Learning Outcomes:
Students should be able to:
1) Define deafness2) State the etiology of hearing loss
3) Explain the pathophysiology of hearing loss
4) State the clinical manifestation of hearing loss
5) Explain the types of hearing loss
6) Discuss the investigations of hearing loss
7) Describe the treatment of hearing loss patient
8) Carried out nursing care plan for the patient
You might have many questions running in your mind about what are the possible causes of hearing loss, and when is the right time to take serious actions! Take a look at the many different factors that might lead to hearing problems in a person. It might help you to take the RIGHT DECISION at the RIGHT TIME!
Hearing loss is very common problem. There are 3 types of hearing disorder : conductive hearing disorder, sensorineural hearing disorder, and mixed hearing disorder which are presented here by Hearing Aids Discounted. Get details at www.hearingaidsdiscounted.com
Learning Outcomes:
Students should be able to:
1) Define deafness2) State the etiology of hearing loss
3) Explain the pathophysiology of hearing loss
4) State the clinical manifestation of hearing loss
5) Explain the types of hearing loss
6) Discuss the investigations of hearing loss
7) Describe the treatment of hearing loss patient
8) Carried out nursing care plan for the patient
You might have many questions running in your mind about what are the possible causes of hearing loss, and when is the right time to take serious actions! Take a look at the many different factors that might lead to hearing problems in a person. It might help you to take the RIGHT DECISION at the RIGHT TIME!
Hearing loss is very common problem. There are 3 types of hearing disorder : conductive hearing disorder, sensorineural hearing disorder, and mixed hearing disorder which are presented here by Hearing Aids Discounted. Get details at www.hearingaidsdiscounted.com
INTRODUCTION:
The relationship between ontogeny and phylogeny is a recurring theme in developmental, systematic, and evolutionary biology (e.g., Gould, 1977; Alberch et al., 1979; Fink, 1982; Humphries, 1988)
All growth is the result of cell division of pre- existing cells, through a process known as mitosis. The cell and nucleus then subdivided into 2 identical daughter cells. one of the earliest organizational developments in the embryo is the differentiation of cells into 3 super- imposed, cellular plates called germ layers. These germ layers are known as ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. Ectoderm is generally responsible for development of the outer skin layers but also gives rise to the nervous system and the sense organs.
The outer and inner portions of the ear develop from ectodermal tissue, while the M.E ossicles and the bone surrounding the inner ear originate from mesodermal tissue. The ear begins its development during the early life of the embryo. The embryonic disk is split by a primitive streak at about 25 hours, which leads the way for development of the ectodermal lined primitive groove
and primitive fold. The primitive groove deepens into a primitive pit, which in turn becomes the neural groove and neural fold. The ectodermal lined neural folds come together to close off the neural groove, which is now known as the neural tube. It is during the stage of the neural tube that the earliest beginning of the ear is seen.
The ear is contained within the temporal bone. The cochlea as well as the middle and external ear, vestibular apparatus, and seventh and eighth cranial nerves are all housed in the temporal bone. Temporal bone is a hard bone that has myriad cavities, channels, and canals that subserve the organs of hearing and balance. Temporal bone is paired: RIGHT TEMPORAL BONE & LEFT TEMPORAL BONE. The ear is the organ that detects sounds. It not only acts as a receiver for sound, but also plays a major role in the sense of balance and body position. The ear is the part of auditory system.
The word ear may be used correctly to describe the entire organ or just the visible portion. In most animals the visible ear is a flap of tissue that is also called the pinna and is the first of many steps in hearing. In people the pinna is often called the auricle. Vertebrates have a pair of ears placed symmetrically on opposite side of the face. This arrangement aids in the ability to localize sound source.
We humans hear the way we do because of at least three major forces. The first is phylogeny, the evolutionary changes in the auditory system since its beginnings. Another is embryology, the development of the system in each individual before birth. Finally, there is the biologically determined auditory mechanism we are born with and our interaction with the environment in early postnatal life.
Do you have the personality for teaching copyPhilip Copeland
A slightly altered version of Dr. David Snyder's presentation to music education students at Illinois State University. http://finearts.illinoisstate.edu/profiles/default.aspx?q=BM200807100027&unitAbbr=schoolofmusic
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Ve...kevinkariuki227
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
Pulmonary Thromboembolism - etilogy, types, medical- Surgical and nursing man...VarunMahajani
Disruption of blood supply to lung alveoli due to blockage of one or more pulmonary blood vessels is called as Pulmonary thromboembolism. In this presentation we will discuss its causes, types and its management in depth.
