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Voice disorders in actors
Michael Z Lerner1, Boris Paskhover, Lynn Acton
1Section of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of the Voice Foundation
|October 1, 2013
Summary
Vocal pathologies are common in acting students, with over half experiencing issues like incomplete glottal closure and laryngeal hyperfunction. Laryngopharyngeal reflux was also prevalent, particularly in those with hyperfunctioning voices.
Area of Science:
- Vocal health
- Performing arts medicine
- Speech-language pathology
Background:
- Actors face unique vocal demands impacting vocal health.
- Understanding vocal pathology prevalence is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of vocal pathology in first-year acting students.
- To identify specific laryngeal abnormalities and their correlation with vocal function.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 30 graduate-level acting students (2009-2011).
- Analysis of videostroboscopy, Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), and acoustic measures.
- Subgroup analysis comparing hyperfunctioning and non-hyperfunctioning students.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of incomplete glottal closure (62%), laryngeal hyperfunction (59%), and decreased mucosal wave (55%).
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) observed in 48% of subjects.
- Significantly higher prevalence of videostroboscopic abnormalities and LPR stigmata in hyperfunctioning actors (P=0.04).
Conclusions:
- Acting students exhibit significant vocal pathology, including hyperfunction and LPR.
- Vocal training and feedback are essential to improve outcomes for actors.
- This study provides foundational data for ongoing vocal health monitoring in performing arts education.
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