Humming is one of many techniques/facilitors that can support recovery of the voice. I wrote a prior overview about its use here. In Nov/Dec 2023, I got laryngitis, and so I wanted to guide you through some of the more detailed steps of how I support my voice, and similarly my clients, through recovery with more ease and speed. Day 1 Laryngitis: Initial recording at onset of laryngitis, you can hear the breathiness, pitch breaks, weakness, breath-less-ness, reduced volume. I had noticed signs of potential issues a couple days preceding this, slight sore throat, globus (glob/lump in throat sensation), and fatigue with talking but this is the day the voice quality began to deteriorate. I also believe in affirming language, speaking loving-kindness to ourselves and others, and even in these moments, I believe our voices are powerful conduits to wellbeing, speaking into existence from Divine Source our intentions and how we desire our life to be. Day 2-3 Laryngitis: I think it's important for folks to hear these real-life examples. Here's me exploring and explaining why I am using humming versus the vowel 'ooo' or 'eee' to help restore my voice in this particular moment. Notice how I am trying out vowels-only versus humming (using the m/n/ng sounds depending on the relief and resonance they achieve). The breathy-onsets (like false starts in the voice), where air escapes before any sound starts, are an important indicator that swelling is still present. Depending on which pitches in my range I try, it will be better or worse. Day 4 Laryngitis: I continued the triage tips that help soothe the throat and respiratory system overall, while also checking if there was enough voice to continue the recovery humming exercises. Thankfully, there was more voice at certain pitches, and was already sounding smoother! Remember these are hyper-specific techniques to assist when in recovery-mode! While humming is a great tool for general voice warm-ups and cool-downs even when feeling well, that has different goals and approaches.
My voice fully recovered around Day 6-7 in clarity, and after Day 10 for power and full volume and ease (that longer timeline was primarily due to the overall fatigue waves that were present throughout that particular cold and a lingering cough). ------ Updated Nov 2024: Check out the new Voice Emergency Kit! Voice loss? Laryngitis? Sore throat? Heal your voice faster with effective and comprehensive tools! ------ IF voice symptoms last for 2 weeks, without changing or notably improving, IT'S TIME TO SEE A SPECIALIST! Send me an email anytime with questions, as I'm happy to help you locate an ENT/Laryngologist and Speech-Voice Pathologist near you when I'm able. In the meantime, a couple resources that may be useful as you do your due diligence: How to find a voice physician Voice Expert Search by state (*this list is a great start, but not comprehensive and unclear how often they update so be sure to reach out to ones listed in your area to ask questions and reduce the time spent being bounced from provider to provider*) If you have questions, or are ready to protect and explore your voice, let's schedule a chat to see what's possible so you can elevate your comfort and confidence during speaking voice activities so you establish healthier voice use while reducing disruption to your social life and work responsibilities. You feel stronger, reliable and more captivating when speaking, you and are more aligned with your natural, resonant way of communicating for years to come! Email [email protected] and let's activate your voice journey!
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AuthorVoice Activator. Lover of the Larynx and Lake Life. On a mission to elevate women's self-worth & wellness via their voice. one delightful tween daughter. Dabbles in professional voice-over occasionally. Reminding you that You and Your Voice Are Worthy! Archives
November 2024
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