The Analysis of Voice Problems in Korean Classical Singers

Moon, Young Il; Chung, Sung Min

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There have been no systematic studies addressing the voice problems among Korean classical singers. The purpose of this study was to analyze the voice problems in Korean classical singers and provide a guide in the management of their voice problems.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The voice problems in 222 classical singers who visited Ewha woman's university hospital with dysphonia were analyzed, using laryngovideostroboscopy, aerodynamic and acoustic analyzer.
RESULTS
The most common voice symptom in Korean classical singers was hoarseness (62.1%) and their most common lesion in the vocal folds was vocal nodule (42.8%). In classical singers who had vocal nodule, there was no significant reduction of expiratory pressure (p<0.05), but the mean air flow rate was increased (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between classical singers who had vocal nodule and normal adults in jitter, shimmer and noise to harmonic ratio (NHR).
CONCLUSION
This study reveals that numerous voice problems can be present even in trained classical singers. Also, we recognized the fact that normal voice may occur even in the presence of abnormal laryngeal findings in trained professional classical singers because of their training to protect and refine their vocal skills. Therefore, in future studies, it may be useful for laryngologists to obtain a baseline assessment of laryngeal function in trained classical singers to permit accurate diagnosis of the causes of voice dysfunction in voice professionals whose baseline laryngeal behavior may be unusual.