News You Can Use: Spotting Early Signs of Vocal Fatigue

Chaya Guntupalli Nanjundeswaran is a professor of communication sciences and disorders who studies everyday habits that sneakily strain the voice.

"Your voice tires faster than it used to; you can't get through rehearsal or class like before," she said. "You feel tightness or effort in your throat or neck. Pitch control slips or those high notes feel out of reach. Your voice gets softer or duller as the day goes on.

"You find yourself clearing your throat often or needing frequent sips of water. You sound hoarse at night but better after rest. Those are your voice's quiet ways of saying, 'I need a break.'"

Some people notice these signs but brush them off as "just a long day," Guntupalli said. But it's not just the demands of public speaking, singing or teaching that affect your voice.

"Talking over background noise in restaurants, classrooms or games," she said. "Phone calls in the car or on speaker, or singing in the car with music. Cheering or yelling at events, even fun ones.

"Vocal effort and fatigue usually come from too much vocal demand and too little recovery, not just one 'bad moment.'"

Guntupalli offers seven simple habits to protect your voice before strain takes control:

• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Do short warm-ups, such as lip trills, humming, or humming or speaking through a straw
• Take mini vocal breaks – a few minutes of quiet between tasks
• Use amplification or reduce noise instead of pushing louder
• Breathe adequately; avoid speaking on empty lungs
• Stay physically active – aerobic fitness helps your respiratory system work efficiently
• Pay attention to how your voice feels, not just how it sounds.

"Think of it like voice fitness; a few minutes a day keeps you resilient for the long run," Guntupall said. "Voice care isn't about being perfect; it's about listening to your body early and often."

If your voice, throat or effort level feels off for more than two weeks, get it checked, the Ole Miss professor advised. Also seek help if you notice you're working harder to be heard, your range has shrunk or you've lost high notes, or if vocal fatigue keeps coming back even with rest.

If your career depends on your voice, don't wait, Guntupalli said. An ear, nose and throat specialist or voice-specialized speech-language pathologist can help catch small problems before they grow, she said.

Top: Everyone strains their voice from time to time, but an Ole Miss expert offers several tips to help catch the signs of vocal fatigue early and manage it to avoid long-term damage to your voice. Illustration by John McCustion/University Marketing and Communications