Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Voice Disorders Among Singers: A Clinic-Based Cross-Sectional Study in...

Professional voice users, particularly singers, are at increased risk of developing voice disorders due to intensive vocal demands. Structural and inflammatory laryngeal pathologies may impair vocal performance and quality of life. However, data on vocal health among singers in the country of Georgia remain limited.

This study aimed to examine the clinical characteristics, symptoms, and potential risk factors associated with voice disorders among singers.

A clinic-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 47 singers presenting with voice complaints at a specialized medical facility in the country of Georgia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, vocal habits, lifestyle factors, and medical conditions. All participants underwent laryngeal examination, including videostroboscopy, to establish clinical diagnoses. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and clinical findings, and cross-tabulation analyses were performed to explore associations between vocal load and diagnosis groups.

The mean age of participants was 33.2 ± 10.0 years, and 68.1% were female. Most singers (76.6%) reported professional singing activity and high vocal load exceeding 20 hours per week. The most frequently reported symptoms were variable voice quality (40.4%) and hoarseness (38.3%), while 40.4% also reported difficulties with conversational voice. Clinical examination revealed that acute laryngitis (40.4%) and vocal fold nodules (36.2%) were the most common diagnoses. Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and other gastrointestinal conditions were reported by approximately one-third of participants, and upper respiratory conditions such as rhinitis and pharyngitis were also observed. Although singers with vocal fold lesions tended to report higher vocal load, no statistically significant association was found between the diagnosis group and reflux symptoms.

Voice disorders are common among singers and are primarily associated with intensive vocal use and inflammatory or structural laryngeal conditions. Preventive strategies, including vocal hygiene education, appropriate vocal rest, and regular clinical evaluation, are essential for maintaining vocal health among professional voice users.