Houser Hamm says our voices are one of those things that we take for granted, noting it's good to understand what's going on. Supplied.Communicating with each other takes a little longer these days as people work to clearly be heard and understood through masks.

In fact, vocal strain is starting to set in with those who use their voices all day everyday. Teachers, for example, have to project across an entire classroom, and then there's medical professionals, retail workers and more.

To trained vocalist and coach, Marilyn Houser Hamm, vocal care is second nature and she says to be aware of your environment, adding conditions can affect vocal and speaking health.

"So what you want to do is see how many absorbent materials are part of your environment and, if you can, decrease those. If you can reduce any levels of ambient noises, those extras noises that you have to speak over. You can also try to customize the layout of an area to support your voice - are there barriers in the space that you're speaking in? And of course, maintaining adequate ventilation and humidity which is so important during this time of COVID-19."

Houser Hamm added our voices are one of those things that we take for granted and says it's good to understand what's going on, which in turn helps us understand more about why there may be issues.

So what tips can a professional vocalist offer up in order to preserve our own voices?

Houser Hamm says staying hydrated is key.

"What we've heard, six to eight classes a day is just part of what we need to be doing to keep healthy. Keeping that vocal tract lubricated with lukewarm water, cold water can tighten the vocal chords and vocal tract."

She also suggests speaking from your core.

As well, Houser Hamm says taking a "vocal nap" can ease some of that strain.

"When you take a vocal nap you are neither speaking, singing or whispering. That little bit can renew you and give you what you need," she explained. If tension is part of your day, Houser Hamm also suggests taking a few minutes to close your eyes and focus on breathing.

Overall, Houser Hamm says being aware of your body and what it's doing can serve as compass and help guide you through these challenges.