These lecture slides, by Dr Sidra Arshad, offer a quick overview of physiological basis of a normal electrocardiogram.
Learning objectives:
1. Define an electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrocardiography
2. Describe how dipoles generated by the heart produce the waveforms of the ECG
3. Describe the components of a normal electrocardiogram of a typical bipolar leads (limb II)
4. Differentiate between intervals and segments
5. Enlist some common indications for obtaining an ECG
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 11, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 9, Human Physiology - From Cells to Systems, Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
3. Chapter 29, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
4. Electrocardiogram, StatPearls - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549803/
5. ECG in Medical Practice by ABM Abdullah, 4th edition
6. ECG Basics, http://www.nataliescasebook.com/tag/e-c-g-basics
Title: Sense of Smell
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the primary categories of smells and the concept of odor blindness.
Explain the structure and location of the olfactory membrane and mucosa, including the types and roles of cells involved in olfaction.
Describe the pathway and mechanisms of olfactory signal transmission from the olfactory receptors to the brain.
Illustrate the biochemical cascade triggered by odorant binding to olfactory receptors, including the role of G-proteins and second messengers in generating an action potential.
Identify different types of olfactory disorders such as anosmia, hyposmia, hyperosmia, and dysosmia, including their potential causes.
Key Topics:
Olfactory Genes:
3% of the human genome accounts for olfactory genes.
400 genes for odorant receptors.
Olfactory Membrane:
Located in the superior part of the nasal cavity.
Medially: Folds downward along the superior septum.
Laterally: Folds over the superior turbinate and upper surface of the middle turbinate.
Total surface area: 5-10 square centimeters.
Olfactory Mucosa:
Olfactory Cells: Bipolar nerve cells derived from the CNS (100 million), with 4-25 olfactory cilia per cell.
Sustentacular Cells: Produce mucus and maintain ionic and molecular environment.
Basal Cells: Replace worn-out olfactory cells with an average lifespan of 1-2 months.
Bowman’s Gland: Secretes mucus.
Stimulation of Olfactory Cells:
Odorant dissolves in mucus and attaches to receptors on olfactory cilia.
Involves a cascade effect through G-proteins and second messengers, leading to depolarization and action potential generation in the olfactory nerve.
Quality of a Good Odorant:
Small (3-20 Carbon atoms), volatile, water-soluble, and lipid-soluble.
Facilitated by odorant-binding proteins in mucus.
Membrane Potential and Action Potential:
Resting membrane potential: -55mV.
Action potential frequency in the olfactory nerve increases with odorant strength.
Adaptation Towards the Sense of Smell:
Rapid adaptation within the first second, with further slow adaptation.
Psychological adaptation greater than receptor adaptation, involving feedback inhibition from the central nervous system.
Primary Sensations of Smell:
Camphoraceous, Musky, Floral, Pepperminty, Ethereal, Pungent, Putrid.
Odor Detection Threshold:
Examples: Hydrogen sulfide (0.0005 ppm), Methyl-mercaptan (0.002 ppm).
Some toxic substances are odorless at lethal concentrations.
Characteristics of Smell:
Odor blindness for single substances due to lack of appropriate receptor protein.
Behavioral and emotional influences of smell.
Transmission of Olfactory Signals:
From olfactory cells to glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, involving lateral inhibition.
Primitive, less old, and new olfactory systems with different path
micro teaching on communication m.sc nursing.pdfAnurag Sharma
Microteaching is a unique model of practice teaching. It is a viable instrument for the. desired change in the teaching behavior or the behavior potential which, in specified types of real. classroom situations, tends to facilitate the achievement of specified types of objectives.
