrate the vocal folds in an easy way that provides relief.

“Finally, drink plenty of water and avoid diuretics such as caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can have a drying effect,” says MacLeod.

For other tips to keep the conversation going, go to ualberta.ca.