Occupational voice is a work in progress: active risk management, habilitation and rehabilitation

A Preliminary Report of Developing Performer-Centered Vocal Injury Rehabilitation: An Interprofessional Collaborative Practice for Graduate Students in Speech-Language Pathology and Acting

OBJECTIVES

Acting voice coaches (AVCs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) use dynamic teaching methods and intervene using motor learning principles. Both display instructional flexibility based on the actor/client's needs. With these criteria, we developed a virtual 3-hour professional voice lab to promote team-based learning between SLP graduate students and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) student actors.

METHODS

The lab contained three phases: prebrief (50 minutes), case-study simulation (1.5 hours), and debrief (30 minutes). The students completed pre and postevaluation surveys to reflect on their learning experience. During the prebrief, the roles of AVCs and SLPs in actor's voice habilitation and rehabilitation, respectively, were discussed along with the special vocal needs of stage actors. The learners completed a comprehensive voice evaluation on "Maria Horseman," a 23-year-old professional actor with a voice disorder, in small interprofessional groups. The provided template offered a holistic approach to explore speaking-singing-acting vocal activities, vocal behaviors, physical demands/cardiorespiratory load, training/practice regimen, lifestyle changes including medication effect, and voice ergonomics. A customized client-centered voice intervention plan was developed by considering Maria's best interests and stimulability.

RESULTS

Two different surveys, 15 items in Performance Voice Diagnostics for SLP students and Voice-Related Self-Perception for MFA students, and 20 items in modified Casey-Fink Readiness to Practice, were used to compare differences in self-confidence levels intervening professional voice disorders. Comparison of pre and postevaluation data revealed a statistically significant difference in learner self-confidence and readiness levels.

CONCLUSIONS

A team-based, interprofessional learning approach on voice rehabilitation would help SLPs to consider special vocal demands of professional voice users in their evaluation methods. This may also lead to preventive early intervention by increasing vocal awareness and knowledge on phonatory function in professional actors from the beginning of their careers.

Screening of voice and vocal tract changes in professional wind instrument players

PURPOSE

Playing wind instruments is a strenuous task on the larynx, predisposing players to voice disorders. This study aims to evaluate potential vocal symptoms and vocal tract alterations in professional wind instrumentalists.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 26 male military subjects were interviewed, completed the voice handicap index (VHI) -10 questionnaire, and subjected to auditory-perceptual assessment, neck examination, rigid laryngostroboscopy and flexible nasofiberoscopy both before and during instrument playing.

RESULTS

All participants had vocal fatigue symptoms, around one-quarter complained of voice change, one-quarter complained of shortness of breath while or after performing, and one-third complained of neck symptoms. The average score of VHI-10 was 16.2 ± 6.5, and approximately three-quarters of participants scored above the cut-off point. There were no significant correlations between age, years of instrument playing, average hours of daily practice, and VHI-10. Participants with neck symptoms had significantly higher VHI-10 scores. Those (around one-fifth) with an external neck swelling during Valsalva maneuver had a significantly higher VHI-10 score. Dysphonia, mainly mild and of strained, leaky quality, was detected in almost one-third of participants. While the instrument was being played, the vocal folds were somewhat adducted, and the vocal tract became more compressed as the task became more demanding. The most frequent observations in the vocal tract examination were hyperemia of the vocal folds or all over the laryngeal and pharyngeal mucosa, excessive secretions over the vocal folds, signs of hyperadduction, arytenoid edema, and phonatory waste.

CONCLUSION

Wind instrumentalists frequently experience voice disorders, which necessitate further care and investigation.

Voice Disorders in the Workplace: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

Occupational voice users (OVU) are at risk for developing voice disorders (VD). Otolaryngologists need to advocate for workplace accommodations for these patients. The objective of this study was to assess the literature on VDs in the workplace and to describe how results may guide the Otolaryngologist.

DATA SOURCES

EBSCO, PubMed, Google Scholar, UBC libraries, and SpringerLink databases.

REVIEW METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for Scoping Reviews protocol was used to conduct a scoping review from inception to December 30, 2019. Oxford Levels of Evidence were used to assess the quality of included studies. Common themes and types of accommodations and barriers were explored. This study was registered with the Open Science Framework Open Source for Collaboration in Scientific Research (10.17605/OSF.IO/RYDVN).

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-three abstracts were screened; 32 studies met inclusion criteria. Oxford Levels of Evidence ranged from 3 to 5. Eight overarching themes were identified: prevalence of VDs among OVUs; identifying risk factors for VDs; raising awareness of VDs medico-legally, politically; the education and treatment of VDs, the importance of diagnosing VDs; measuring the impact of VDs on work productivity; identifying perceived barriers to integration into the workplace; and calculating the economic costs of VDs. VDs affect workplace productivity and have associated absenteeism, medical, and economic costs. Increased awareness and education on the risk factors for VD development can assist with prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. Accommodations and barriers are discussed.

CONCLUSION

There is emerging literature on VDs in the workplace. A multitude of VDs exist with varying pathologies, associated barriers, and implications for functioning within the workplace. Otolaryngologists play a unique role in diagnosing voice disorders and defining and facilitating workplace accommodations.

The Effects of Telerehabilitation in Patients with Voice Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of telerehabilitation (TR) and face-to-face rehabilitation (FTF) methods on the outcomes of adults with voice disorders and to analyze the effectiveness of TR.

