Vocal Overload: A Guide for Production Companies, Managers and Agents

What is vocal overload?

This occurs when performers have had to use their voice for an extended period without rest or when they use a loud volume for speaking and/or singing for an extended period. They may also experience feelings of vocal overload when they are expected to shout, scream or sing over amplified instruments in rehearsal or on stage. These vocal demands place extra stress and fatigue on the voice.

We recommend referral for an assessment by a Consultant ENT Surgeon who specialises in voice should vocal issues following illness persist for more than 2 weeks. BAPAM recommends that assessment of the larynx and vocal folds should include an endoscopy with stroboscopy.

Why is vocal overload a risk?

The vocal folds are delicate and are susceptible to swelling and inflammation. Swelling and inflammation causes a direct change to the performers ability to speak and sing and if not managed appropriately, can result in injury and a more permanent change to the performer’s voice. This can result in the performer not being able to fulfil their role which can have a longer-lasting effect on their vocal health, and they may have to take time off to recover. More serious injuries may require surgery or may result in an extended vocal health issue.

What are the symptoms of vocal overload?

• Vocal Fatigue: This is the most common symptom, often characterised by a feeling of strain, tiredness, or exhaustion in the voice 
• Hoarseness: A change in voice quality, making it rough, raspy, or breathy 
• Changes in Pitch and Volume: Difficulty maintaining pitch, a restricted range, or a decrease in volume control
• Throat Clearing: An attempt to clear the throat to relieve vocal strain and mucous which is secreted by the body to heal vocal fold inflammation and irritation

What can you do to ensure that vocal overload does not occur?

• Allow for frequent vocal rest breaks during rehearsal periods
• Be aware that if a performer is unwell, they are not expected to sing or speak at full volume or can mark through text/repertoire if they need to in rehearsals
• Allow for ‘marking’ when running numbers repeatedly during the rehearsal process
• In the case of performing when unwell, particularly with upper respiratory infections and throat infections, one of the highest risks of vocal injury, ensure that you have enough cover within the company to allow the performer enough time to recover before asking them to be back at work
• Ensure that if there is a band on stage or in rehearsal, performers are not expected to sing over the noise without amplification
• Listen to comments about lack of foldback on stage and liaise with your sound engineers to address sound issues as soon as possible. This prevents performers pushing their voices so that they can hear themselves which results in vocal overload

When should you encourage the performer to seek medical advice?

• We recommend that any performer reporting voice issues is taken seriously
• We recommend referral for an assessment by a Consultant ENT Surgeon who specialises in voice should vocal issues following illness persist for more than 2 weeks. BAPAM recommends that assessment of the larynx and vocal folds should include an endoscopy with stroboscopy
• Referral to a voice specialist speech and language therapist may also be appropriate – this will be requested once the ENT Consultant has carried out assessment and diagnosis