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Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...Oleg Kshivets
RESULTS: Overall life span (LS) was 2252.1±1742.5 days and cumulative 5-year survival (5YS) reached 73.2%, 10 years – 64.8%, 20 years – 42.5%. 513 LCP lived more than 5 years (LS=3124.6±1525.6 days), 148 LCP – more than 10 years (LS=5054.4±1504.1 days).199 LCP died because of LC (LS=562.7±374.5 days). 5YS of LCP after bi/lobectomies was significantly superior in comparison with LCP after pneumonectomies (78.1% vs.63.7%, P=0.00001 by log-rank test). AT significantly improved 5YS (66.3% vs. 34.8%) (P=0.00000 by log-rank test) only for LCP with N1-2. Cox modeling displayed that 5YS of LCP significantly depended on: phase transition (PT) early-invasive LC in terms of synergetics, PT N0—N12, cell ratio factors (ratio between cancer cells- CC and blood cells subpopulations), G1-3, histology, glucose, AT, blood cell circuit, prothrombin index, heparin tolerance, recalcification time (P=0.000-0.038). Neural networks, genetic algorithm selection and bootstrap simulation revealed relationships between 5YS and PT early-invasive LC (rank=1), PT N0—N12 (rank=2), thrombocytes/CC (3), erythrocytes/CC (4), eosinophils/CC (5), healthy cells/CC (6), lymphocytes/CC (7), segmented neutrophils/CC (8), stick neutrophils/CC (9), monocytes/CC (10); leucocytes/CC (11). Correct prediction of 5YS was 100% by neural networks computing (area under ROC curve=1.0; error=0.0).
CONCLUSIONS: 5YS of LCP after radical procedures significantly depended on: 1) PT early-invasive cancer; 2) PT N0--N12; 3) cell ratio factors; 4) blood cell circuit; 5) biochemical factors; 6) hemostasis system; 7) AT; 8) LC characteristics; 9) LC cell dynamics; 10) surgery type: lobectomy/pneumonectomy; 11) anthropometric data. Optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for LC are: 1) screening and early detection of LC; 2) availability of experienced thoracic surgeons because of complexity of radical procedures; 3) aggressive en block surgery and adequate lymph node dissection for completeness; 4) precise prediction; 5) adjuvant chemoimmunoradiotherapy for LCP with unfavorable prognosis.
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...i3 Health
i3 Health is pleased to make the speaker slides from this activity available for use as a non-accredited self-study or teaching resource.
This slide deck presented by Dr. Kami Maddocks, Professor-Clinical in the Division of Hematology and
Associate Division Director for Ambulatory Operations
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, will provide insight into new directions in targeted therapeutic approaches for older adults with mantle cell lymphoma.
STATEMENT OF NEED
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare, aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) accounting for 5% to 7% of all lymphomas. Its prognosis ranges from indolent disease that does not require treatment for years to very aggressive disease, which is associated with poor survival (Silkenstedt et al, 2021). Typically, MCL is diagnosed at advanced stage and in older patients who cannot tolerate intensive therapy (NCCN, 2022). Although recent advances have slightly increased remission rates, recurrence and relapse remain very common, leading to a median overall survival between 3 and 6 years (LLS, 2021). Though there are several effective options, progress is still needed towards establishing an accepted frontline approach for MCL (Castellino et al, 2022). Treatment selection and management of MCL are complicated by the heterogeneity of prognosis, advanced age and comorbidities of patients, and lack of an established standard approach for treatment, making it vital that clinicians be familiar with the latest research and advances in this area. In this activity chaired by Michael Wang, MD, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center, expert faculty will discuss prognostic factors informing treatment, the promising results of recent trials in new therapeutic approaches, and the implications of treatment resistance in therapeutic selection for MCL.
Target Audience
Hematology/oncology fellows, attending faculty, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Learning Objectives
1.) Identify clinical and biological prognostic factors that can guide treatment decision making for older adults with MCL
2.) Evaluate emerging data on targeted therapeutic approaches for treatment-naive and relapsed/refractory MCL and their applicability to older adults
3.) Assess mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies for MCL and their implications for treatment selection
1. The ear, the pathway to
sound, and the protection
of hearing
Samford University
Music Department
Margaret L. Johnson
February, 2014
2. What is Sound?
• ... a sound is any disturbance of air
that could cause a displacement of
the eardrum which, after
transmission by the bone chain,
could affect the liquid in the inner
ear in such a way that the auditory
nerves are stimulated.”
