Performer's Attitudes Toward Seeking Health Care for Voice Issues: Understanding the Barriers

Gilman, Marina; Merati, Albert L.; Klein, Adam M.; Hapner, Edie R.; Johns, Michael M.

doi:10.1016/j.jvoice.2007.08.003

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Volume 23, Issue 2 , Pages 225-228, March 2009

Performer's Attitudes Toward Seeking Health Care for Voice Issues: Understanding the Barriers

Marina Gilman
- The Emory Voice Center, Emory University, Department of Otolaryngology, Atlanta, Georgia
Albert L. Merati
- Division of Laryngology and Professional Voice, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
Adam M. Klein
- The Emory Voice Center, Emory University, Department of Otolaryngology, Atlanta, Georgia
Edie R. Hapner
- The Emory Voice Center, Emory University, Department of Otolaryngology, Atlanta, Georgia
Michael M. Johns
- The Emory Voice Center, Emory University, Department of Otolaryngology, Atlanta, Georgia
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Michael M. Johns, Emory Voice Center, Emory University, Department of Otolaryngology, 550 Peachtree Street NE, 9th Floor, Suite 4400, Atlanta, GA 30308.

Accepted 14 August 2007. published online 26 November 2007.

Summary

Contemporary commercial music (CCM) performers rely heavily on their voice, yet may not be aware of the importance of proactive voice care. This investigation intends to identify perceptions and barriers to seeking voice care among CCM artists. This cross-sectional observational study used a 10-item Likert-based response questionnaire to assess current perceptions regarding voice care in a population of randomly selected participants of professional CCM conference. Subjects (n=78) were queried regarding their likelihood to seek medical care for minor medical problems and specifically problems with their voice. Additional questions investigated anxiety about seeking voice care from a physician specialist, speech language pathologist, or voice coach; apprehension regarding findings of laryngeal examination, laryngeal imaging procedures; and the effect of medical insurance on the likelihood of seeking medical care. Eighty-two percent of subjects reported that their voice was a critical part of their profession; 41% stated that they were not likely to seek medical care for problems with their voice; and only 19% were reluctant to seek care for general medical problems (P<0.001). Anxiety about seeking a clinician regarding their voice was not a deterrent. Most importantly, 39% of subjects do not seek medical attention for their voice problems due to medical insurance coverage. The CCM artists are less likely to seek medical care for voice problems compared with general medical problems. Availability of medical insurance may be a factor. Availability of affordable voice care and education about the importance of voice care is needed in this population of vocal performers.