Cheering at sports events could cost you your voice

Washington, March 26 (ANI): Screaming while cheering for your favorite side during sport events can cause damage to vocal cords, health experts have warned.

Lee M. Akst, director of the Johns Hopkins Voice Center, said talking too much over the phone could also have adverse effects.

Akst said: "Yelling at basketball and baseball games, talking too much on your cell phone, and other forms of overuse can damage your voice.

"Red flags for an over-used voice are frequent hoarseness, a sense of strain while talking, or discomfort while speaking.

"If hoarseness lasts for more than two weeks or is accompanied by ear pain, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing, it may indicate a potentially serious vocal cord condition. If these symptoms occur, then you should be evaluated by an ear-nose-throat specialist as quickly as possible."

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), almost three of every 10 people have experienced voice problems.

People who use their voices a lot as part of their professional responsibilities such as singers, coaches, teachers, broadcast journalists, clergy, attorneys, primarily suffer from these problems.

Akst added: "According to AAO-HNS statistics, more than one in four people in the United States report voice disorders during their lifetimes and this number goes up to more than one in two for high-risk professions such as teaching."

Meanwhile, the AAO-HNS website revealed that the theme for this year's World Voice Day, celebrated on April 16, is "Love Your Voice."

It aims to make to people aware of the value and significance of vocal health in everyday life.

The organization's Web site stated: "World Voice Day encourages men and women, young and old, to assess their vocal health and take action to improve or maintain good voice habits." (ANI)