Journal d'orthophonie et de thérapie

Abstrait

The Prevalence of Voice Problems in a Sample of Collegiate a Cappella Singers

Christopher R. Watts

A large number of collegiate a cappella singing groups exist on college campuses across the United States. The purpose of this study was to collect preliminary data on the frequency of reported voice problems among a sample of collegiate a cappella singers and associated demographic characteristics. Information was obtained from 72 collegiate a cappella singers from a single academic campus using a survey instrument. Results demonstrated a past or present voice problem prevalence of 36% within the sample. The data suggest that collegiate a cappella singers are at a high risk for voice problems, with a small subset manifesting a past history of benign vocal fold lesions. The information reported in this study may be of clinical relevance to vocal health professionals who treat individuals from this population.