Related Experiment Videos
Strobovideolaryngoscopic findings in singing teachers
Yolanda D Heman-Ackah1, Carole M Dean, Robert Thayer Sataloff
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Illinois-Chicago, 60612, USA. voice@uic.edu
Summary
Many singing teachers have vocal fold masses and reflux laryngitis, even without voice complaints. Laryngeal pathology is common in this professional voice user group, impacting vocal health.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Laryngology
- Vocal Health
Background:
- Professional voice users, including singing teachers, frequently experience voice complaints.
- Diagnosing laryngeal pathology can be challenging without premorbid vocal fold examination data.
- Understanding the prevalence of laryngeal conditions in singing teachers is crucial for vocal health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of laryngeal pathology in singing teachers.
- To correlate vocal complaints with specific laryngeal findings in this population.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of singing teacher volunteers at a national convention.
- Completion of detailed vocal and medical history questionnaires.
- Performance of strobovideolaryngoscopic examinations on 20 volunteers.
Main Results:
- Vocal fold masses were frequently observed, even in asymptomatic singing teachers.
- Reflux laryngitis was a common diagnosis in both symptomatic and asymptomatic participants.
- Asymmetries in vocal fold hypomobility were more prevalent in singing teachers with voice complaints.
Conclusions:
- Laryngeal pathologies, such as vocal fold masses and reflux laryngitis, are common in singing teachers, irrespective of perceived vocal status.
- Vocal fold hypomobility asymmetries are associated with voice complaints in this professional group.
- Regular laryngeal examinations are recommended for professional voice users like singing teachers.