This worldwide event is celebrated annually on the 16th April and highlights the importance of voice at work, school and in society.
What’s it like to lose your voice? If you have you’ll know how frustrating it is to manage in our everyday lives without it. Speech and Language Therapy Adult Service for NHS Dumfries and Galloway are raising awareness of ‘healthy’ voice use to occupational voice users such as; teachers, singers, actors, broadcasters, fitness instructors, call center workers, as well as members of the general public, leading up to and beyond World Voice Day.
Laura Lennox, Speech and Language Therapist who specialises in working with voice disorders said:
“Most of us can remember a time when we have lost our voice and this usually resolves itself within 3 weeks. However, a significant amount of referrals for voice therapy are for individuals who have lost their voice for a much longer period of time. This obviously can have a major impact on their working as well as personal life and also for their employers in terms of sickness and absence as a result.
“Interestingly, with reality television programmes such as The Voice, TOWIE and X Factor, we are noticing an increase in referrals for younger individuals looking towards careers in singing and acting but who have not necessarily had any formal vocal training”.
Everyone can take active steps to keep their voice healthy by drinking at least two litres of water every day and remembering to take frequent periods of voice rest if your voice feels sore or strained. If you do experience symptoms of hoarseness, breathy, strained voice or irritable, sore throats more frequently or for long periods of time then perhaps it’s time to seek help through your GP.
Various ‘Healthy Voice Use’ promotional events are being held throughout the region during the month of April, including an information stand within the main foyer at DGRI on the 16th April for World Voice Day.
