Constant losing voice. Any docs or speech therapists around.

[fizzbuzz]

Work as a teacher. Whenever I get the slightest teeniest cold, it ALWAYS turns into laryngitis.

I then keep going to work until voice packs in completely and kids are running riot. At this point I usually give up and go off sick, as talking just makes it worse and worse.

No other colleague seems to suffer as much as this, although some suffer a bit.

Have just returned to work after years maternity leave. Caught a cold last week (first full week back) and have now lost voice AGAIN.

It goes on and on all winter, and I ALWAYS get a horrid tickly cough everytime which lasts about 10 days, long after rest of cold symptoms have gone (except voice loss)

What can I do?

You need to drink, drink, and drink some more: always have a bottle of water on your desk (good role model for the pupils). Keep your throat well-lubricated ... and then deal with the hassle of having to dash to the loo in a busy working day!

If you are not aware of when you are stressing your voice, then a course such as the Alexander Technique can make you more aware of this, and other issues, and prevent you from damaging your assets.

Of course make sure you have a healthy diet with plenty of vitamin C and fruit and veg.

Hmmm so drinking works does it. That is quite intersting, as I never have time to drink much during day, wwhich i hate. However had not thought about bottle on desk.........Loos are a long way though. Wouldn't like to have a little accident in front of Year 9

Yes, drinking does work - it's good to keep your throat lubricated.

The other thing to bear in mind is every time you cough or clear your throat you are hammering your vocal cords. If you can swallow, or have a quick drink instead, it's much better for your voice.

It takes a while to establish these sort of good habits, but you will reap the benefits in the end.

How did you get on today?

Hi there
Get yourself referred to a speech therapist (might need to go via ear nose and throat doc - ask your gp) for proper assesment and vocal hygeine advice. Really good advice you've been give, but I really do advise being seen...you could save yourself time off sick with voice loss if you tackle it properly. (Am a SALT by the way)

Hmmm once went to docs about this and she did mention speech therapy.

Today was OK, BUT teaching a lesson I don't normally teach in resistant materials, and all that wood dust has hammered me completely.

What is a SALT BTW? (thick emoticon!)

speech and language therapist = SALT (sorry, why would you know!?)
You might need some education in how to use your voice, and how to recognise what the triggers are for you that make you lose it.
My colleagues who work with voice problems see loads of teachers, call centre workers and other 'professional voice users'. You're not alone. If you abuse your voice when you've already lost it, you could be making it worse.
Hope this helps

Thanks for that, it's very helpful.

Can't help feeling bitter and twisted that this should be part of the occupational health service for teachers. (ha ha)Never a mention......