Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation
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Clinical Trial
Effects of a Straw Phonation Protocol on Acoustic and Perceptual Measures of an SATB Chorus.
Recent scholarship has suggested that semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises may increase vocal economy of individuals by reducing vocal effort while maintaining or increasing acoustic output. Choral singers, however, may use different resonance techniques or change voicing behaviors in an effort to hear their own sound in relation to others. One investigation revealed significant increases in a choir's mean spectral energy after participating in a straw phonation protocol. However, that study reported only acoustic measures and did not include choristers' perceptions of the choral sound and their own voicing efficiency. ⋯ Choristers perceived less vocal effort while maintaining vocal output after straw phonation, which may feasibly align with extant solo research. More research may determine whether this result is due specifically to SOVTs.
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Meta Analysis
The Impact of Vocal and Laryngeal Pathologies Among Professional Singers: A Meta-analysis.
Professional singers are more likely to develop laryngeal pathologies and symptoms associated with misuse and overuse of the voice. However, different studies have shown conflicting evidence. We aim to perform a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis to determine the prevalence and risk of laryngeal pathologies and symptoms among professional singers. ⋯ Professional singers are at an increased risk of laryngeal pathologies and symptoms associated with vocal misuse and overuse, particularly hoarseness, GERD, edema, and polyps.