“Lockdown throat” is a brand-new term that has arisen out of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not a symptom of the virus; Instead, it describes the sore, tight, or dry throat many are experiencing after a long day of remote meetings.
Have you noticed you talk more loudly when you are not face-to-face?
Researchers in Ireland are studying the effects of all of the loud talking we are doing these days. This sustained loud talking can take a toll on our throats. The researchers are conducting a survey to learn more about the specific issues people are experiencing.
There are a few basic practices that will protect you if your throat is bothering you:
- Stay hydrated and have a glass of water at hand.
- Warm up your voice. Don’t allow your video conference meetings to be the first time you use your voice. Don’t know how to warm up your voice? We can help!
- Sit tall.
- Schedule vocal breaks.
- Relax. If you are tense, your voice will suffer.
- Use the same vocal volume you would use if you were in a quiet room sitting about an arm’s length away from someone.
If you are unable to relieve your tired or hoarse voice with these tips, get in touch with us. You may have adapted habits of vocal tension or poor technique that would benefit from a session or two of voice therapy.