– “Ladefoged, Elements of Acoustic Phonetics, pp. 2-3”
3. How sound travels
• “The source of sound causes
movements of the air particles in its
immediate neighborhood; these
movements cause disturbances in the
air a little farther away from the
source; these air particles in their
turn affect their neighbors which are
still farther away from the source;
and so the disturbance spreads
outward.”
4. Just another sound: the human
voice
• voice: fluctuations of air pressure > caused by
rapid opening and closing of vocal folds
• pressure rises to a maximum, then falls
steadily to a minimum before rising again to
repeat the cycle, all within a small fraction of a
second
5. The Path of Sound
• external canal
• vibrates eardrum
• vibration moves through
ossicles
– mallet (malleus), anvil
(incus), stirrup (stapes)
• stapes vibrates oval
window of cochlea
• creates pressure wave in
the fluid inside
6. The Ear
• outer ear
– protection
– transmission of sound
• middle ear
– transformation into and
transmission of mechanic
vibrations
• inner ear
– transformation of vibrations
into neural impulses
7. The Outer Ear
• Pinna / auricle
– protects the entrance to the ear canal
– contributes to our ability to locate
sounds, esp. at higher frequencies
• Meatus/outer ear canal
– pathway for the acoustic signal
– protection of the inner ear
– tube resonator, i.e. favors transmission
of high-frequency sounds (2000-4000
Hz) and generally between 500 and
4000 Hz
8. The Middle Ear
• the ossicles pick up the
mechanical movement of the
eardrum and convey it to the
inner ear/oval window
• transformation of air pressure
variation into equivalent
mechanical movements
• contraction between anvil and
stirrup can reduce amplitude
(protection for inner ear)
9. The Middle Ear Cont‘d
• Eustachian tube:
– narrow tube connecting pharynx
and middle ear
– equalizes air pressure differences
between outer and middle ear
– Oval window:
– interface between middle and
inner ear
– transmits mechanical movement
10. Damage to the middle ear
• Loud impulse noises can perforate the
eardrum, dislodge the 3 tiny bones in the
ear
• This can cause what we know as a
conductive hearing loss; with some cases,
the hearing loss can be repaired
11. The Inner Ear
• cochlea
– coil-like structure terminating
in a window with a flexible
membrane at each end
– internally divided by two
membranes, filled with
cochlear fluid
– converts mechanical
movements into neural signals
12. The Inner Ear Cont‘d
• Organ of Corti:
– attached along the basilar
membrane
– hair cells which get moved
and excited
– responsible to transform
membrane displacement into
neural signals
– 1. inner hair cells
– 2. outer hair cells
– 3. tunnel of Corti
– 4. basilar membrane
13. The Inner Ear Cont‘d -Hair Cells
• ~16,000 in each cochlea
– located on the basilar membrane
– do not regenerate
– inner (~ 3,500) hair cells vs.
outer hair cells (~
20,000)
– stimulated by bending of the
basilar membrane (length of
wave on the basilar membrane
depends on frequency of sound
– amplitude
• lower & medium
amplitudes affect outer hair
cells,
• higher amplitudes affect
inner hair cells
14. Damage to the Inner Ear
• When excessively loud noises enter the inner ear, permanent
sensorineural hearing loss can occur
• A sensorineural loss is one where the ability to transmit sound
to the brain in order for the sound to be understood is damaged
in some manner
• Severity of the hearing loss depends on how many of the hair
cells in the inner ear are damaged
• These hair cells do not regenerate and cannot be repaired.
15. The Auditory Nerve
• Auditory nerve:
– picks up the neural signals from the organ
of Corti
– sends signals to the brain where the
information is processed and interpreted
16. Noise Exposure
• Any kind of sound is
known as “noise”
• Prolonged exposure
to any sound/noise
over 85 dB can cause
irreversible hearing
loss
• 30 dB = whisper
• 50 dB – moderate rain
• 60 dB = average
conversation
• 70 dB = freeway traffic
• 80 dB = Alarm Clock (bells)
• 90 dB = Blender, blow dryer,
a subway
• 100 dB = MP3 players at full
volume; lawnmowers
• 110 dB = Rock concerts,
sporting events, power tools
• 120 dB = jet planes taking
off
• 130 dB = sirens, race cars,
jackhammers
• 140 dB = guns, fireworks
17. What do we know?
• Acute hearing and perception are essential for
all musicians
• Noise induced hearing loss is preventable
• Musicians have a personal responsibility to
protect their hearing
• Sound level management is critical
18. What are the variables?
• Sound level variation
• Performance and rehearsal settings
• Distance from sound
• Length of exposure
19. Solo vs. Ensemble(s)
• Obviously, the solo performer has the
advantage over ensemble
• Ensemble practice (whether vocally or
instrumentally) can average greater than
the preferred 85dB.
