VOCAL FATIGUE

It is normal to have bouts of vocal fatigue, but when the fatigue continues for several days that should be a warning. Several things can lead to vocal fatigue: overuse or incorrect singing, stress, exhaustion, dehydration, illness. Learn to identify what causes your vocal fatigue. Hydration is very important for singers – drink plenty of water and have a humidified environment. Be aware of medication you are taking and how the voice is affected, especially allergy or other sinus medication, which can be drying.

Signs of vocal problems:

• Vocal fatigue for several days
• Loss or disturbance of tone, especially in the upper register and soft singing
• Intonation problems
• Hoarseness or breathiness
• Loss of vocal control
• Loss of Range
• Difficulty phonating

Causes of vocal problems:

• TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction)
• Reflux – acid indigestion
• Stress – emotional, psychological, physical
• Illness
• Hormonal conditions – PMS, thyroid conditions, menopause, pregnancy, puberty
• Vocal nodules
• Ulcers, Polyps, Cysts, Hemorrhaging

VOCAL HEALTH

MAINTAINING VOCAL HEALTH is an informative resource from University of Michigan Health.