Voice is a centerpiece of human communication and is essential for broadcasters. Their profession requires disseminating experience and knowledge, as well as conveying achievements and providing entertainment.

One’s voice should be cared for throughout our lifetime and not presumed to always be there. However, most people take it for granted that they can speak quickly and clearly, until they cannot do so. They don’t usually ask themselves, “What if my voice is lost?"

Voice impairment and/or loss can affect any person regardless of age, country, societal position, profession, or gender. Voice loss is becoming more common because individuals live longer, stay more active later in life, and talk more, in part because cell phones exponentially increase our ability to make calls. Without a healthy voice, most people describe the feeling of being boxed-in emotionally, psychologically, and intellectually. Consequently, a fundamental understanding of the voice is valuable. 

This is the first of a series of brief columns that will educate broadcasters about vocal anatomy and physiology, as well as information to care for one’s voice and have an understanding when they should seek medical care.
 
Steven M. Zeitels, MD, FACS
Eugene B. Casey Professor of Laryngeal Surgery at Harvard Medical School; Director of the Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital
Phone: 617-724-1910
Fax: 617-726-0222
zeitels.steven@mgh.harvard.edu

About the Your Voice Column:

The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) has teamed up with Dr. Steven M. Zeitels from the patient nonprofit Voice Health Institute (VHI) to offer broadcast industry professionals information about laryngeal and voice care. VHI is a 501(C)3 charity, focused on helping individuals with laryngeal voice and airway care across the country. Learn more about this partnership here.

Stephone Cage worked as a broadcast news photographer for more than 25 years. In 2019, Stephone was diagnosed with aggressive cancer and he was unable to work. He wife took leave from her position to become his full time caregiver. They struggled to makes ends meet. The Broadcasters Foundation of America awarded Stephone a monthly grant to help pay for his household and medical expenses. Unfortunately, Stephone lost his battle with cancer, but we share his story in his honor.

 "We thought it was going to be a difficult task to receive funding, but the checks came in and we were able to pay our bills. It helped me live and put a smile on my face. Broadcasters Foundation of America saved my way of life." - Stephone Cage

If you know a broadcaster in need of help, please visit our website or contact us at grants@thebfoa.org or 212-373-8250.

Learn more about our grantees at www.broadcastersfoundation.org/ourstories.