Vocal apparatus
When speaking, air is pushed from the lungs through the larynx.
Healthy Voice with Optimal Humidity
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Benefits
An optimal humidity level between 40% and 60% protects the mucous membranes of the vocal apparatus and thus prevents hoarseness, coughing and loss of voice.
Fewer Vocal Problems
Controlled humidity protects the voice from hoarseness and inflammation.
Improved Performance
Consistent voice quality and call quality enhance performance.
Employer of Choice
Workplace health promotion makes employers attractive.
Healthy Voice with Optimal Humidity
Dry Air Strains the Throat and Larynx
Dry air is particularly unpleasant and dangerous for professions and activities that place intense strain on the voice. All too often, the direct link to the indoor climate is not recognised. Dryness in the throat and larynx, throat clearing and the urge to cough are always the first warning signs. Prolonged exposure can even lead to inflammation or chronic voice disorders. At the latest when the voice sounds hoarse and disappears completely, performance is impaired.
To maintain good voice function and prevent voice disorders, it is therefore necessary to keep the mucous membranes sufficiently moisturised. For activities involving intensive voice strain – for example, lecturers or singers, in call centres or in customer service – a minimum air humidity of 40% is recommended.
To maintain good voice function and prevent voice disorders, it is therefore necessary to keep the mucous membranes sufficiently moisturised. For activities involving intensive voice strain – for example, lecturers or singers, in call centres or in customer service – a minimum air humidity of 40% is recommended.
Humidity Protects the Voice
A variety of factors contribute to the development of voice disorders: in addition to individual causes (e.g. poor speaking technique), humidity also has a decisive influence on the voice: sufficient moisturisation of the mucous membranes is necessary for good voice function and the prevention of voice disorders: When we speak, air is pushed from the lungs through the larynx. The vocal cords vibrate and, like the strings of a guitar, produce sounds. If the air humidity is too low, the mucous membranes of the vocal cords lose their optimal moisture and thus their elasticity. After inhalation, the glottis can no longer be completely closed by the vocal folds. Side air enters the vocal apparatus, causing irritation, inflammation and, in the worst case, loss of voice.
Humidity Improves Voice Performance
Studies show that over 60% of employees in call centres or customer service departments suffer from voice strain. Speech therapists and voice coaches know that symptoms of dry air, such as throat clearing and coughing, distract listeners from the content of the conversation and significantly disrupt communication with the customer. This can result in a loss of call quality and lower conversion rates. In addition, voice disorders are also associated with absenteeism: respiratory diseases, which include hoarseness and laryngitis, are one of the main causes of sick leave in call centres and result in high costs and loss of productivity. By retrofitting air humidification systems, companies can make a significant contribution to improving health and call quality.
Larynx
The mucous membrane of the larynx requires constant optimal humidity.
Vocal folds
The air flowing from the lungs causes the vocal folds to vibrate and produce sounds – like the strings of a guitar.
Glottis
If the air is too dry, the glottis cannot be completely closed after inhalation due to the vocal folds and vocal cords. Side air enters the vocal apparatus, causing throat clearing, coughing or loss of voice.
Vocal cords
If the air humidity is too low, the mucous membranes of the vocal folds and vocal cords lose their elasticity. The glottis then no longer closes completely.
Vocal problems are beneficial in many industries and applications
Discover Condair in action
Sparkasse Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany
Sparkasse Mainfranken Würzburg is one of the top savings banks in Germany. Since 2014, humidification at the Karlstadt branch has been ensuring an optimal indoor climate.
JURA Kommunikations-Center, Nürnberg (Germany)
To protect against respiratory diseases and voice disorders, the Jura Customer Communication Centre uses in- room humidification systems.
Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin (Germany)
With the retrofitting of in-room humidification systems, the Robert Koch-Institute protects laboratory staff from health risks and increases their well-being.
Laverana GmbH & Co. KG, Hannover (Germany)
For the natural cosmetics manufacturer in-room humidification pays off twice: protection against dry mucous membranes and respiratory infections, and appreciation for employees.
