Recently we were talking about the pathology that affects the qualities of the voice and that is more frequent than we think: childhood dysphonia. Let's see now some tips to prevent childhood dysphonia.
One of the elements that are part of the treatment of childhood dysphonia is the incorporation of some vocal hygiene habits. In children, it is the parents who must help the child to incorporate them. But we must bear in mind that having only a list of prohibitions does not usually generate changes.
You must know aspects of the child's life (lifestyle, context ...) and so we can adopt some hygienic measure, such as those we will see below:
- Avoid smoke
- Ensure a high degree of hydration of the child, either drinking water or encountering an adequate level of humidity in the environment
- Ensure a comfortable sound level in the home
- Avoid sports where you have to force your voice, as well as an activity overload
- Monitor allergic and catarrhal processes
- Maintain proper nasal cleaning, as well as avoid breathing through the mouth (always breathe through the nose)
- Avoid repetitive screams and made with effort
- Encourage singing as a form of expression and artistic experience, avoiding the imitation of voices that are difficult for you or that are far from your vocal possibilities (for example, do not try to sing like your favorite singer if that causes problems in your voice)
- Avoid emitting sounds and noises that may involve overexertion or be harmful to the voice
- Do not force the vocal gesture or be inappropriate when simulating and imitating characters
- Help the child identify signs of vocal fatigue (throat, cough, stinging, small voice losses, "roosters" ...)
- Ensure a sufficient rest rhythm for the voice and for the child's set of activities
- Promote a good level of sports practice, without excess of competitiveness
- Have a good pace of school activities receiving the necessary support for learning and quality in their personal relationships at school
The way of speaking is learned in the family environment. The first vocal models are parents and siblings. The family is responsible for giving meaning to the different types and uses of the child's voice.
Thus, the family must take into account the aforementioned aspects, in order to help prevent childhood dysphonia.
