POST: How to save your voice during hot, dry, smoky weather in Southern California
Vocal Health in extreme weather conditions
Santa Ana weather conditions lead
to dry, irritated vocal folds
I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend. Here in Southern California, we are in fire season, with exceptionally hot and dry weather.
I have had several students asking me about how to manage their vocal health during this extreme weather. Here is a list of my go-tos. Do a little research and make a plan for success to keep you vocally strong.
I just heard on the radio that this fall and into the winter is expected to be hot and dry, so this is especially important. Dehydrated cords are unhappy cords, and I don’t want to scare you, but remember, dehydrated cords are at higher risk for vocal injury.
Hydration:
Up your game—minimum of 8-12 ounces every hour. If you are dancing and/or singing, minimum of 12-16. If you can humidify your environment (see below) while singing, do it.
Vocal nebulizer:
Use before and after singing, for 20 minutes each, if possible. If you are feeling dehydrated when you wake up in the morning or before bed, nebulize then too.
Here is the nebulizer, I use and recommend.
Xlear nasal spray and nasal irrigation (netipot):
This is more gentle and soothing than the traditional saline only netipot. Makes mucus membranes muuuuuch happier.
Cover your face:
Consider wearing a particulate filter face mask whenever possible.
Something like this. You can find at just about any home improvement store:
Portable, ultrasonic humidifier:
Sleep with it, and if you can get a travel one, you may even be able to humidify your practice environment.