Vocal hygiene for the voice professional

PURPOSE: This article presents the current state of knowledge regarding vocal hygiene for the voice professional. RECENT FINDINGS: Research regarding vocal hygiene has primarily focused on two areas: vocal hygiene as a preventive strategy, and vocal hygiene as a management technique for individuals with voice disorders. It is difficult to assess the effectiveness of vocal hygiene as a preventive tool as programs are often expensive leading to limited data. Vocal hygiene as a sole strategy for the treatment of voice disorders has shown minimal, but favorable results. As a component of a comprehensive therapeutic program, it is difficult to isolate the influence of vocal hygiene. However, limited components of vocal hygiene including hydration and vocal rest have been associated with improved therapeutic outcomes. In addition, the current literature proposes a paradigm shift away from more restrictive therapy approaches to a holistic approach to vocal well being. SUMMARY: Vocal hygiene should be considered only as a component of a broad vocal rehabilitation program. The role of vocal hygiene as a means to prevent voice disorders remains unproven. Additionally, some of the findings may be applied to both dysphonic and healthy individuals in order to facilitate vocal well being.