VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Mike Harrison

The need to clear the throat can be attributed to allergies, a cold, or... a nasty habit. Clearing the throat in the usual manner (closing the mouth and making that 'garbage truck' grumbling sound) can be an irritant and even injurious to the vocal folds - especially when done repeatedly - grinding them together in an unnatural way. I've known many former radio folks who neither smoked nor suffered from allergies or other conditions who have for some reason developed the habit of clearing their throat before speaking. Not a good habit.

Here's some insight (and maybe some help):

http://bodyodd.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/06/8192227-chronic-throat-clearers-were-onto-you
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Gregory Best · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 2:44 pm Post subject:

Gastric reflux (GERD)can be the culprit also causing harmful frequent throat clearing. I know. I was sent to an ENT doc who found no sinus or allergy problems, but signs of irritation and inflammation in my throat. He says it is a common problem. He also said throat clearing is bad and harmful for the voice.
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Gregory Best

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glittlefield · Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 6:19 pm Post subject:

Thanks for posting this, Mike. I find myself performing hockage quite frequently. The info about LPR was intriguing, so I've spent the last hour reading about that. Looks like my answer could be as simple as eating better, but I'll ask my doc about it next time I go in.

Greg
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Greg Littlefield
VO-BB Member #59

ccpetersen · Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2011 10:45 am Post subject:

I'm a bit late to the party on this one, but if you are taking certain kinds of meds for high blood pressure, they can contribute to the need to cough and clear the throat.

Chuck Davis · Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2011 4:34 pm Post subject:

Between CC's posting and allergies...I'm in that club. Neti Pot helps. The really quiet reads can be a real ass-kicker if you don't prepare for them.
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ccpetersen · Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:42 am Post subject:

Oh yes... neti pot is a must. I even have a traveling version which has been 'round the world.

the blood pressure med thing is a known issue, and as soon as my weight goes down a bit more, I'm going to explore (with my doc) slowly easing off the dosage with an eye toward getting off it completely when I get to my fighting weight.

glittlefield · Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 12:15 pm Post subject:

Well, that certainly answers part of the question for me. Been on BP meds pretty much since we moved up to Maine five years ago.
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Greg Littlefield
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JTVG · Backstage Pass Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 433

Ditto on the LPR/GERD. If you have that problem, it's not so much a bad habit but a necessity.
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Joe Szymanski
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melissa eX · Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 6:22 pm Post subject:

Years ago after a bout of laryngitis I dumped the ENT I had been sent to and searched out an ENT who specializes in people who work with their voices - he's the medical director of the NY Metropolitan Opera and he writes for Classical Singer magazine. Once I saw him I realized the importance of having an ENT who works with people who use their voices. He has a few articles on his website that are helpful

http://www.operadoctor.com/article.html
http://www.operadoctor.com/media.html
http://voicecouncil.com/support-your-voice-iii-breathing-again/

In Classical Singer magazine there's a wealth of info on vocal health- but you have to subscribe to access it -- though they do have a monthly subscription that may be worth it just to download the articles.
http://www.classicalsinger.com/magazine/archive.php

voicy1stef · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 11:03 am Post subject:

Thanks Melissa! I've just bookmarked those sites to read thoroughly soon. Inoccent

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British-American voice artist based in England for the past umpteen years. I say, has it really been that long!

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Lisa · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 9:31 pm Post subject:

Thanks for sharing those links, Melissa. Great info to keep on hand.
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Lisa