Fans preparing for the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament are being reminded by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to take care of their voices as they cheer on their teams, according to a Mar. 16 statement.
The advice comes as many people may not realize that enthusiastic cheering can lead to vocal cord strain or injury. Anca Barbu, MD, laryngeal surgeon and associate professor in the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai, said, “We use our voice to express ourselves, whether it’s enthusiasm at our team scoring a buzzer-beater, or extreme disappointment when they miss the shot. And those expressions are fine, but the volume at which we’re doing so can put the vocal cords at risk of trauma.”
Barbu explained that overusing your voice during sporting events can cause short-term issues such as hoarseness or loss of voice, which usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours. However, she warned that long-term damage could result in chronic laryngitis if proper rest is not given. “If you lose your voice all of a sudden, such as in the middle of talking or yelling, we worry about more of an acute event such as a vocal fold hemorrhage. If that happens, seek medical care,” Barbu said.
To prevent vocal strain while cheering in loud environments like arenas or watch parties, Barbu recommended using hand gestures, facial expressions, clapping, noisemakers, signs and banners instead of raising your voice. She also advised moderation with foods and drinks common at these events—such as greasy or spicy foods and alcohol—which can increase acid reflux and make throat tissues more prone to injury. “If you’re planning to enjoy these foods that may trigger silent reflux, do so in moderation or consider taking an antacid to help avoid the issue,” she said.
Barbu emphasized avoiding tobacco and vaping products due to their irritating effects on the throat. For those who experience hoarseness after overuse of their voice, she recommended complete vocal rest for up to 72 hours and cautioned against whispering or forcing speech during recovery. If symptoms persist beyond three days—or three weeks for ongoing laryngitis—she advised consulting a primary care doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is located in Los Angeles and was founded in 1902. The hospital admitted over 50,000 patients for treatment in 2022 and serves as both a pediatric facility and training hospital under its current president Thomas M. Priselac according to their annual report.
Barbu’s guidance aims to help fans enjoy March Madness without risking long-term harm to their voices.