• The key to solving this problem is
measurement of sound
20. Sound level measurement
• Sound level meters
• Dosimeters
• Range in price from $20.00 to $2000
21. Ear Protection
• Earplugs
• Earmuffs
• Acoustical sound shields
• All of these can be made specifically for
musicians
22. How do I protect myself?
• Avoid noisy/loud situations for prolonged periods of time
• Stay away from noisy activities unless you are well protected
• Maintain your distance from noise
• When using in the ear earphones, make sure that the levels
are safe
• Attend to your noise exposure throughout the day
• Take a break from noisy environments
24. The vocal tract
• Larynx – where the vocal
folds are located
• Pharynx – 3 portions
– Laryngopharynx
– Oropharynx
– Nasopharynx
• Trachea – pathway to lungs
• Spinal Column – support
• Diaphragm – respiratory
support
25. Vocal folds vs. cords
• Folds is the more appropriate term
• Vocal cords came from the thinking that these
layers of tissue were stretched across the
trachea, like strings on a piano
• Now we know that these are multilayered
folds of tissue that are continuous with other
tissues in the pharyngeal cavity
26. Terms to be aware of
• Phonation – the act of voicing
• Dysphonia – poor vocal quality; “breathy,
hoarse, raspy”
• Mucosa – the tissue that lines the entire
inside of our oral and pharyngeal cavity. It is
soft and wet, and prefers to stay that way
27. Abduction & adduction
• Abduction – movement away from the center
– the folds are abducted when we are
breathing and not talking
• Adduction – movement toward the center –
the folds are adducted when they are together
and are creating voice; even when we whisper,
our vocal folds are adducting
28. Vocal fold vibration and pitch
Slow vibratory
pattern
Rapid vibratory
pattern
494
The term for vibration, or cycles, per second is Hertz (Hz)
29. Men vs. women in pitch and cycles
per second
• Men = average of 115
Hz per second
• Women = average of
200 Hz per second
• Sopranos = 246.9 Hz
• Mezzo-Soprano = 196
Hz
• Contralto = 174.6 Hz
• Tenor = 164.8 Hz
• Baritone = 123.5 Hz
• Bass = 98.0 Hz
30. Causes of vocal injury or illness
The following list is not inclusive of all things that can cause vocal issues,
but rather a general list of “frequent offenders”
• Vocal abuse: (can result in nodules, polyps, hemorrhaging, general
irritation and laryngitis)
– Yelling, screaming, hollering (especially cheerleading– a common source of
adolescent vocal problems)
– Forceful singing; extended singing
– Throat clearing and coughing
– Loud talking (especially in loud settings like sporting events, restaurants, parties, etc.)
– Whispering! This can put great strain on the larynx
31. Causes of vocal injury/illness
• Vocal overuse (can have the same effects as
vocal abuse by the general “wear and tear” of
the vocal folds)
– Singing for too long (this can especially occur
during long rehearsals like choral festivals)
– Talking for too long (cell phones - especially while
in the car, reunions, visiting with friends late at
night, etc…) ** low-pitched talking can be
especially detrimental
32. Nodules
• Nodules (also called “nodes”): A common injury that
is essentially a small growth found on one or more
commonly, both of the folds (nodules are much like a
callus on the hand or foot); Nodules keep the folds
from fully closing, resulting in a harsh/breathy voice
33. Polyps
• Polyps are like nodules in that they are also a growth on the folds
that keep the folds from closing, but are more like a soft lesion
than a hard callus
• Polyps may be on either just one fold or both (typically on just
one side); both abusive phonation and smoking are common
reasons for polyps
34. Hemorrhage
• A hemorrhage is where a blood vessel
“explodes” due to excessive pressure; (think
extended overuse)
35. Laryngitis
• Laryngitis is the inflammation of the vocal folds
• It may be the result of reactions to allergies, bacterial or fungal
infections, or the result of vocal overuse
• With laryngitis, the vocal folds often swell too much to correctly
close, resulting in the lack of phonation (dysphonia)
36. Treatment
• For treatment of nodules, polyps, laryngitis, hemorrhaging: A
DOCTOR should be consulted!
