A simple review on the importance of hydration if you are an occupational voice user: The more hydrated you are, the less effort will be required to set your vocal folds (VFs) into motion. In other words, if adequately hydrated, your vocal mechanism will have a much better chance of functioning efficiently, & you will have much less a chance of experiencing muscle tension, vocal fatigue, &/or negative changes in voice quality. Your VF tissues will vibrate more efficiently & you will likely experience decreased feelings of irritation/dryness in the throat area, therefore leading to less throat clearing or other phonotrauma (trauma to the laryngeal mechanism as a result of vocal behaviors). This optimal functioning of your vocal mechanism is crucial as an occupational voice user since your voice is consistently used for work and you are required to uphold high vocal demands.
Hydration Boot Camp: Part One of Three
July 23, 2019
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"The Warm Up" -- Get to Know the Research...
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A study by Franca & Simpson (2011) concluded that hydration had a positive impact on measurements of vocal acoustics AND extensive research ranging from 1988-2002 (Verdolini et al., Titze, Fisher et al., Jiang et al., and Verdolini-Marston et al.) all found that dehydration increases the subglottic pressure required to oscillate the VFs (this means more effort/pressure buildup under the VFs is required to set them into motion if you are not adequately hydrated). Titze also found (way back in 1981) that dehydration may increase the risk of phonotrauma. Stated another way to make sure the scientific benefit is appreciated, hydration has been scientifically proven to reduce the subglottic pressure required to oscillate the VFs and may diminish phonotraumatic lesions. In addition, Hemler et al. (1997) concluded that the human voice is very sensitive to decreases in the humidity of inhaled air (therefore supporting the use of humidification). Also, Tanner et al. (2010) found that nebulized isotonic saline showed promise as an effective way to remediate the adverse self-perceived effects of laryngeal dryness (compared to nebulized sterile water), and this affirms the benefits of direct/surface hydration via ultrasonic nebulizer use (with 0.9% isotonic saline solution).
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There are two types of hydration: systemic hydration (internal bodily hydration usually via water or humidification) & direct/superficial hydration (fluid covering the VF surface via ultrasonic nebulizer use with 0.9% isotonic saline OR steam inhalation although not as effective). Research has found that systemic hydration thins secretions (which makes it easier for the voice to “perform”) but may take up to a few hours to benefit the VF tissues (this is why it is best to sip all day long &/or drink water at least 90 minutes prior to strenuous &/or professional vocal use). Direct/superficial hydration promotes quick but transient surface lubrication & decreased lung pressure for speaking/singing & also provides a physical & bio-chemical barrier protecting the underlying VF mucosa from mechanical damage, irritation, & pathogen invasion.
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Stay tuned for Parts Two and Three of this Hydration Boot Camp series to learn lots more about how you can set your VOICE up for hydration success!
Author
Sara Davis, M.A. CCC-SLP
Author
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