METHODS

Following Boolean Logic, a search strategy was devised, combining subject terms and keywords based on the interventions and populations outlined in the inclusion criteria. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, Wanfang, CQVIP databases, and manually screened academic conference papers, journal articles, and gray literature to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on remote voice therapy. Two researchers assessed the risk of bias in the included studies using the risk of bias assessment tool for RCTs outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 5.1.0.

RESULTS

Five trials with a total of 233 patients with voice disorders were included in the study after screening. The results revealed a significant difference in Jitter change values (mean difference [MD]=-0.12, 95%CI [-0.23,-0.01], P = 0.04) between TR and FTF, maximum phonation time (MD=0.76, 95%CI [-0.60,2.13], P = 0.27), Shimmer (MD=-0.04, 95%CI [-0.11,0.03], P = 0.27), voice handicap index (MD=0.87, 95%CI [-1.77,3.50], P = 0.52), and GRBAS(G) (MD=-0.00, 95%CI [-0.01,0.01], P = 0.99) had no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

TR demonstrates comparable efficacy to FTF in voice treatment and is associated with higher levels of patient satisfaction, making it a viable and effective therapeutic modality. However, given the limited sample size analyzed in this study, further validation of this conclusion necessitates additional RCTs with larger sample sizes. Furthermore, researchers should remain cognizant of the constraints associated with TR and consistently refine treatment protocols to enhance the efficacy of voice therapy.

Developing Educational Health Modules to Improve Vocal Wellness in Mask-Wearing Occupational Voice Users

OBJECTIVE

To develop educational modules to improve vocal wellness and optimize communication in mask-wearing occupational voice users.

METHODS

Module development focused on identifying accurate, understandable, and actionable steps to improve vocal wellness in the workplace. We i) interviewed eight voice-specialized speech-language pathologists and researchers on current speech and voice recommendations for mask-wearers, ii) developed educational content using the standardized Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), iii) assessed the ability of nine mask-wearing community members to learn educational content, and iv) compared behavioral, acoustical, and perceptual changes in four mask-wearing healthcare professionals following educational training.

RESULTS

We created three educational modules that described key vocal health and communication strategies, including microphone amplification, postural alignment, clear speech, hydration, vocal naps, and vocal warm-ups. PEMAT scores were 96% and 93% on understandability and actionability, respectively. Mask-wearing healthcare professionals increased use of 4 out of the 6 strategies following educational training and were able to retain information at rates >90% at 1-week follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a set of free-to-use educational modules to promote vocal wellness among mask-wearing occupational voice users (see VSMechLab.com). Future work should examine the impact of these strategies on voice measures in a larger group of mask-wearing community members.

The Effects of Reading Speed on Acoustic Voice Parameters and Self-reported Vocal Fatigue in Students

INTRODUCTION

Vocal loading tasks (VLTs) help researchers gather acoustic measurements and understand how a healthy speaker adjusts their voice in response to challenges. There is a dearth of evidence measuring the impact of speaking rate in VLTs on acoustic voice parameters and vocal fatigue.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, the relationships between acoustic voice parameters and self-reported vocal fatigue were examined through an experimental VLT.

METHODS

38 students completed a 45-minute VLT which involved the recording of three randomized reading tasks. The tasks varied by the speed in which the words were presented (slow, medium, fast) on a computer monitor. Vocal fatigue ratings were measured subjectively using a Borg scale and negative adaptations to vocal loading were measured objectively using Sound Pressure Level (SPL, in dBA), fundamental frequency (fo, in semitones), and phonation time (Dt %).

RESULTS

Analysis indicated that vocal fatigue increases with time, and the slope of this relationship is affected by the speaking rate. SPL and fo increased with speaking rate and the standard deviation of SPL and fo decreased with speaking rate. On average, the male participants' phonation time values were 7.8% lower than the female participants. The rate of increase of vocal fatigue with time during the experiment was higher in the fast speaking style compared to the slow and medium ones.

CONCLUSION

The results provide support that the novel VLT altered multiple vocal parameters to induce measurable changes in vocal fatigue.

Behind the Headset: Predictive Accuracy of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Voice Symptoms in Call Centers

Objective

This study examines factors predicting self-reported voice symptoms in call center workers.

Methods

Multivariate analysis and predictive modeling assess personal, work-related, acoustic, and behavioral factors. Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves are employed.

Results

Age and sleep patterns impacted voice quality and effort, while workplace factors influenced symptom perception. Unhealthy vocal behaviors related to tense voice and increased effort, while hydration was protective. Voice acoustics showed diagnostic potential, supported by ROC data. These findings emphasize voice symptom complexity in call center professionals, necessitating comprehensive assessment.

Limitations

This study recognizes its limitations, including a moderate-sized convenience sample and reliance on PROM metrics. Future research should incorporate more objective measures in addition to self-reports and acoustic analysis.

Value

This research provides novel insights into the interplay of personal, occupational, and voice-related factors in developing voice symptoms among call center workers. Predictive modeling enhances risk assessment and understanding of individual susceptibility to voice disorders.

Conclusion

Results show associations between various factors and self-reported voice symptoms. Protective factors include sleeping more than six hours and consistent hydration, whereas risk factors include working conditions, such as location and behaviors like smoking. Diagnostic models indicate good accuracy for some voice symptom PROMs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive models considering work factors, vocal behaviors, and acoustic parameters to understand voice issues complexity.