Jungheinrich Service & Parts AG&Co. KG, Kaltenkirchen (Germany)
Optimal humidity in open-plan office environments. Additional in-room humidification ensures health protection and high employee satisfaction.
Thomann GmbH, Treppendorf (Germany)
In-room humidification is an integral part of air conditioning: for guitars, trumpets, customers and employees. At Thomann Musikhaus, controlled humidity guarantees protection, atmosphere and health.
Hannover Rück, Hannover (Germany)
Hannover Re is the world's third-largest reinsurer. The IT Service Desk looks after over 3000 employees at the Hanover location on all questions relating to the software and hardware of the workstations.
Asteelflash Hersfeld GmbH, Bad Hersfeld (Germany)
To protect against electrostatic discharge, ensure quality assurance, and protect the health of its employees, Asteelflash uses in-room humidification systems in its printed circuit board assembly.
Air humidification that sets the tone. For voices, instruments and building materials.
Built in 1891, Zurich Opera House has its own ballet company and stands out for its excellent acoustics, which are ideal for any opera repertoire.
Thanks to its bold and successful productions and outstanding casts, it has long been considered one of the best in the world and was named Opera House of the Year 2025 by Opernwelt magazine.
Thanks to its bold and successful productions and outstanding casts, it has long been considered one of the best in the world and was named Opera House of the Year 2025 by Opernwelt magazine.
se-austria GmbH & Co. KG, Schörfling am Attersee (Austria)
With in-room humidification, the indoor climate for employees could be improved without costly renovation of the air conditioning system. For better health and well-being.
Bloomberg
The European headquarters of the media company Bloomberg in London was designed by the architects Foster + Partners and opened in 2017. The building complex is one million square meters in size and has many details that have been the result of months of research and development, such as a ceiling decorated with petals that provides lighting and cooling, but also acoustic insulation.The building consists of two ten-story blocks connected by a bridge. An arcade of restaurants selected by Bloomberg's restaurant critics runs between them. The building uses 70% less water and 40% less energy than conventional office buildings and was even awarded the Stirling Prize in 2018.Condair ME evaporative humidifiers are maintaining the ideal indoor humidity for the preservation of the wooden interiors and a healthy environment for visitors.
Baloise Park, Basel
Baloise Park forms an area with three buildings on which the Baloise insurance group is headquartered. The complex offers 1,300 modern office workstations, of which 700 are used for Baloise employeesand the rest are rented out. The tallest building in Baloise Park is the tower in the west, which is one of the tallest buildings in Basel at 89 meters.Part of this tower houses the 5-star Superior Hotel Mövenpick comprising 264 rooms and an exquisite bar with sun terrace.Condair steam humidifiers ensure healthy room air humidity.
Opera North sings Condair's praises
A Condair steam humidifier is protecting the valuable orchestral instruments and wooden décor at Opera North’s Howard Assembly Room in Leeds.
The recent renovation of The Howard Assembly Room included wooden paneling and flooring, plus new triple glazed windows and the installation of an air handling unit. Whilst this greatly enhanced the comfort of the venue’s performers and audiences, the lack of natural ventilation proved a concern to Opera North’s resident 54-piece orchestra. Dry air can be detrimental to musical instruments, particularly the strings, woodwind and Steinway grand piano.
The recent renovation of The Howard Assembly Room included wooden paneling and flooring, plus new triple glazed windows and the installation of an air handling unit. Whilst this greatly enhanced the comfort of the venue’s performers and audiences, the lack of natural ventilation proved a concern to Opera North’s resident 54-piece orchestra. Dry air can be detrimental to musical instruments, particularly the strings, woodwind and Steinway grand piano.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does humidity affect the voice?
What is the ideal humidity level for a healthy voice?
What voice problems arise when the air is too dry?
Why is humidity important for professions that involve a lot of talking?
Why is humidity important for theatres and opera houses?
How can I protect my voice from dry air?
Get Free Expert Advice
If you want to explore your options for humidity control, a Condair's expert will visit your site, review your project and talk you through their recommendations.
Alternatively, if you would prefer a call or online meeting, our team is always happy to discuss possible solutions and offer free technical advice.
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