Tips offered for avoiding vocal problems

HOUSTON, April 22 (UPI) -- "American Idol" season six winner Jordin Sparks has been sidelined by a vocal chord injury, but anyone can get a voice problem, U.S. experts say.

Experts in the audiology speech pathology department at The Methodist Hospital in Houston say most voice disorders are related to trauma to the vocal folds from excessive or intense voice use and vocal nodules. Vocal nodules, polyps and cysts are common use-related problems that occur in adults -- especially for those who use their voice a lot such as lawyers and teachers.

In addition, irritants, such as acid reflux and environmental allergies, also account for many throat and voice complaints and treating reflux or allergies can go a long way in preserving the voice.

To keep the throat in good working order, use a normal voice, avoid throat clearing and don't whisper.

"Whispering is hard on the voice -- as is talking very loudly," the experts at The Methodist Hospital in Houston says in a statement. "Also, if you feel strain or tension in your throat, neck or shoulders, it means you're talking too loudly."

Smoking or drinking alcohol can also irritate the vocal cords.