Association Between Vocal Symptoms, Communication, Work Environment, and Sense of Coherence in Hospital Health Professionals

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to associate the presence of vocal symptoms with sociodemographic and occupational data, work environment self-perception, oral communication wearing a face mask, and the sense of coherence (SOC).

METHOD

This cross-sectional analytical observational study included 66 health professionals from a Brazilian hospital. They answered an online questionnaire on sociodemographic aspects, self-perception of the physical work environment, and oral communication at work. The Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) and Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13) were also applied. The significance level was set at 5% for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The self-perception of vocal symptoms was 62%. Professionals who considered the noise in their work environment unsatisfactory had more vocal symptoms (P = 0.005), especially in the limitation (P = 0.013) and physical (P = 0.028) domains of the VoiSS. Professionals with higher self-perceived vocal symptoms also reported incoordination between breathing, speech, and articulation (P = 0.041) and self-perceived difficulty being heard with a protective mask (P = 0.033). Professionals with a higher self-perceived score in the limitation domain of the VoiSS also had a higher self-perceived effort to speak with a mask (P = 0.035) and a higher self-perception that other people find it difficult to hear them with a face mask (P = 0.050). There was a weak negative correlation between VoiSS and SOC (P < 0.05) and between its domains (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Self-perception of voice symptoms is high among health professionals in a Brazilian public hospital. The presence of these symptoms is related to the perception of a noisy work environment and communication difficulties due to the use of a face mask. The lower the ability to cope with stressful situations, the larger the presence of voice symptoms among health professionals.

Quantifying the Occupational Voice Use of Teachers

Purpose

The teaching profession is a high-voice use occupation at elevated risk for developing voice disorders. Continued research on teachers' vocal demands is necessary to advocate for and establish vocal health programs. This study quantified ambulatory vocal dose measures for teachers during both on- and off-work periods, comparing their occupational voice use to that in other studies that have reported percent phonation ranging from 17% to 30%.

Method

Participants included 26 full-time, female school teachers between 23 and 55 years of age across multiple grades and subjects, including individuals with and without a voice disorder. Ambulatory voice data were collected from weeklong voice monitoring that recorded phonatory activity through anterior neck-surface vibration. Three vocal dose measures-time, cycle, and distance doses-were computed for each participant for three time periods: on-work weekdays, off-work weekdays, and off-work weekend days.

Results

The teachers' average percent phonation was 16.2% on-work weekdays, 8.4% off-work weekdays, and 8.0% off-work weekend days. No statistically significant differences for vocal dose measures were found between off-work weekdays and weekend days. Overall, all vocal dose measures were approximately 2 times higher during work relative to off-work time periods.

Conclusions

This study provides values for vocal dose measures for school teachers using ambulatory voice-monitoring technology. The vocal demands of this particular teacher sample and voice activity detection algorithm are potential factors contributing to percent phonation values on the lower end of the range reported in the literature. Future work is needed to continue to understand occupational voice use and its associated risks related to voice health, with the ultimate goal of preventing and managing voice disorders in individuals engaged in high-risk occupations.

High and Wide: An In Silico Investigation of Frequency, Intensity, and Vibrato Effects on Widely Applied Acoustic Voice Perturbation and Noise Measures

OBJECTIVES

This in silico study explored the effects of a wide range of fundamental frequency (fo), source-spectrum tilt (SST), and vibrato extent (VE) on commonly used frequency and amplitude perturbation and noise measures.

METHOD

Using 53 synthesized tones produced in Madde, the effects of stepwise increases in fo, intensity (modeled by decreasing SST), and VE on the PRAAT parameters jitter % (local), relative average perturbation (RAP) %, shimmer % (local), amplitude perturbation quotient 3 (APQ3) %, and harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR) dB were investigated. A secondary experiment was conducted to determine whether any fo effects on jitter, RAP, shimmer, APQ3, and HNR were stable. A total of 10 sinewaves were synthesized in Sopran from 100 to 1000 Hz using formant frequencies for /a/, /i/, and /u/-like vowels, respectively. All effects were statistically assessed with Kendall's tau-b and partial correlation.

RESULTS

Increasing fo resulted in an overall increase in jitter, RAP, shimmer, and APQ3 values, respectively (P < 0.01). Oscillations of the data across the explored fo range were observed in all measurement outputs. In the Sopran tests, the oscillatory pattern seen in the Madde fo condition remained and showed differences between vowel conditions. Increasing intensity (decreasing SST) led to reduced pitch and amplitude perturbation and HNR (P < 0.05). Increasing VE led to lower HNR and an almost linear increase of all other measures (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These novel data offer a controlled demonstration for the behavior of jitter (local) %, RAP %, shimmer (local) %, APQ3 %, and HNR (dB) when varying fo, SST, and VE in synthesized tones. Since humans will vary in all of these aspects in spoken language and vowel phonation, researchers should take potential resonance-harmonics type effects into account when comparing intersubject or preintervention and postintervention data using these measures.

Voice-Related Problems, Vocal and Non-Vocal Habits in Naradiya Kirtankars: A Preliminary Study

OBJECTIVE

Naradiya kirtan is a part of India's rich folk heritage. Voice demands of the kirtankar (kirtan performer) include a combination of recitation, narration, and singing. Slight to moderate deviations in their voice could hamper their public image as well as endanger their career. A preliminary study was undertaken to explore the voice problems, vocal and non-vocal habits of Naradiya kirtankars.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study design.

