Neglected Asset

Biplab Das reports on a seminar 
that offered tips for a better voice 

If you ever bump into a singer friend of yours (preferably a day or two before a concert), offer him an ice-cream. Most likely, he'll turn down your sweet request. "Got to watch my throat," would be his probable answer. Not without reason, though. For a person who uses his voice professionally, it's important to take care of his most valuable asset. 

In a recent seminar jointly organised by Aparajita, a cultural association, and the Science Association of Bengal at the Bangla Academy, Prof. Shantanu Banerjee, consultant ENT specialist and vocologist, Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI), asserted this idea in a lecture titled 'Voice Problem of Professional Voice Users and its Remedy'. Earlier, noted stage-personality Manoj Mitra had pointed out that "politicians, elocutionists, attorneys, actors, actresses, singers, educators and telephone operators can be termed as professional voice users (PVUs). However, most of the them tend to forget that the voice is an integral part of our body." 

Prof. Banerjee drew an analogy between the human mechanism of voice production and a harmonium. "The tongue, teeth and the vocal cord are comparable to harmonium keys. Our lungs control the volume and duration of a sound. Just like a harmonium bellow. The pharynx [the tube that connects the throat with the ear and the nose] and the nose are mere resonators," he said. 

However, he also added that abdominal muscles play an important role in voice production as well. Therefore, for a sweet and effective voice, one must do regular exercises that fine-tune the abdomen and lungs. A balanced diet and adequate sleep are equally important. 

Explaining the neurological basis of speech and voice, Prof. Banerjee said that while the left hemisphere of the brain controls speech, the right is the seat of musical sense. Substantial damage to these areas can cause severe impairment to speech and sense of music. 

However, there are many other reasons behind a bad voice. Pollution, smoking and alcoholism can cause great harm to the vocal cords. Inadequate consumption of water can also thicken the mucous around the vocal cord, leading to a faulty voice. A person should therefore drink at least 10 glasses of water a day. 

But, perhaps, the most debilitating problem for PVUs is the development of singer's nodules, in which the anterior part of the vocal cord corrodes. This especially affects people who talk for long hours. Although surgery can't solve the problem, it can be reduced by taking at least a 15-minute break after every hour of intermittent talking. However, there are a host of other problems that afflicts PVUs. One such is gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD). This is caused by chronic indigestion and leads to larynx corrosion, as increased acidity eats away the mucous linings of the vocal cord, larynx and pharynx. Voice can also be affected by hormonal imbalance or tumour growths on the larynx. The latter obstructs smooth air flow into lungs. 

For women, voice can deteriorate during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. For instance, in advanced stages of pregnancy, the abdominal muscles are strained and resultantly voice is affected. Prof. Banerjee prescribed a host of methods to keep one's voice fit. He recommended antacids, herbal tea, lemon juice and even beta-blockers for those who suffer from excessive tension and nervousness. "Inhaling hot vapour can also be of help as it moistens the lungs," he advised. 

He also warned that small and not-too-powerful microphones can put the voice under a lot of stress. "The mouthpiece should always remain six to 12 inches from the chin," he said. He asked the singers present in the auditorium to hum softly before a recital to rejuvenate the vocal muscles. According to Prof. Banerjee, a PVU should never perform in a noisy atmosphere. He attributed the reason for such restrictions to Lomard's effects - the various surrounding sounds that can distract the attention of a PVU. 

However, Prof. Banerjee advised against all sorts of anti-allergic, anti-cold and anti-depressant medications. Vitamin C doses should also be avoided. "All these drugs cause dehydration," he said. "If pain occurs, try taking paracetamol instead of aspirin, since the latter can dull hearing and affect the vocal cord." He also criticised the prevalent sources of the theatrical fog. According to him, dry ice and ammonium chloride are the best options.