Summary
On average, the prevalence of subjectively indicated dysphonia in singers is higher
than in the general population. When using extreme vocal techniques supraglottic structures
are involved to protect the vocal folds. Most of the metal singers learn this specific
singing style autodidactically. Vocal training can have a positive effect on the voice
and prevent voice problems. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of
dysphonia in metal singers and the impact this has on the profession or the vocal
education.
The subjects had to fill out an online questionnaire including two validated and standardized
questionnaires about the speaking and singing voice: The short version of the Voice
Handicap Index (VHI 12) and the Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI).
The prevalence of dysphonia in metal singers is 12.2%. 9 out of 74 participants showed
an increased (S)VHI score. 6 of these participants learned singing autodidactically.
No dysphonia was found in any singer who sings full-time or studied singing. The correlation
between education or profession and dysphonia was statistically not significant. More
women than men studied or took singing lessons. This difference was statistically
significant.
The prevalence of 12.2% in our study is quite low and contrary to our assumption.
We can assume, that a vocal education for the metal singing style is useful but not
mandatory and the number of persons with dysphonia through metal singing is low. A
healthy vocal technique does not necessarily have to be the result of voice lessons.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 18, 2023
Accepted:
December 7,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