METHOD

A 22-item questionnaire was developed in English language and translated to Marathi language. This questionnaire was administered on 40 Naradiya kirtankars through purposive sampling. Participants included Naradiya kirtankars located in Mumbai and Pune cities with minimum of one-year training in the field and proficiency in Marathi language.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis revealed that kirtankars might be at a risk of developing voice problems. Among the kirtankars with voice problems, frequently pursued primary occupations involving extensive voice use, performed in a noisy environment, indulged in excessive talking, strained the neck muscles while voicing, impersonated voice, had reduced duration of sleep, and hearing difficulty as compared to kirtankars without voice problems.

CONCLUSION

Study findings highlight the need for dedicated efforts towards increasing the awareness among the kirtankars' about the vocal, non-vocal factors associated with voice problems and the role of voice health-care professionals in voice care.

It Sounds like It Feels: Preliminary Exploration of an Aeroacoustic Diagnostic Protocol for Singers

To date, no established protocol exists for measuring functional voice changes in singers with subclinical singing-voice complaints. Hence, these may go undiagnosed until they progress into greater severity. This exploratory study sought to (1) determine which scale items in the self-perceptual Evaluation of Ability to Sing Easily (EASE) are associated with instrumental voice measures, and (2) construct as proof-of-concept an instrumental index related to singers' perceptions of their vocal function and health status. Eighteen classical singers were acoustically recorded in a controlled environment singing an /a/ vowel using soft phonation. Aerodynamic data were collected during a softly sung /papapapapapapa/ task with the KayPENTAX Phonatory Aerodynamic System. Using multi and univariate linear regression techniques, CPPS, vibrato jitter, vibrato shimmer, and an efficiency ratio (SPL/PSub) were included in a significant model (p < 0.001) explaining 62.4% of variance in participants' composite scores of three scale items related to vocal fatigue. The instrumental index showed a significant association (p = 0.001) with the EASE vocal fatigue subscale overall. Findings illustrate that an aeroacoustic instrumental index may be useful for monitoring functional changes in the singing voice as part of a multidimensional diagnostic approach to preventative and rehabilitative voice healthcare for professional singing-voice users.

Work-Related Vocal Challenges of Online Teaching: A Study of Female College Professors

BACKGROUND

College professors are at an elevated risk of developing voice disorders due to increased vocal demands associated with their working conditions, including high background noise levels, long reverberation times, prolonged voice use duration, and large class sizes. However, the impact of online classes on vocal health among college professors remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This longitudinal study aimed to characterize voice changes associated with online teaching among female Colombian college professors.

METHODS

Thirteen female college professors teaching online classes completed an online survey that included questions about voice functioning, working conditions, the Spanish translation of the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI), and the Spanish translation of the Voice-Related Quality of Life. Instrumental measurements were also performed, including environmental background noise levels, hearing screening, and voice recordings before and after a synchronous online class.

RESULTS

This study found a decreased fundamental frequency in connected speech (reading) associated with the number of students per class, the number of classes per week, and background noise levels measured with a sound level meter. L1L0 was statistically smaller among experienced teachers with higher background noise levels compared with less-experienced colleagues in quieter classes. 1558kHz was statistically associated with the average number of students, whereas HNR was slightly higher for professors with more students and more classes per week.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that online teaching has important implications for voice production among participating teachers. This study highlights the importance of considering working conditions during online classes when designing workplace prevention programs for college professors.

High-Speed Videoendoscopy Enhances the Objective Assessment of Glottic Organic Lesions: A Case-Control Study with Multivariable Data-Mining Model Development

The aim of the study was to utilize a quantitative assessment of the vibratory characteristics of vocal folds in diagnosing benign and malignant lesions of the glottis using high-speed videolaryngoscopy (HSV).

METHODS

Case-control study including 100 patients with unilateral vocal fold lesions in comparison to 38 normophonic subjects. Quantitative assessment with the determination of vocal fold oscillation parameters was performed based on HSV kymography. Machine-learning predictive models were developed and validated.

RESULTS

All calculated parameters differed significantly between healthy subjects and patients with organic lesions. The first predictive model distinguishing any organic lesion patients from healthy subjects reached an area under the curve (AUC) equal to 0.983 and presented with 89.3% accuracy, 97.0% sensitivity, and 71.4% specificity on the testing set. The second model identifying malignancy among organic lesions reached an AUC equal to 0.85 and presented with 80.6% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 71.1% specificity on the training set. Important predictive factors for the models were frequency perturbation measures.

CONCLUSIONS

The standard protocol for distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions continues to be clinical evaluation by an experienced ENT specialist and confirmed by histopathological examination. Our findings did suggest that advanced machine learning models, which consider the complex interactions present in HSV data, could potentially indicate a heightened risk of malignancy. Therefore, this technology could prove pivotal in aiding in early cancer detection, thereby emphasizing the need for further investigation and validation.

Absences due to illness and health problems of the teachers of municipal public schools in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil

Introduction

Absenteeism is defined as the absence of workers from their workplace, resulting from a complex phenomenon.

Objectives

To analyze the profile of absence due to illness and health problems of the permanent teachers of early childhood education (day care and preschool) and elementary school (years 1-5) in the city of Rio Branco - Acre, Brazil, from 2014 to 2017.

Methods

An observational, analytical, individual, cross-sectional, retrospective cohort study with data from 1,584 teachers from 100 municipal public schools in Rio Branco. The period prevalence was calculated by chapters of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, and by specific reasons for absence for those chapters with higher proportions. Additionally, the absenteeism-illness frequency index and mean sickness absence duration were calculated.

Results

The chapters of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, with the highest prevalence of absences were Chapter XIII (diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue) with 7.83%, Chapter V (mental and behavioral disorders) with 7.45%, and Chapter X (diseases of the respiratory system) with 6.12%. The absenteeism-illness frequency index was 0.72, and the mean sickness absence duration was 24.07 days.

Conclusions

The present study showed that diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, mental and behavioral disorders, and diseases of the respiratory system are the main problems that lead the permanent teachers of municipal public schools in Rio Branco to be absent from the classroom.

Tracking Occupational Voice State with a Visual Analog Scale: Voice Quality, Vocal Fatigue, and Effort

BACKGROUND

Due to elevated vocal health risk in industries such as call centers, there is a need to have accessible and quick self-report tools for voice symptoms. This study aimed to determine if the concurrent and construct validity of three visual analog scales (VASs) of voice quality and symptoms could be used as a screening tool in call center agents.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in three call center companies. The Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and a vocal hygiene and symptoms survey were administered to 66 call center workers. Further, acoustic parameters including harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR), smoothed cepstral peak prominence (CPPs), L1-L0 slope, and Alpha ratio were collected. Finally, workers completed three VASs capturing self-perception of vocal effort (VAS-1), voice quality (VAS-2), and vocal fatigue (VAS-3). Linear regression models with bootstrapping evaluated the possible relationship between the three VASs measurements, self-perceived vocal symptoms, and acoustic parameters.

RESULTS

VAS-1 scores were associated with HNR and voice breaks, VAS-2 with voice breaks, and VAS-3 with Alpha ratio. Using the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), the highest AUC for detecting an altered VHI-10 questionnaire score was observed for the three VASs. Also, the highest AUC for detecting altered CPPs was reached for the VAS-1.

CONCLUSIONS

VAS as a self-report instrument of vocal symptoms is related to psychosocial voice impairment and alterations of acoustic voice parameters in call center workers. Such instruments could be easily implemented to identify voice complaints in these populations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2 (Diagnosis research question) Laryngoscope, 133:1676-1682, 2023.

A Vocal Hygiene Program for Mitigating the Effects of Occupational Vocal Demand in Primary School Teachers

PURPOSE

Teachers are occupational voice users with significant vocal demand. This study examined if a vocal hygiene program could mitigate the effects of occupational vocal demand in primary school teachers across 1 month.

METHOD

Sixty female teachers participated, with 30 in an experimental group receiving vocal hygiene education plus daily home practice for 1 month and 30 in a control group with no intervention. Their vocal changes across the month were quantified with (a) acoustic measures on fundamental frequency (f_o), vocal intensity, jitter and shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio, and smoothed cepstral peak prominence and (b) Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) and Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI) scores.

RESULTS

Analysis of covariance showed significantly larger changes (significant decreases) in conversational f_o and in jitter for the experimental group relative to the control group. Post hoc pairwise comparisons following repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant decreases in conversational f_o and in jitter across the month for the experimental group. No significant differences in VHI-10 and VFI scores were found between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Vocal demand-related changes in acoustic measures could be partially mitigated with the vocal hygiene program. Future studies with a more refined intervention program and more long-term follow-up are recommended to better understand the long-term benefits of vocal hygiene programs on primary school teachers.

Immediate Effects of Straw Phonation in Water Exercises on Parameters of Vocal Loading in Carnatic Classical Singers

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of vocal loading and the immediate effects of straw phonation in water exercises on parameters of vocal loading in Carnatic classical singers.

STUDY DESIGN

A within-subject pretest-posttest design.

METHODS

Twelve healthy Carnatic classical singers participated in the vocal loading experiment for 2 days, referred to as no-treatment and treatment conditions. The vocal loading task consisted of 1 hour of continuous singing in the presence of background noise. For the treatment condition, the participants followed a 10-minute straw phonation in water exercises before the vocal loading task. Acoustic, electroglottographic, and self-rated perceptual voice measures were recorded before and after the vocal loading task on both days.

RESULTS

Pretest and posttest comparison of various outcome measures during no-treatment day suggested a significant increase in shimmer percent, decrease in maximum phonation duration of vowel /a/, and increase in perceived phonatory effort, perceived vocal effort, and Evaluation of Ability to Sing Easily scores. Pretest and posttest comparisons during treatment day showed a significant increase in Mean F0, Highest F0, and Lowest F0, perceived phonatory effort, and perceived vocal effort scores. However, changes in Mean F0, Highest F0, and Lowest F0 measures were small in the posttest condition compared to pretest.

CONCLUSION

The present results suggest that vocal loading did induce changes in Carnatic classical singers' voices. However, there is no substantial evidence that straw phonation is effective in reducing the vocal loading in Carnatic classical singers. Further studies are required to corroborate the current findings.

The effect of wearing face masks on voice and intelligibility of speech during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

The study aims at evaluating the effect of wearing face masks on voice and intelligibility of speech in Egyptian working individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify if there are any adverse effects of wearing face masks in the working environment.

Materials and methods

A cross-section analytical study was conducted on 153 participants. Personal data and data about the nature of their workplaces were collected. The evaluation included a subjective assessment of voice and intelligibility of speech using a specifically designed questionnaire addressing self-perception of voice fatigue, speech unintelligibility, received auditory feedback and breathing difficulty, and objective voice assessment by Computerized Speech Lab, while objective speech unintelligibility assessment by the Arabic Speech Intelligibility Test.

Results

The study revealed poor workplace acoustics and increased their self-perception of voice fatigue, speech unintelligibility, auditory feedback, and breathing difficulty while wearing masks. Medical professionals showed increased self-perception of speech unintelligibility and the received auditory feedback. No significant difference was found in absolute jitter with and without a face mask. Increasing shimmer and mean fundamental frequency and decreasing noise to harmonic ratio and maximum phonation time were found. The study revealed decreased speech intelligibility especially with the N95 mask.

Conclusion

Wearing face masks negatively affects communication in the workplace, with poor room acoustics. It affects both speech intelligibility and voice subjectively and objectively. It caused increased self-perception of voice fatigue and changes in objective voice parameters.

Are Occupational Voice Disorders Accurately Measured? A Systematic Review of Prevalence and Methodologies in Schoolteachers to Report Voice Disorders

PURPOSE

Different measuring instruments have been described to determine the prevalence of voice disorders in schoolteachers. However, the heterogeneity of prevalence figures has made it difficult in determining the impact of voice disorders in this group. This investigation aims to review and identify scientific evidence of methodological analysis of voice disorders in teachers, the relevance of measuring instruments, the prevalence of dysphonia, and the impact on the development of vocal health prevention programs.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted by searching six important scientific databases. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines were carried out. Articles were included whether they presented data related to the prevalence of dysphonia and the impact of therapy programs on teachers.

RESULTS

Twenty articles out of 8,998 were selected. The cross-sectional design type was predominant throughout the investigations. Differences were observed in the number of participants across studies, leading to heterogeneous prevalence figures - which ranged from 10.5% to 69.1%. The assessment instruments are not standardly used to effectively determine the disease burden. Despite the fact of the extensive evidence of the effectiveness of programs that address dysphonia in teachers, the scarcity of literature is yet evident on systematic programs promoted by either the government or educational institutions.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that future investigations should consider the consensus of a global definition for occupational dysphonia in teachers in order to develop accurately measuring instruments and to assist with voice care programs and treatment approaches in this population. This might be crucial since it could also assist with the implementation of Delphi-type studies that could support the development of further evidence-based agreements around these programs (voice care and treatment approaches) in schoolteachers.

Listening to Video Game Voices: A Call for Action for Research into the Vocal Health of Video Game Voice Actors

Video game voice actors (VGVAs) are a professional voice user (PVU) population whose occupation relies on their ability to reliably deliver extremes in vocal performance. In their work VGVAs are required to perform solo for extended durations, producing highly complex character performances that not only include extremes of vocal parameters and qualities but also highly demanding vocal acts (ie, screaming, singing) within those voice archetypes. Based on the vocal demands of their work and current understandings of occupational voice disorder, it is reasonable to consider that VGVAs may be at increased risk of vocal fatigue, injury, and disorder, as manifestations of occupational disease. This risk is of primary concern to VGVAs who recently organized industrial action to highlight their concerns regarding vocal health within their industry. As a group that is not well represented within voice research, there is little literature currently available to inform clinical support of the population. Due to the unique nature of VGVA work and the highly specific nature of occupational voice use among PVUs, we cannot necessarily generalize research from other populations to VGVAs. As such, research utilising frameworks designed to capture the complexity of voice use, demands on the voice, and experiences of its use are required to support the concerns of the population. This paper introduces VGVAs as an emerging PVU population, describes the concerns of this population within the context of current understandings of vocal fatigue, occupational voice problems and PVU populations, and details the approaches required in the development of research into the population.

Factors Predicting Dysphonia in Professional Voice Users

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the contribution of organizational, environmental, and personal factors in predicting dysphonia in professional voice users.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional documentary study.

METHODS

The study sample consisted of 128 professional voice users (104 female and 24 male), with a mean age of 39.3 years. Dysphonia (laryngeal disorder associated with vocal complaints) was defined as the dependent variable. Organizational, environmental, and personal factors were defined as independent variables. Logistic regression models were used as predictive methods for data analysis. Evaluation and interpretation of the final model were performed using the ROC curve, odds ratio, and probability estimation.

RESULTS

Professional voice users exposed to low humidity and who talked a lot on their phones were less likely to be dysphonic than individuals who were not exposed to these factors. Those exposed to excessive vocal demand and who reported talking with effort were more likely to be dysphonic than those who were not exposed to these factors. The accuracy of the prediction model was 80.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to low humidity and talking a lot on the phone were protective factors. However, excessive vocal demand and straining were risk factors for predicting the presence of dysphonia in professional voice users with high accuracy.

Wearable Neck Surface Accelerometers for Occupational Vocal Health Monitoring: Instrument and Analysis Validation Study

BACKGROUND

Neck surface accelerometer (NSA) wearable devices have been developed for voice and upper airway health monitoring. As opposed to acoustic sounds, NSA senses mechanical vibrations propagated from the vocal tract to neck skin, which are indicative of a person's voice and airway conditions. NSA signals do not carry identifiable speech information and a speaker's privacy is thus protected, which is important and necessary for continuous wearable monitoring. Our device was already tested for its durable endurance and signal processing algorithms in controlled laboratory conditions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to further evaluate both instrument and analysis validity in a group of occupational vocal users, namely, voice actors, who use their voices extensively at work in an ecologically valid setting.

