We use our voice every day from the moment we get up to the time we go to bed without any conscious effort. Our voices are part of who we are and are as unique as our DNA. Some individuals such as teachers, lawyers, sales people, and public speakers, rely on their voices professionally. No matter who you are or what you do for a living, your voice is important.

Experts estimate that 7.5 million people have voice disorders. Many of these can be avoided by keeping the voice healthy and maintaining good voice habits.

“Voice problems can occur at any age. Signs of a voice disorder can include hoarseness that lasts several weeks; persistent throat pain – when throat feels raw, achy or strained for several weeks; unusual changes in voice, such as the inability to hit certain high notes when singing; and sounding like you have a cold when you don’t,” says Dr. Denis Lafreniere, director of the UConn Health Voice and Speech Clinic.

Common causes of voice disorders include infections, upward movement of stomach acids into the throat, growths due to a virus, cancer, and diseases that paralyze the vocal cords.

The only program of its kind in Connecticut, the UConn Health Voice and Speech Clinic has helped thousands of individuals from Connecticut and beyond.

“We treat all types of voice problems for any level of voice user. Our patients range from those who have lost their voice due to laryngeal cancer to professional singers who are at risk of losing their career due to their loss of vocal range or control,” says speech pathologist Starr Cookman.

After a thorough evaluation utilizing state-of-the-art laryngeal imaging and computer-based voice analysis, patients receive an individualized treatment plan that may include voice therapy, medication, laryngeal surgery, or a combined approach.

Top 10 tips to keep your voice healthy include:

1. Avoid airborne irritants such as smoke from cigarettes, cigars, recreational drugs, and vapors that can have a harmful effect on your voice.
2. Use a humidifier if the air in your bedroom is dry.
3. Your voice can suffer if you are unwell. Exercise, nutrition, stress management, and safety precautions are voice savers.
4. See your doctor if you suffer from chronic reflux or post nasal drip, and try to avoid over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants which may be drying. Speak with your physician about alternatives.
5. See your physician if you have two or more weeks of unexplained hoarseness.
6. Take a voice nap. Your voice will give warning signs of fatigue, discomfort or qualitative changes when you have overdone it. Avoid using your voice if you have hoarseness related to a cold or flu.
7. Consider using a portable voice amplification unit if you use your voice to address groups of 10 or more for more than two to three hours per day.
8. If you are a singer, periodically check in with a teacher to be sure your technique is keeping up with any changes in your voice.
9. Avoid yelling, screaming, shouting, throat clearing, and chronic coughing. This type of vocal activity can lead to vocal fold swelling and growths.
10. Stay hydrated. Drink non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated fluids throughout the day to help keep your voice comfortable.

Join Dr. Denis Lafreniere and learn more about keeping your voice healthy at the Discovery Series on Thursday, April 14, at 7 p.m., or attend the 2016 World Voice Day Symposium on Friday, April 15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both events will be held in the Keller Auditorium, located in the Main Building at UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue. To register, call 800.535.6232.