Immediate Effects of Performance Time of the Voiced High-frequency Oscillation With Two Types of Breathing Devices in Vocally Healthy Individuals

Abstract

ObjectiveTo verify safety and compare the immediate effects of voiced high-frequency oscillation (VHFO) using two types of breathing devices on self-perception and vocal quality according to performance time in vocally healthy individuals. MethodThirty individuals (15 women and 15 men) without vocal complaints or any history of dysphonia participated. Each participant performed the VHFO technique with the New Shaker and Shaker Plus devices for 3 (T3), 5 (T5), and 7 minutes (T7). All answered a questionnaire that investigated the intensity of laryngopharyngeal and vocal symptoms before and after performing the VHFO with each device and at different times. After VHFO, at each time, the voice was recorded for further analysis of vocal quality. The participants also answered a self-assessment questionnaire about vocal, laryngeal, breathing, and articulatory sensations. ResultsT3 showed a decrease in the laryngopharyngeal symptoms “pain when swallowing,” “secretion in the throat,” and “phlegm” for both genders and both devices. T7 showed an increase in “dry throat” for both genders and both devices. There was an increase in the symptom “fatigue when speaking” in T3 for both genders after VHFO with the New Shaker device. We also observed a decrease in the symptoms “voice failure” and “dry cough” after VHFO with the Shaker Plus for men in T3, and “voice failure” after VHFO with the New Shaker for women in T5. We found a decrease in the acoustic parameter shimmer for women in T5 and the NHR parameter in T7 for both genders, regardless of the breathing device. There were no changes in the auditory-perceptual analysis of the voice and self-assessment of sensations after VHFO with both devices and for both genders. ConclusionVHFO performed with New Shaker and Shaker Plus is safe and can be used in clinical vocal practice in vocally healthy individuals.