METHODS

A total of 16 professional voice actors (age range 21-50 years; 11 females and 5 males) participated in this study. All participants were mounted with an NSA on their sternal notches during the voice acting and voice assessment sessions. The voice acting session was 4-hour long, directed by a voice director in a professional sound studio. Voice assessment sessions were conducted before, during, and 48 hours after the acting session. The assessment included phonation tasks of passage reading, sustained vowels, maximum vowel phonation, and pitch glides. Clinical acoustic metrics (eg, fundamental frequency, cepstral measures) and a vocal dose measure (ie, accumulated distance dose from acting) were computed from NSA signals. A commonly used online questionnaire (Self-Administered Voice Rating questionnaire) was also implemented to track participants' perception of vocal fatigue.

RESULTS

The NSA wearables stayed in place for all participants despite active body movements during the acting. The ensued body noise did not interfere with the NSA signal quality. All planned acoustic metrics were successfully derived from NSA signals and their numerical values were comparable with literature data. For a 4-hour long voice acting, the averaged distance dose was about 8354 m with no gender differences. Participants perceived vocal fatigue as early as 2 hours after the start of voice acting, with recovery 24-48 hours after the acting session. Among all acoustic metrics across phonation tasks, cepstral peak prominence and spectral tilt from the passage reading most closely mirrored trends in perceived fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

The ecological validity of an in-house NSA wearable was vetted in a workplace setting. One key application of this wearable is to prompt occupational voice users when their vocal safety limits are reached for duly protection. Signal processing algorithms can thus be further developed for near real-time estimation of clinically relevant metrics, such as accumulated distance dose, cepstral peak prominence, and spectral tilt. This functionality will enable continuous self-awareness of vocal behavior and protection of vocal safety in occupational voice users.

Vocal Behavior of Teachers Reading with Raised Voice in a Noisy Environment

(1) Objective: Teaching is a particularly voice-demanding occupation. Voice training provided during teachers’ education is often insufficient and thus teachers are at risk of developing voice disorders. Vocal demands during teaching are not only characterized by speaking for long durations but also by speaking in noisy environments. This provokes the so-called Lombard effect, which intuitively leads to an increase in voice intensity, pitch and phonation time in laboratory studies. However, this effect has not been thoroughly investigated in realistic teaching scenarios. (2) Methods: This study thus examined how 13 experienced, but vocally untrained, teachers behaved when reading in a noisy compared to quiet background environment. The quiet and noisy conditions were provided by a live audience either listening quietly or making noise by talking to each other. By using a portable voice accumulator, the fundamental frequency, sound pressure level of the voice and the noise as well as the phonation time were recorded in both conditions. (3) Results: The results showed that the teachers mainly responded according to the Lombard effect. In addition, analysis of phonation time revealed that they failed to increase inhalation time and appeared to lose articulation through the shortening of voiceless consonants in the noisy condition. (4) Conclusions: The teachers demonstrated vocally demanding behavior when speaking in the noisy condition, which can lead to vocal fatigue and cause dysphonia. The findings underline the necessity for specific voice training in teachers’ education, and the content of such training is discussed in light of the results.

Change in Voice Quality after Radiotherapy for Early Glottic Cancer

Our aim was to track the changes in voice quality for two years after radiotherapy (RT) for early glottic cancer. A videoendostroboscopy, subjective patient and phoniatrician voice assessments, a Voice Handicap Index questionnaire, and objective acoustic measurements (F0, jitter, shimmer, maximal phonation time) were performed on 50 patients with T1 glottic carcinomas at 3, 12, and 24 months post-RT. The results were compared between the subsequent assessments, and between the assessments at 3 months and 24 months post-RT. The stroboscopy showed a gradual progression of fibrosis of the vocal folds with a significant difference apparent when the assessments at 3 months and 24 months were compared (p < 0.001). Almost all of the subjective assessments of voice quality showed an improvement during the first 2 years, but significant differences were noted at 24 months. Jitter and shimmer deteriorated in the first year after RT with a significant deterioration noticed between the sixth and twelfth months (p = 0.048 and p = 0.002, respectively). Two years after RT, only 8/50 (16%) patients had normal voices. The main reasons for a decreased voice quality after RT for early glottic cancer were post-RT changes in the larynx. Despite a significant improvement in the voice after RT shown in a few of the evaluation methods, only a minority of the patients had a normal voice two years post-RT.

