Is Cheer Endangering Your Child's Voice?

Cheerleading has quickly become a major sport for young girls.  As it has progressed to greater physicality, a lot of time is spent teaching participants to safely perform elaborate flips and human pyramid formations. 

The sport is very aware of possible physical injury and is responsibly working to reduce these risks.

Unfortunately, little or no time is spent teaching cheerleaders how to safely use their voice in this intense vocal environment.  All the shouting in cheer is having worrying results on these young voices.

Big Problems

Research is showing that up to 1/3 of all cheerleaders experience chronic voice problems.  These can range from temporary hoarseness to much more severe issues that can cause permanent damage.

 In a research study, a group of cheerleaders were examined by a voice doctor prior to participating in a weeklong cheer camp.  All of them were given a clean bill of health.

After the camp however, almost half showed signs of vocal stress and damage when reexamined.  Some had even begun to develop vocal nodules, which is a stress induced callous on the vocal cords.

These nodules can further develop into a vocal hemorrhage, possibly causing permanent damage.

These are the types of injuries that have sidelined singer’s careers and can make even simple speech a difficult process.

Lasting Effects 

We are finding that nearly 40% of adult women with chronic vocal problems were cheerleaders in their youth.

As a vocal coach and Education Director at SING INC Glendora, I have dealt with the devastating results of early vocal trauma.  I have helped rehab not just singers, but people who rely on their voice for a living.  Actors, lawyers, salespeople and CEOs are some of the professionals whose careers I have seen impacted by vocal damage.

What To Do?

Here are a few tips to help your young cheerleader with their voice.

1. Make sure they drink plenty of water and limit soda and caffeine, both which can dry out the vocal cords.  The vocal cords need a layer of thin mucous as a lubricant.  Dry cords are like running a car engine without oil. 

2. Have them limit the amount of individual “yelling” they do between cheers.  The young voice is only capable of doing so much.  Conserve your vocal capital.

3. Have them learn how to properly “yell” into their voice with some amount of professional vocal training.

At SING INC Glendora, our coaches are highly trained to help eliminate vocal strain, not just for singing but for all high intensity vocal activities.

We also provide workshops to help cheerleaders and voice professionals.  Visit www.glendora.singinc.com or call 626-963-1777 for more information.