Vocal Abuses and Vocal Hygiene Practices among Different Level Professional Voice Users in India: A Survey

Abstract

Vocal hygiene is a primary aspect of concern for professional voice users. This study aimed to describe vocal abuse and vocal hygiene practices among different levels of professional voice users in India. A questionnaire regarding vocal abuse and vocal hygiene practices was administered to 400 voice professionals (singers, teachers, politicians, and vendors). The results revealed politicians and vendors had the highest point prevalence and frequency of voice problems. Politicians had highest prevalence of abusive non-vocal habits. About 84.3% of voice professionals considered that abusive (nonvocal) habits had a negative influence on voice. All subjects indulged in throat clearing, loud speaking/singing for long durations (abusive vocal habits). An equal number of subjects reported that they would resort to home remedies or not seek any help. Both ancient traditional practices (consuming milk with pepper or turmeric) and empirically proven methods are practiced among these different voice professionals in India to prevent voice problems. Lack of awareness to treat the voice problems earlier was high among vendors and politicians. The findings from the study would enable speech and voice pathologists to plan strategically to prevent voice problems and reach these voice professionals.

Vocal hygiene is a primary aspect of concern for professional voice users. This study aimed to describe vocal abuse and vocal hygiene practices among different levels of professional voice users in India. A questionnaire regarding vocal abuse and vocal hygiene practices was administered to 400 voice professionals (singers, teachers, politicians, and vendors). The results revealed politicians and vendors had the highest point prevalence and frequency of voice problems. Politicians had highest prevalence of abusive non-vocal habits. About 84.3% of voice professionals considered that abusive (nonvocal) habits had a negative influence on voice. All subjects indulged in throat clearing, loud speaking/singing for long durations (abusive vocal habits). An equal number of subjects reported that they would resort to home remedies or not seek any help. Both ancient traditional practices (consuming milk with pepper or turmeric) and empirically proven methods are practiced among these different voice professionals in India to prevent voice problems. Lack of awareness to treat the voice problems earlier was high among vendors and politicians. The findings from the study would enable speech and voice pathologists to plan strategically to prevent voice problems and reach these voice professionals.