WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I DAMAGE MY VOICE

Throat Lozenges

Also, look for menthol-free throat lozenges. Hall’s Fruit Breezers are one example. The menthol will dry out your cords-it helps clear your sinuses but is not good for your cords.

Lemon
The same is true for lemon. Lemon might give you an immediate lift of ‘shrinking ‘ the cords back closer to their normal size, but the cost is having them dried out—so use it sparingly—if at all.

Honey
Honey is great because it soothes and coats the cords.

Saving Your Voice During Rehearsal

Once you start to rehearse with your team or choir, try the best you can to sing in a light, airy tone. This will help you go through the parts you need to without straining the cords as much. When you add air to your tone, yours cords don’t experience as much friction so its easier on them-of course you don’t sound as good but save that for the time you really need it. Sing as little as possible then go back to total rest for your cords.

You Really Are Sick (No Really)
If your problem is that you are actually sick, (for example you really have a sore throat from a virus) then the remedy would be very much the same if you have the need to sing immediately.

In addition, gargle with Listerine 3-4 times a day for 30 seconds. Do this at the onset of ANY kind of sore throat and you may void it completely. I’ve had GREAT luck with this. Others recommend gargling with salt water, but I particularly find this more effective. See what works best for you.

The BEST Thing
If your cords or your throat is sore and you can avoid singing or using your voice altogether, that is the best thing. Total vocal rest is the best as soon as possible. If you continue to sing when your cords are hurting or damaged in any way over time you may develop more serious vocal issues.
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