The dreaded autumn vocal meltdown
Teachers and other professional voice users - such as singers - sometimes report a seasonal "vocal meltdown." Symptoms such as effortful voicing, hoarseness or increased vocal fatigue tend to crop up in the fall. Dr. Ingo Titze, Director of the National Center for Voice and Speech, describes four likely culprits:
The heat's on:
In many parts of the United States, cool temperatures prompt igniting furnaces.
Dust that has languished all summer in ductwork is suddenly released into the
air, causing vocal irritation. Breathing heated air also tends to dry out vocal
tissues.
The vacation's over: Many teachers' voices get a well-deserved rest during their summer hiatus. They start the school year with voices that are refreshed and ready for rigorous use. But, after six weeks or so of daily teaching, their voices start to feel and show signs of wear and tear.
The year's in full swing: By mid-October, the "honeymoon" period of the new school year is over, and perhaps a few students have abandoned their best behavior. Teachers may feel fatigued as they settle into their occupational routines. This, in turn, may cause emotional components - such as stress or anxiety - that tighten the muscles used to speak, and ultimately appear in the voice.
The viruses abound: Colds and other upper respiratory infections appear in schools this time of year. Unfortunately, these illnesses tend to create havoc in the throat and chest where voice is produced.
Keys to surviving
the autumnal meltdown are awareness and prevention: