Vocal Cord Function and Voice Quality Evaluation of Active Duty U.S. Army Drill Instructors.
Abstract
Although dysphonia is a recognized consequence of acute vocal abuse, associated changes in vocal cord anatomy and function are not well understood. To document these presumed effects of acute vocal abuse, we prospectively obtained videostroboscopic exams and serial voice recordings on U.S. Army drill sergeants during a vocally demanding training exercise. High quality digital audio recordings of sustained vowel production were obtained from 36 drill sergeants at baseline (following a 2 week period of relative voice rest) and daily during the first five days of a new training cycle. Computer-based acoustical analyses of the recorded voice signal was performed using Kay Elemetrics Multidimensional Voice Analysis System (MVAS). Laryngeal videostroboscopic exams were also obtained at baseline and following five days of training, and were rated independently by two experienced speech pathologists. Voice questionnaires outlining individual vocal hygiene characteristics and pertinent medical history were completed by all subjects. Analysis of videostroboscopic recordings revealed significant increases in vocal fold edema (p<.OO4), erythema (p<.02), edge irregularity (p<.OO2), and decreases in vocal fold mucosal wave (p<O.O5) and amplitude of excursion (p<.004) following the five day training period. Although the majority of subjects demonstrated no consistent alterations in vocal acoustic parameters, a subgroup of drill instructors exhibited significantly increased measures of vocal perturbation (shimmer, jifter). The association of abnormal videostroboscopic exams and acoustic analysis findings with various patient demonranhics and vocal hveiene characteristics will be discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA339107
Entities
People
- Eric A. Mann
Organizations
- Walter Reed Army Medical Center