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UAB football stock imageWith football season in the air, fans spend weekends cheering on their favorite teams. Yet, amid all the excitement, a less obvious concern often gets overlooked: the strain on the voice. For many devoted supporters, the thrill of shouting and cheering during games can result in vocal strain and potentially long-term vocal health problems.

“Screaming is far more damaging to your voice than you might expect,” said Blake Simpson, M.D., Abroms Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology and co-director of the UAB Voice Center. “I've probably encountered as much vocal cord trauma from passionate sports fans as professional singers injuring their cords during a performance.”

Simpson offers practical tips to help fans minimize the risk of vocal overuse and protect their voice during prolonged use.

Understanding vocal overuse

The human voice is a sensitive instrument, easily strained when exposed to extended or intense use. This becomes particularly relevant during football season, as passionate fans often spend long periods shouting, cheering, and chanting. Much like any muscle in the body, the vocal cords can suffer from overuse without sufficient rest, leading to inflammation, nodules, or even more serious vocal conditions.

Impact on vocal health

Repeated strain on the vocal cords can cause a range of symptoms, such as hoarseness, throat discomfort, and, in severe cases, loss of voice. Overlooking these early signs can worsen vocal issues, making recovery more difficult.

Preventive measures

To mitigate the risk of vocal overuse, Simpson recommends several proactive measures:

1. Stay hydrated: Keeping well-hydrated is essential for maintaining lubrication of the vocal cords. Drinking water regularly is important, especially before, during, and after extended cheering sessions.

2. Rest your voice: Taking breaks between cheering allows the vocal cords to recover. Alternating between cheering and clapping is another way to minimize strain.

3. Warm-up: Just like athletes prepare their bodies with warm-up exercises, vocal warm-ups can help ready the vocal cords for prolonged use and reduce strain.

4. Use amplification: Whenever possible, utilize amplification devices or join in collective cheers with others to lessen the need for individual vocal projection.

5. Consult a professional: If you experience persistent or severe vocal symptoms, it's important to consult a qualified otolaryngologist for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Throughout football season, fans are encouraged to enjoy the games responsibly by caring for their vocal health. By adopting preventive measures and seeking early intervention, enthusiasts can continue cheering on their teams passionately while protecting their most valuable cheering asset—their voice.