Abstract
To verify the correlation between vocal tract discomfort symptoms and perceived voice handicaps in gospel singers, analyzing possible differences according to gender. 100 gospel singers volunteered, 50 male and 50 female. All participants answered two questionnaires: Vocal Tract Discomfort (VTD) scale and the Modern Singing Handicap Index (MSHI) that investigates the vocal handicap perceived by singers, linking the results of both instruments (p<0.05). Women presented more perceived handicaps and also more frequent and higher intensity vocal tract discomfort. Furthermore, the more frequent and intense the vocal tract symptoms, the higher the vocal handicap for singing. Female gospel singers present higher frequency and intensity of vocal tract discomfort symptoms, as well as higher voice handicap for singing than male gospel singers. The higher the frequency and intensity of the laryngeal symptoms, the higher the vocal handicap will be.
Highlights
Praise groups in the evangelical environment are generally made up of those faithful involved in ministry through music and song
Amateur singers can present diverse complaints in relation to their voice and in terms of vocal tract discomfort symptoms, such as: hoarseness, failures and loss of voice, difficulty to attain high or low notes, constant coughing, pain in the neck region, as well as a tight sensation or lump in their throat and a feeling of dryness[4,5]. These alterations can be a consequence of a lack of understanding of vocal anatomy and physiology, the inappropriate use of the voice, and a lack of knowledge of specific vocal techniques and training for use with the singing voice, which can compromise the voice-related quality of life of the singer
All participants responded to a questionnaire to obtain demographic data and vocal history as well as to two instruments: the Vocal Tract Discomfort - VTD[17] scale and the Modern Singing Handicap Index - MSHI[7]
Summary
Praise groups in the evangelical environment are generally made up of those faithful involved in ministry through music and song. Amateur singers can present diverse complaints in relation to their voice and in terms of vocal tract discomfort symptoms, such as: hoarseness, failures and loss of voice, difficulty to attain high or low notes, constant coughing, pain in the neck region, as well as a tight sensation or lump in their throat and a feeling of dryness[4,5] These alterations can be a consequence of a lack of understanding of vocal anatomy and physiology, the inappropriate use of the voice, and a lack of knowledge of specific vocal techniques and training for use with the singing voice, which can compromise the voice-related quality of life of the singer. Instruments, which assess vocal tract discomfort symptoms and voice-related quality of life for gospel singers are important tools to understand their complaints and better comprehend this population Though they have been developed with the intention of identifying vocal problems, they can help to distinguish individuals who require attention in terms of their vocal production[7]. The objective of this study was to correlate the vocal tract discomfort symptoms and the voice handicap observed in male and female gospel singers
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