Media ReleaseFor release on Monday 16 April 2007

Protect your voice

Speech and Language therapists are today urging people to consider their vocal health and take action to improve or maintain good voice habits to mark World Voice Day.

‘It is easy to take your voice for granted’ said Valerie Morton, Specialist Speech & Language therapist at Belfast’s City Hospital. ‘Voice disorders can be very debilitating for sufferers both at home and in the workplace – so looking after your vocal chords is paramount.’

There are a number of ways to protect your voice including drinking at least 2 litres of water a day and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. If you use your voice extensively during the day try some warm up exercises such as humming in the morning, take regular voice rests, use good breathing patterns and maintain a good posture.

Valerie continued: ‘Try not to scream or shout and avoid throat clearing – which slams your vocal chords together and could be a sign of an underlying problem. The best advice is to listen to your voice and seek help if it becomes strained or hoarse. Hoarseness can be one of the early signs of laryngeal cancer so early detection is key.’

ENDS

Notes to Editor
The aim of World Voice Day is to educate and inform the public about the importance of voice and the need for preventative vocal care.

Around 1/3 of the workforce in the developed world relies on their voice to do their jobs.

It is estimated that 5 million workers are routinely affected by voice loss at an annual cost of approximately £200 million.

Certain occupation groups including teachers, salespeople, people who work in the entertainment industry etc. may be more at risk of developing voice problems.

For further information please contact:

The Belfast Trust Media Office 028 9096 0096

Out of Hours telephone 028 9056 5656