Finding Voice: A Survey of Clinical Fellows and Early Career Clinicians Specializing in Voice and Voice Disorders

Purpose In speech-language pathology, training in the treatment and evaluation of voice and voice disorders exists at the university level, fellowship level, and in early career opportunities. These opportunities, specifically in voice, are limited, resulting in a highly competitive process for those pursuing a career in voice pathology. This study aims to identify characteristics and trends of clinicians who have started a voice-focused career. Method A 34-question online survey was distributed to early career clinicians, defined as less than 5 years of practice with Certification of Clinical Competence, and clinical fellows with voice patients comprising at least 75% of their caseload. The survey was structured on seven topics: demographics and current clinical practice, application and interview process for clinical fellowship (CF), graduate clinical experience in voice, voice performance background and education, research experience, supplementary education and training, and networking. Results Fifty-six individuals responded to the survey. Over 80% of study participants reported experiences as a voice or singing voice performer, commitments to supplementary training and education, and a graduate clinical placement in voice, all prior to their CF. Fifty-two of the 56 respondents (92.9%) believe there are currently not enough voice-specific CF training opportunities. Conclusions Background in performance voice, obtaining a graduate-level voice placement, and early demonstration of commitment through networking and extracurricular activities are common findings in those successful starting careers in voice pathology. Acquisition of a CF position with specialization in voice and voice disorders is challenging due to the limited number of positions.

Long-term results of tonsillectomy in professional opera singers: a pilot study

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term influence of tonsillectomy on the quality of life and voice performance of opera singers. Survey study which was reviewing the long-term effects of tonsillectomy. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Retrospective review of patients’ records and surveys in which patients have answered the questions about the influence of tonsillectomy on their voice. A total group of 30 singers was included in the study. They answered the questions about the indications for surgery, symptoms, and changes in their voice after surgery. The study group consisted of 19 women and 11 men. Mean age was 18.53 years old at the moment of surgery. The group included eleven sopranos, six mezzos, two contraltos, four tenors, five baritones, and one bass singer. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> A most common indication for tonsillectomy in opera singers was recurrent tonsillitis and was present in over 83% of cases. After surgery, the voice performance was better in 60% of cases, breathing improved in 50% of cases, voice emission was higher in 53% of cases. Over 80% of singers would recommend that surgery to another opera singer.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Singers evaluated long-term influence of tonsillectomy as positive. Over 80% admitted improved effect on emission and the function of voice.</p>

VPQ-E: Adaptación cultural al español del Voice Performance Questionnaire

El Voice Performance Questionnaire (VPQ) es un instrumento de autoinforme para pacientes con disfonía que resulta sencillo, fácil de administrar y tiene buenas características psicométricas. El objetivo de este trabajo es llevar a cabo la adaptación cultural de la versión española del VPQ en población disfónica española. El cuestionario fue traducido por tres expertos en Logopedia, y entonces retro-traducido por dos traductores nativos que no conocían el objetivo del estudio. Después de comparar las traducciones se llegó a una versión previa del instrumento, que fue aplicado en una muestra de 45 pacientes con disfonía. Se modificó una opción de respuesta en uno de los ítems debido a problemas de aplicabilidad en el mismo. Las estimaciones psicométricas iniciales y provisionales de consistencia interna, error típico de medida, fiabilidad test-retest y validez convergente fueron adecuadas. A partir de estos resultados se construyó la adaptación cultural del cuestionario (VPQ-E) que se ofrece como anexo.

The idea of a yell

This contribution examines the metapragmatics of the ‘noisy’ voice: how voice performance that does not include the utterance of words is evaluated and discussed by different audiences and authors. Secrecy as being expressed through and by the transcendental voice is one aspect of these discussions, and notions of interiority of Self and Other are others. The paper thereby suggests that there are many options in conceptualizing language, and that secrecy and transcendentality may be crucial aspects of language as creative and social practice.