Voice Therapy for Teachers: Protecting Your Voice in the Classroom

The voice is an essential tool for teachers in the classroom. A healthy voice is important for leading instruction, managing the classroom, and communicating with students. Not properly caring for one’s voice can lead to numerous vocal issues, such as vocal strain, vocal fatigue, and long-term damage. 

Research shows that female teachers are at a greater risk of developing voice problems that result in a higher absenteeism rate than males. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 20% of teachers miss work due to voice hoarseness, which results in a cost of $2.5 billion in the United States yearly. 

Why Are Teachers At Risk for Vocal Issues?

Excessive Talking

• Teachers talk substantially more than many other professions. How much a teacher talks is highly dependent on what level they teach; however, speaking for long periods of time without rest can wear out the vocal cords. 

Speaking to be Heard

• Classrooms can be loud environments. Teachers may find that they have to raise their voices frequently to get the attention of their students. Regularly raising their voice can increase the risk of vocal damage.

Dry Environments and Dehydration

• Classrooms may be dry. Teachers also may not take the time to properly hydrate. These issues can lead to throat irritation and unhealthy vocal cords. 

Voice Disorders in Teachers

Teachers are vulnerable to multiple voice disorders because they use their voices so frequently and oftentimes in loud environments. This can lead to vocal abuse. Some of the voice disorders that affect teachers are:

Laryngitis

• Laryngitis is the inflammation of the vocal cords that is typically caused by infection or overuse. It can be temporary but repeated issues can lead to long-term damage.

Hoarseness and Vocal Fatigue

• Hoarseness can become a chronic condition for teachers due to constant vocal strain. This can be related to poor vocal habits as well as lack of rest for the vocal cords which restricts the ability to speak for long periods of time and project their voices. 

Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps

• Vocal cord nodules as well as vocal cord polyps are growths that develop on the vocal cords due to vocal strain and overuse.

Muscle Tension Dysphonia

• Muscle tension dysphonia can occur when there is tension around the voice box/larynx caused by voice strain. 
  

How Can Teachers Protect Their Voices

Maintaining a healthy voice is important for teachers. The job demands good communication skills in a busy and sometimes loud classroom. Voice care for teachers is highly important for the longevity of their careers. The following tips relate to how teachers can use their voice in class in a way that will prevent strain and voice loss.  

1. Take Regular Breaks From Speaking - Giving the vocal cords time to rest is beneficial for preventing vocal fatigue. If vocal cords feel fatigued, the individual should avoid unnecessary speaking. Switching from verbal communication to written where possible can avoid additional strain. 
2. Warm-up and Cool-Down - Like other muscles, vocal cords can benefit from warm-up and cool-down exercises. Humming is an example of this. 
3. Use a Microphone - Microphones or other sound amplification devices allow you to be heard over a large or loud group of people/classroom without the need to raise your voice or yell.
4. Avoid Shouting - Avoid shouting or raising your voice to get a student's attention. Alternative techniques such as clapping your hands or ringing a bell can be used instead. 
5. Staying Hydrated - A well-hydrated voice is more flexible and less likely to strain.  Limiting caffeine and alcoholic beverages as well as drinking 8-10 cups of water a day is recommended. 
6. Avoid Throat Clearing - Dry environments can make you want to clear your throat. Frequent throat clearing will irritate the vocal cords. Sipping water and swallowing can help the urge. 
7. Maintain Good Posture - Sitting and standing straight allows vocal cords to operate organically. 
8. Proper Breathing Techniques - Taking deep breaths to expand the diaphragm rather than shallow breaths supports the voice and prevents strain.
9. Avoid Smoking - Smoking can irritate the vocal cords and cause inflammation. 
10. Voice Rest - When facing voice problems, it’s best to take the necessary time off to allow your voice to rest and heal. 
    

Voice Therapy For Teachers

A teacher's voice is an essential tool in the classroom. With proper rest, hydration, and techniques, they can protect their voices from vocal strain and damage throughout their careers. 

Teachers who experience regular vocal strain or discomfort can benefit from speech therapy. 

A speech therapist can help with breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing (breathing from the diaphragm and not the chest) as well as breath control. A speech therapist will assist with learning techniques to project the voice without straining. Learning vocal exercises for warm-up and cool-down may also be part of the sessions, as well as incorporating periods of silence and rest into speaking. Therapy will be tailored to the individual's needs. 

Do not wait for your voice issue to become more serious before seeking help from a speech therapist. At Great Speech, we offer convenient virtual speech therapy. Getting started is easy. Schedule your free introductory call today!