Furosemide-induced systemic dehydration alters the proteome of rabbit vocal folds

Whole-body dehydration (i.e., systemic dehydration) leads to vocal fold tissue dehydration. Furosemide, a common diuretic prescribed to treat hypertension and edema-associated conditions, induces systemic dehydration. Furosemide also causes voice changes in human speakers, making this method of systemic dehydration particularly interesting for vocal fold dehydration studies. Our objective was to obtain a comprehensive proteome of vocal folds following furosemide-induced systemic dehydration. New Zealand White rabbits were used as the animal model and randomly assigned to euhydrated (control) or furosemide-dehydrated groups. Systemic dehydration, induced by injectable furosemide, was verified by an average body weight loss of -5.5% and significant percentage changes in blood analytes in the dehydrated rabbits compared to controls. Vocal fold specimens, including mucosa and muscle, were processed for proteomic analysis using label-free quantitation LC-MS/MS. Over 1600 proteins were successfully identified across all vocal fold samples; and associated with a variety of cellular components and ubiquitous cell functions. Protein levels were compared between groups showing 32 proteins differentially regulated (p ≤ 0.05) in the dehydrated vocal folds. These are mainly involved with mitochondrial translation and metabolism. The downregulation of proteins involved in mitochondrial metabolism in the vocal folds suggests a mechanism to prevent oxidative stress associated with systemic dehydration. SIGNIFICANCE: Voice disorders affect different population demographics worldwide with one in 13 adults in the United States reporting voice problems annually. Vocal fold systemic hydration is clinically recognized for preventing and treating voice problems and depends on optimal body hydration primarily achieved by water intake. Herein, we use the rabbit as a translatable animal model, and furosemide as a translatable method of systemic dehydration, to reveal a comprehensive proteomic profile of vocal fold mucosa and muscle in response to systemic dehydration. The significant subset of proteins differentially regulated due to furosemide-induced dehydration offer novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of systemic dehydration in the vocal folds. These findings also deepen our understanding of changes to tissue biology after diuretic administration.

Social Representation of 'Vocal Hygiene' in India and Bhutan: A Cross-Sectional Survey

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to explore the professional and recreational and/or personal voice use patterns and social representation of 'vocal hygiene' in two culturally and geographically diverse societies: India and Bhutan.

METHODS

A total of 339 volunteers of Indian and Bhutanese nationality participated through snowball sampling. The responses were elicited using multiple-choice questions and a free association task. The data from the multiple-choice questions were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. The free association task's responses underwent content and co-occurrence analysis to identify the most frequently occurring response categories.

RESULTS

The professional voice use pattern differed between the two populations but not the recreational and/or personal voice use pattern. The results also revealed diverse social representations of 'vocal hygiene' in India and Bhutan.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study sheds light on the voice use patterns and how the concept of vocal hygiene is represented in the two countries. These findings may have implications for developing and executing society specific awareness programs about vocal hygiene and its importance.

Vocal tract discomfort in caregivers for the elderly during an interval of the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, professional caregivers caring for the elderly may experience more vocal tract problems in addition to regular high vocal demands while wearing face masks/coverings.

METHODS AND PARTICIPANTS

Vocal tract discomfort (VTD) was assessed in 64 caregivers in one home for the elderly (64% participation rate) in June 2020 using the German version of the VTD scale.

RESULTS

More than one-half of the participating caregivers experienced VTD, described mostly as dryness, irritability, and tightness. Approximately, 80% reported that sensations were not perceived before enhanced infection prevention standards were implemented.

CONCLUSIONS

Among caregivers caring for the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic, special care should be focused on the voice and vocal tract well-being.

Dysphonia and Vocal Tract Discomfort While Working From Home During COVID-19

Objective

During COVID-19, government measures to prevent disease spread included advice to work from home. In addition to occupational risk factors, the increased use of telecommunication and changed work environment may contribute to voice and vocal tract discomfort (VTD). This study established the prevalence, incidence, characteristics and impact of self-perceived dysphonia and VTD in those working from home during COVID-19.

Methods

A cross-sectional, observational study using an online survey recruited 1575 participants. It captured information about dysphonia and VTD presence, onset, and severity. Those with dysphonia completed the voice-related quality of life to measure impact. Regression analyses identified risk factors for voice and vocal tract problems.

Results

Dysphonia and VTD prevalence rates were 33% and 68%, respectively, incidences were 28% and 50%. Perceived dysphonia severity was mild in 72% of cases. Dry throat was the most common VTD symptom at 66%. Mean voice-related quality of life score was 82.4 (standard deviation ± 13.2). Raising or straining the voice while working predicted new onset dysphonia and VTD. Increasing telecommunication use was associated with worse dysphonia and VTD onset.

Conclusion

Those working from home have seen a rise in dysphonia and VTD, which were associated with communication modality and change in environment. If home offices become the ‘new normal’ post-COVID, workplaces should consider voice training for employees to limit potential difficulties.

Twenty Eight Days in the Life of a Vocal Pathology: A Case Study of Videolaryngostroboscopy, Acoustic, and Perceptual Variability

The purpose of this investigation was to observe laryngeal tissue and vocal function changes over the course of 28 days in a single participant diagnosed by a laryngologist with bilateral nodules. Laryngeal imaging, acoustic variables and perceptual assessments of voice quality, and perceived vocal effort were obtained every morning for 28 consecutive days. A daily journal of occupational and recreational voice use as well as menstruation and alcohol consumption was maintained each day. It was hypothesized that the laryngeal pathology would appear more extensive and the vocal function measures obtained would be worse following extensive voice use. Laryngeal imaging, acoustic variables, and perceptual measures quantified provided evidence to support the study hypotheses. The size, extent, and asymmetry of the bilateral vocal pathologies observed were more extensive on days following occupational and recreational vocal loading. Acoustic and perceptual measures obtained correlated with the laryngeal tissue changes observed. Study findings support a more holistic approach to laryngeal pathology diagnosis that is based on a more thorough understanding of vocal loading considerations up to 48 hours prior to laryngeal endoscopy to better understand the pathophysiology of the observed lesion(s) for most accurate clinical diagnosis.