Roar Of The Crowd: Keep Your Voice Safe At Sporting Events

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- With football season getting started and baseball heading towards the playoffs, doctors are cautioning about injuries - not to players, but to the fans.

As TV 10-55's Elise Finch reports, cheering too loud can too often leave you speechless. The roar of the crowd is part of the fun when it comes to watching live sports, but your vocal cords are at risk if you put too much strain on them.

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It's a feeling that most fans experience at some point, but doctors say if you ignore the warning signs, you could do damage lasts a life time.

"Anyone who has hoarseness that lasts beyond 12 or 24 hours should probably go see a physician," said Dr. Arrick Forrest, the voice director at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.

"That means you have caused some damage beyond just a little bit of swelling," he said.

His advice?

"It's really about hydration, keeping the vocal cords moist, drinking water during the game and don't let them dry out," Dr. Forrest said.

If you tailgate, be aware that smoke and alcohol dry out your throat and increase the risk of damage.

During the game, listen to your voice, and if it weakens, clap instead of scream.

Throughout the day, make sure you drink plenty of water.

If you do damage to your voice, let it rest and don't speak at all. Some people try to whisper, but doctors say that can actually prolong the damage.

"Whispering is even worse than talking," said Dr. Forrest. "You cause more stress on your vocal cords by whispering than you do just by soft, conversational speaking."

And remember, cold air constricts and dries out your vocal cords faster, so as the season goes on, the risk of injury goes up.

Believe it or not, fans need to warm up before a game just like the players. Doctors say you should warm up your voice much like a singer would.