Effectiveness of Systemic Hydration on Thermal and Multi-Dimensional Voice Outcome in Speech-Language Pathologists

Area of Science:

• Explores the intersection of vocal science, audiology, and occupational health for professional voice users.
• Investigates the physiological impact of hydration on vocal fold function and perceived voice quality.

Background:

• Professional voice users, including speech-language pathologists (SLPs), rely on optimal voice quality for their work.
• Systematic hydration is a known strategy for voice preservation, yet research on its multidimensional effects is limited, especially for SLPs.
• Understanding the thermal, acoustic, aerodynamic, and perceptual impacts of hydration is crucial for vocal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of systemic hydration on the voice quality of speech-language pathologists (SLPs).
• To examine voice quality using thermal, acoustic, aerodynamic, and self-perceptual measures under vocal loading conditions.
• To compare the effects of vocal loading versus vocal loading with systemic hydration.

Main Methods:

• Twenty vocally healthy female SLPs were divided into two groups: vocal loading (control) and systemic hydration (experimental).
• The vocal loading group read aloud for one hour; the experimental group consumed water during this period.
• Multidimensional voice assessments, including thermal imaging, acoustic analysis, aerodynamic measures (Maximum Phonation Time, s/z ratio), and self-perceptual ratings (Perceived Phonatory Effort, Perceived Vocal Tiredness), were conducted pre- and post-task.

Main Results:

• The vocal loading group showed significant declines in thermal measures, acoustic parameters (jitter, shimmer, NHR), and aerodynamic function (MPT), alongside increased self-perceived effort and tiredness.
• The systemic hydration group exhibited no significant changes in thermal or multidimensional voice outcome measures post-task.
• Compared to the vocal loading group, the systemic hydration group demonstrated improved thermal imaging, reduced acoustic aberrations (jitter, NHR), and enhanced aerodynamic function (MPT).

Conclusions:

• Vocal loading negatively impacts voice quality, whereas systemic hydration effectively stabilizes it among SLPs.
• Multidimensional voice measures confirm the beneficial effects of systemic hydration for maintaining vocal health.
• Incorporating systematic hydration into clinical practice is recommended for SLPs to preserve voice quality.