Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is straw phonation?
Using straws to release tension in the voice
Straw phonation is a specific vocal exercise that involves phonation whilst blowing down a straw or tube, usually into water. It is also referred to as LaxVox (a branded tube), or semi-occluded vocal tract therapy.
Straw phonation is extremely beneficial for both the singing and speaking voice. When you blow down a straw/tube into water, there is resistance against the air flow. This causes an increase of air pressure in the vocal tract (mouth and throat). This creates a ‘cushioning’ effect in the larynx, which helps to achieve even closure and vibration of the vocal cords, and reduce muscle tension. Varying the pitch of the sound during straw phonation stretches the vocal cords.
Straw phonation = stretch and massage for the voice!
Straw phonation is best when done ‘little and often’ through the day, particularly as a vocal warm-up or cool down exercise. You may feel that the throat feels more ‘open’, and the voice more clear, after doing a couple of minutes of straw phonation.
Tips for straw phonation exercises:
- Find aligned, relaxed posture and ensuring you can breathe well
- Bring the straw and water to you – don’t hunch over
- Gently seal your lips around the straw or tube, preventing air escape whilst keeping a relaxed jaw
- Keep hold of the straw with your fingers, to stop you tensing your lips
- Aim for gentle, relaxed voicing - don’t force
- Feel the vibration of the voice in your lips
If you are struggling to make sound with a narrow straw then try a wide straw, as it may be easier, then progress to a more narrow straw.
Straw phonation exercises
- Place the straw into the water (in a bottle or quarter-full glass), 1-2 inches deep.
- Start by gently blowing bubbles in the water, without any sound. Aim for a smooth, steady stream of bubbles that does not fluctuate. Don’t blow too hard, the stream of bubbles should be gentle and not splash in your face.
- Add gentle voicing at a comfortable mid-low pitch, as if saying ‘oooh’ down the straw. Hold the sound for as long as is comfortable.
- Do five long ‘ooohs’: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
- Next, slide the pitch up and down. Start in your comfortable mid-low range, gradually working higher and lower in your range if this feels good.
6. ‘Oooh’ a tune such as ‘Happy Birthday’ down the straw.
No straw? No Problem!
If you haven’t got a straw on you, then ‘puffy cheeks’ is a great vocal exercise that has similar effects in the vocal tract.
- Purse your lips and blow, allowing your cheeks to puff out. Keep your jaw relaxed.
- Make the ‘ooo’ sound whilst blowing with puffy cheeks, again starting at mid-low pitch. Aim for gentle voicing, the sound will be strong and resonant inside your head –a bit like a foghorn!
- Work through the above exercises.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Speech and language therapy service.
About this information
Service:
Speech and language therapy
Reference:
VV/039
Approval date:
27 September 2024
Review date:
1 September 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.