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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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Manufacturing Process for Non-Adhesive Super-Soft Vocal Fold Models
Published on: January 5, 2024
Vocal fold polyp in a professional brass/wind instrumentalist and singer
Gregory J Gallivan1, Claudia M Eitnier
1University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA. singingsurgeon@comcast.net
Summary
Singers and wind instrumentalists share vocal tract similarities. A vocal fold polyp affected singing but not instrument playing, highlighting differences in laryngeal and embouchure loading.
Area of Science:
- Vocal fold pathology
- Instrumental music performance
- Singing voice science
Background:
- Singers and wind instrumentalists share physiological similarities in vocal tract function and airflow.
- Understanding vocal fold behavior with lesions during diverse phonatory tasks is crucial.
Observation:
- A case study of a professional singer and wind instrumentalist with dysphonia and aphonia.
- Videolaryngoscopy revealed an hourglass glottis and a left vocal fold polyp.
- Vocal fold dynamics differed significantly between singing and wind instrument playing.
Findings:
- The vocal fold polyp impaired singing, causing voice issues.
- Instrument playing, particularly wind and brass, did not exacerbate the vocal fold pathology.
- Singing involves laryngeal loading, while wind instrument playing involves embouchure loading.
Implications:
- This case highlights distinct biomechanical demands of singing versus wind instrument playing on the vocal folds.
- Successful treatment (therapy and surgery) restored both singing and instrumental performance.
- Findings inform therapeutic strategies for voice professionals with vocal fold lesions.
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