Professional voice users Flashcards
What are the levels of the PVU classification scale?
LEVEL 1: ELITE VOCAL PERFORMERS
Require maximum vocal performance –need superior quality, pitch range and loudness (i.e., professional actors, singers
LEVEL 2: PROFESSIONAL VOICE USERS
The voice is an integral part of these professionals –need vocal stamina over prolonged periods (i.e., lecturers, teachers, telemarketers, group fitness instructors)
LEVEL 3: NON-VOCAL PROFESSIONALS
These individuals would be able to do their jobs even if moderately dysphonic. Severe dysphonia may prevent them fulfilling their professional commitements (i.e., doctors, lawyers, business executives)
LEVEL 4: NON-VOCAL NON-PROFESSIONALS
A voice disorder would be unlikely to affect their ability to carry out their job.
Who are professional voice users?
Singers, teachers, actors, auctioneers.
What is the speech pathologists role in dealing with professional voice users?
Assess & treats current voice problem or signs of potential problems
DOES NOT provide special training of range, power, control, stamina & aesthetic quality of voice -singing or acting teacher
SP -specialised knowledge of vocal pathophysiology
Complex vocational, environmental & psychosocial factors unique to this population
What are the reasons for voice problems in PVU?
- Workload
- Temporary living arrangements and travel.
- Adjusting vocal production methods to meet requirements of different venues.
- Emotional and volatile personalities and performances.
- Vocal abusive behaviours on stage.
- Occupational hazards (costuming, make up, smoke machines etc)
- Professional competitiveness
- Need to retrain vocal characteristics
- Reluctance to seek help early
What are some of the important questions in a case history interview?
- Workload/employment details
- Types of performances
- Vocal training
- General health and lifestyle
- Drugs
- Client’s description of problem
Common vocal problems - acute vocal strain.
Hoarseness/harshness
Impaired range
VF appearance - oedematous, prominent midportion of VF
Treatment -voice rest, soft attack, attention to hydration (steam, water sprays), muscle relaxation
Common vocal problems - Viral respiratory illness
Prognosis good
Redness & oedema confined to VF & supraglottic structures Treatment -Voice rest, steam, avoid antihistamines, shortacting cortico-steroids (min period of time)
Common vocal problems - haemorrhage
Acute haemorrhage of VF
Due to forceful cough or using high range voice (excess tension & subglottal pressure)
Complete voice rest until haemorrhage resolved (approx 14 days)
Common vocal problems - vocal nodules
Vocal nodules
Feared by every performer
Voice harsh, whispery, upper range difficult, unable to produce very soft voice, need to clear throat
Treatment -voice rest, voice therapy
Common vocal problems - polyps
Due to severe persistent cough, screaming
Treatment -voice therapy
Common vocal problems - VF bowing
Due to high protein diet
Common vocal problems - gastric reflux laryngitis
Red arytenoids
Increased warm up time
Reflux worsens prone or horizontal position, after meal
Treatment -medical, elevate head of bed 15-20 degrees
What are the problems associated with drugs?
Asprin –> capillary fragility –> haemorrhage
Antihistamines –> drying effect on the mucosal lining of larynx and VF
Why is it important to also consider everyday speaking voice with PVU?
Because it may be the source of primary pathology.
What is important in the treatment of PVU?
- Includes variety of techniques used for other clients
- Jo Estill method -developed for singers
- Performers prefer SP who have knowledge & understanding of all aspects of performer’s life
- Prefer SP who rec treatment that is logical, compatible & achievable within restrictions of professional life-style
