Randomized Study of the Effect of Vocal Exercises With Straw on Aerodynamic Parameters of Voice (Pressure, Flow) in Dysodic Singers With Nodules

Singers are over-represented in phoniatric consultations; they present increased risk of developing voice disorders whether they are amateurs or professionals. They represent a specific population among phoniatric patients because of their increased sensitivity to the slightest vocal change that makes them consult earlier than non-singers. In addition, their complaints are specific to singing voice.

In phoniatrics, at the CHU Gui de Chauliac in Montpellier, singers (amateurs and professionals) represent one third of phoniatric patients. 80% of them are diagnosed with dysodia. Dysodia refers to singing voice disorders, in the same way as dysphonia refers to speaking voice disorders.

Dysodia results in a variety of symptoms. Acoustic signs are the most numerous: tonal anomalies (lack of accuracy, reduction of vocal range); dynamic anomalies (problem to sing softly or loudly); timbre abnormalities (vibrato problems, strained voice , roughness, difficulties on attacks). Dysodia also results in respiratory disorders, physical signs, psychological consequences and damage to hedonistic properties (loss of comfort, vocal endurance, musicality).

It can reach amateur or professional singers. For professional singers, voice is the main working tool. When they have dysodia, professional difficulties can be temporary or even lead to the loss of work. In addition, dysodia can lead to financial loss and well-documented anxiety. For amateur singers, dysodia hinders their musical practice, thus limiting the recognized benefits of choral singing on cohesion, social integration and personal development.

Prevalence of dysodia is higher among women. This vocal disorder is most often associated with laryngeal pathology. Nodular lesions are most common in singers as in general population. Nodules are the consequence of vocal straining, also known as vocal hyperfunction.