Singing voice outcomes following singing voice therapy.

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Singing voice outcomes following singing voice therapy.

Laryngoscope. 2016 Jun 27;

Authors: Dastolfo-Hromack C, Thomas TL, Rosen CA, Gartner-Schmidt J

Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objectives of this study were to describe singing voice therapy (SVT), describe referred patient characteristics, and document the outcomes of SVT.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective.
METHODS: Records of patients receiving SVT between June 2008 and June 2013 were reviewed (n = 51). All diagnoses were included. Demographic information, number of SVT sessions, and symptom severity were retrieved from the medical record. Symptom severity was measured via the 10-item Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI-10). Treatment outcome was analyzed by diagnosis, history of previous training, and SVHI-10.
RESULTS: SVHI-10 scores decreased following SVT (mean change = 11, 40% decrease) (P < .001). Approximately 18% (n = 9) of patient SVHI-10 scores decreased to normal range. The average number of sessions attended was three (± 2); patients who concurrently attended singing lessons (n = 10) also completed an average of three SVT sessions. Primary muscle tension dysphonia (MTD1) and benign vocal fold lesion (lesion) were the most common diagnoses. Most patients (60%) had previous vocal training. SVHI-10 decrease was not significantly different between MTD and lesion.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first outcome-based study of SVT in a disordered population. Diagnosis of MTD or lesion did not influence treatment outcomes. Duration of SVT was short (approximately three sessions). Voice care providers are encouraged to partner with a singing voice therapist to provide optimal care for the singing voice. This study supports the use of SVT as a tool for the treatment of singing voice disorders.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2016.

PMID: 27345762 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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