• In general, total vocal rest (NO talking, singing or whispering for
an extended period) is the first line of defense, and in some cases,
can help cure some of the above conditions; increased hydration
may also be beneficial; in general, resting the voice is important
whenever it feels strained or if the sound is not normal
• Surgery may be required in some cases
37. Acid Reflux as irritant
• Reflux (backflow of stomach acid) can cause significant irritation,
burning or swelling on vocal folds/larynx; Two types:
– “GERD”: Gastroesophageal reflux disorder– is when acid backflows into
esophagus (food pipe)
• Symptoms: Heartburn, regurgitation; occurs while laying down
– “LPR”: Laryngopharyngeal reflux– is when acid backflows into
larynx/pharynx
• Symptoms: Too much mucous in throat, need to clear throat often, sour taste
in mouth, hoarse voice, feeling of a “lump” in the throat
38. More on Reflux
• Reflux is best treated by a gastroenterologist; The GI may also
refer you to an ENT
• Preventing reflux from occurring is the best medicine; the
following can help to do so:
– Diet: avoid very spicy foods, alcohol/caffeine (both rob
body of moisture), highly acidic foods (citrus fruits and
tomatoes), carbonated drinks, chocolate, dairy products,
fatty foods
– Eat at least 3 hours prior to going to bed
– Exercise/lose weight (if overweight)
39. Keys to vocal health
• The larynx is very much a finely tuned musical instrument
and should be taken care of like a fine violin (plus, the
vocal folds can NEVER be replaced!)
• Hydration is key! Water is the best fluid for the body. Try
to drink at least 64 oz. a day (about ½ gallon)
the vocal cords need
constant lubrication while
singing
40. More on hydration…
• The body should produce about 1 liter of
mucous a day! However, it needs lots of
water to do so; in order to keep the mucous
“thin”, much water is needed
• Foods like grapes, melons, cucumbers have a
lot of water and are quite beneficial
• Alcohol, caffeine, smoking and
antihistamines all dry the body/vocal folds
• A humidifier in dry areas or your bedroom
may also be beneficial
41. Vocal health
• Try not to sing forcefully or for long periods of
time; let your choral director know if you are
experiencing vocal fatigue
• Try to avoid singing hard glottal attacks (where
the voice is initiated quickly with force– as on
words like “Go”); this can be helped by
beginning the breath/airflow before the pitch is
phonated– especially on vowels
42. Vocal health
• Warm up! The larynx should get increased blood flow and
stretching before singing; it is also a good idea to cool down
gently after long/taxing rehearsals
• Light, downward glides are some of best “first” warm up
exercises (go from stretched cords to relaxed)
• Lip buzz/lip trills
• There are 3 groups of muscles that are involved:
– (1) Breathing muscles
– (2) Phonation muscles
– (3) Pitch Change Muscles
43. Bodily Health:
Exercise is key component!
• Exercise: Frequent exercise can
help promote a strong circulatory
system, efficient lungs and good
immunity toward sickness
• Try to get 8 hours of sleep!
• Don’t grunt when lifting weights!
It creates dramatic pressure
against the folds
44. Vocal health cont’d…
• When talking on the phone, hold
the phone with your hand, not with your shoulder as the
position can put a lot of strain on the larynx and neck
muscles
• The singing voice should last for hours without much
discomfort; if hoarseness, discomfort or lack of
range/phonation occur, it is an indication of a problem with
the voice, or an issue with singing technique
45. More on vocal health…
• Smoking can cause dramatic changes to
the tissues in and around the vocal folds
and is the primary cause of laryngeal
cancer;
• It robs the vocal folds of full flexibility
because of it’s drying effects. Singers
should not be smokers.
46. Summary
• The voice is a wonderful instrument; man has made
nothing like it! Singing is a great privilege and the
vocal folds should be treated with care and
protection
• The tips in this presentation can help you maintain
your voice for years to come, but in the event of any
vocal problem, the advice of a doctor/laryngologist is
the most important action you can take