Glossary of Voice Terms, Part 2
Abdominal-Diaphragmatic Breathing (AD Breathing): This technique allows voice clients to optimize inhalations and exhalations to improve airflow when speaking. Being that the breath is the powerhouse of the voice, becoming more aware of inhalations before speaking could help to establish a more supported voice during vocal practice. Click here to check out our previous post on beginner voice exercises for more details.
Acid reflux: A condition in which acidic gastric fluid flows backward into the esophagus. Consumption of certain foods (e.g., spicy foods) and beverages (e.g., coffee, alcohol) may exacerbate the symptoms associated with acid reflux. If you experience acid reflux, it is recommended to consult with your doctor to discuss medications that may help to control your acid reflux. Click here to read about vocal hygiene in a previous post.
Aging voice: As we age, the anatomy and physiology of the voice changes. These changes are vary between individuals, but may include Presbyphonia is a term that encompasses a variety of voice changes including
Airway irritants: Environmental factors that irritate the voice and airway. Examples include smoke, fumes, smoking, poor air quality, acid reflux (see above), and even mouth breathing.
Breath support: Your breath is the power of your voice. The amount of air that you use as well as the efficiency of how you use it are elements of your breath support. Respiration is evaluated in your initial comprehensive voice evaluation, and techniques that improve your breath support can be utilized in voice therapy to reduce vocal tension and to provide access to higher pitch ranges.
Breathiness: When there is audible air escape in the sound of the voice. This might create “softness” in the voice.
Laryngeal tension: Laryngeal tension is a symptom that can be categorized as tension, pain, or tenderness in the larynx (aka “voice box”). Tension in the larynx can be functional (meaning it has to do with the way you use your voice) and can be managed with voice therapy.
Speech breathing pattern: This term simply refers to the way we breathe for communication, which is different from the way we breathe at rest or for exercise. Breathing for speech includes a quick inhale through the mouth and prolonged exhale with sound production. Speech breathing, as opposed to breathing at rest, requires activation of the thoracic and abdominal muscles to control the flow. To observe this in your own body, notice your breath at rest, and notice how it changes when you do a task like counting to 30.
Vocal fatigue: This refers to the experience of “tiredness” in your voice. Common symptoms of vocal fatigue may include vocal quality changes, cracks or breaks in your voice, or physical discomfort in the throat. Click here to check out our post on vocal rest.
