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An Evaluation of Voice Hygiene in High School Choir Singers
Journal article   Peer reviewed

An Evaluation of Voice Hygiene in High School Choir Singers

Pelin Yuksel, Philip Maxwell and Robert T. Sataloff
Journal of voice, v 39(6), pp 1561-1570
01 Nov 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.06.022
PMID: 37598065
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel

Abstract

High school singers Preventing voice disorders Voice education Voice hygiene
Voice hygiene, including proper hydration and limiting phonotraumatic behaviors and refluxogenic foods when appropriate, is essential to voice care for singers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate voice care practices, knowledge, and factors correlating with improved voice hygiene and knowledge in adolescents, an understudied demographic within the singing population. 214 high school choir singers, ages 14 through 18, responded to a voice health questionnaire, which included questions about phonotraumatic behaviors and other lifestyle measures regarding voice care, perceived knowledge of the voice, and potential correlational factors such as past singing experience, having a friend or family member when is a professional voice user or possesses an in-depth knowledge of the voice, use of the Internet to sing better or improve understanding of the voice, and other factors. These data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regressions. Results showed poor voice hygiene. Phonotraumatic behaviors were frequent and the mean daily water intake was only 5.24 cups. However, 94.4% of the respondents warmed up their voices before rehearsals or performances. The mean total knowledge score, from 0 to 6, was only 2.09. In addition, feeling that one took care of his/her voice well, and use of Internet to sing better or advance knowledge of the voice, were correlated with improved knowledge or measures of voice health. Data suggest that improved instruction regarding voice health in the high school setting is necessary and that the Internet or social media may be valuable resources for reaching adolescent singers.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Web of Science research areas
Audiology & Speech-language Pathology
Otorhinolaryngology
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