Abstract
BackgroundAs a professional voice user, it is imperative that a speech-language pathologist's (SLP) vocal effectiveness remain consistent throughout the day. Many factors may contribute to reduced vocal effectiveness, including prolonged voice use, vocally abusive behaviours, poor vocal hygiene and environmental factors.ObjectivesTo determine the effect of service delivery on the perceptual and acoustic features of voice.MethodA quasi-experimental., pre-test–post-test research design was used. Participants included third- and final-year speech-language pathology students at the University of Pretoria (South Africa). Voice parameters were evaluated in a pre-test measurement, after which the participants provided two consecutive hours of therapy. A post-test measurement was then completed. Data analysis consisted of an instrumental analysis in which the multidimensional voice programme (MDVP) and the voice range profile (VRP) were used to measure vocal parameters and then calculate the dysphonia severity index (DSI). The GRBASI scale was used to conduct a perceptual analysis of voice quality. Data were processed using descriptive statistics to determine change in each measured parameter after service delivery.ResultsA change of clinical significance was observed in the acoustic and perceptual parameters of voice.ConclusionGuidelines for SLPs in order to maintain optimal vocal effectiveness were suggested.
Highlights
The vocal health and voice management of professional voice users has gained increasing interest in recent years: professional voice users are considered to be at risk of developing voice problems and complaints (Van Lierde et al, 2008)
A period of voice rest lasting 30–60 minutes, combined with appropriate hydration, may restore vocal effectiveness and assist in preventing the development of vocal pathologies (Van der Merwe, 2004; Van Lierde, Claeys, De Bodt & van Cauwenberge, 2007) The implications of the results of this study suggest that the speech-language pathologist (SLP) should consider a period of voice rest and hydration after two hours of service delivery
This study has revealed both the positive and the negative effects of voice use during service delivery
Summary
The vocal health and voice management of professional voice users has gained increasing interest in recent years: professional voice users are considered to be at risk of developing voice problems and complaints (Van Lierde et al, 2008). Less than optimal vocal effectiveness (pitch, loudness, quality and flexibility) may negatively influence the professional voice user’s ability to carry out their daily occupational demands (Hazlett, Duffy & Moorhead, 2009; Roy, Merril, Thibeault, Gray & Smith, 2004). This highlights the need for the prevention, identification and treatment of voice problems before they become significant enough to influence occupational duties negatively. Professional voice users are amongst the most likely individuals to develop vocal pathologies or voice disorders as a result of improper or excessive voice use (Broaddus-Lawrence et al, 2000). Many factors may contribute to reduced vocal effectiveness, including prolonged voice use, vocally abusive behaviours, poor vocal hygiene and environmental factors.
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