Vocal Overload: A Guide for Performers

What is vocal overload?

This occurs when you have had to use your voice for an extended period without rest or when you use a loud volume for speaking and/or singing for an extended period. You may also experience feelings of vocal overload when you have to shout, scream or when using extremes of your vocal range.

If you are experiencing any voice changes or throat discomfort for more than 2 weeks, we recommend that you request a GP referral to a specialist Voice Clinic or to an experienced voice specialist Consultant ENT Surgeon.

Examples include:
 

• Having to sing over a band in rehearsal rooms when you would normally be amplified
• Not having enough foldback/in-ear monitors on stage which can lead easily to pushing to hear yourself
• Having to sing or speak over a band on stage
• Having to repeatedly rehearse scenes involving high intensity singing, screaming and shouting
• Long vocal sets with not enough vocal rest time
• Rehearsals/recordings in the day with evening performances

• Dehydration: make sure you are drinking plenty of water and not too much caffeine or alcohol
• Smoking/vaping and alcohol consumption: this can dry out and inflame/irritate the surface of your vocal folds and your vocal tract which means your vocal folds are less resilient to high intensity voice use
• Being unwell with an upper respiratory tract or sinus infection: your vocal folds may already be swollen, and this puts you at an increased risk of vocal overload and vocal injury
• Added vocal loading associated with habitual throat clearing may also put an added stress on your vocal folds

What are the signs of vocal overload? 

• Throat discomfort or pain
• A hot, aching sensation in the larynx (voice box) or a tickly sensation
• Increased mucus production in your larynx as your body attempts to protect vocal fold irritation and inflammation
• Hoarseness: Increased breathiness or raspiness in your voice quality
• You may experience difficulties accessing parts of your vocal range, gaps in your range, delayed onset or changes to your vibrato
• Reduced ability to use loud volume or soft volume
• Vocal fatigue often characterised by a feeling of strain, tiredness, or exhaustion in the voice 

How can I manage vocal overload when I am working? 

• Ask to mark through parts of the repertoire rather than repeatedly rehearsing – if you are unsure how to mark efficiently seek support from a singing teacher who can help you.
• Consider modifying your set list/repertoire
• Discuss with the director/MD that you will be singing at the level expected on stage when amplified whilst you are in the rehearsal room
• Allow for vocal rest breaks where you can be silent
• Warm up and cool down before and after rehearsal and performances
• Reduce other vocal use with cast mates/band if you are feeling overloaded and avoid socialising after rehearsals/performances in noisy environments
• Use humidification: a hand-held nebuliser with 0.9% saline solution can help to keep the vocal folds lubricated in dry environments. Keep well-hydrated drinking 2 litres of water throughout the day
• Be aware that different working environments and room acoustics can encourage you to push your voice
• If you work with amplification work to ensure your sound balance is as efficient as possible. Invest in in-ear monitoring. You need to be able to hear yourself to avoid pushing and overdrive

How can I manage vocal overload symptoms when I am at home? 

• Be conscious of how much you use your voice away from work. Reduce phone calls, speaking on the phone in the car and speaking in noisy social backgrounds
• You can use a diary/app to track your vocal load and any issues if you are feeling symptoms of overload
• Be conscious about gently warming up your voice over short periods throughout the day. If you don’t know what to do – work with a singing teacher, voice specialist speech and language therapist or voice coach who will be able to help you

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