Opera singers and also Slovenian folk singers are classified as elite vocal users. Due to the high level of vocal load and the required high quality of voice, they are at risk of developing vocal disorders. The occurrence of a vocal disorder in Slovenian folk and opera singers negatively impacts the singer's performance and vocal quality. In severe cases, the singer may even be unable to sing and be forced to cancel performances.
In theoretical part, we explained physiology of phonation and singing, followed by defining vocal disorders and describing the risk factors for their occurrence. We presented professional voice users and summarized research findings on the frequency of vocal disorders in vocally demanding professions, focusing more closely on the frequency of vocal disorders in singers. We presented a classification of singing genres into non-classical and classical and described and compared the characteristics of opera and Slovenian folk singing. The purpose of the study was to determine and compare the frequency and causes of vocal disorders among Slovenian folk and opera singers. We created a questionnaire on the frequency of vocal disorders and the presence of risk factors for the development of vocal disorders, which was completed by a total of 100 Slovenian folk and opera singers.
The results of the study showed significant differences between the groups of Slovenian folk and opera singers in the frequency of vocal disorders, vocal training, familiarity with the vocal hygiene principles, and the frequency of vocal warm-up before performances. Among harmful factors for the voice and inappropriate vocal habits, we found a significant difference in the frequency of yelling between Slovenian folk and opera singers. Loud speaking, frequent yelling, smoking, excessive coffee consumption, inadequate hydration, and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux were more common in Slovenian folk singers, while fast speaking, frequent whispering, and the presence of asthma and other allergic conditions were more common in opera singers. We discovered that the frequency of hoarseness during singing career is significantly associated with the frequency of loud and fast speaking. Additionally, singers who reported hoarseness in the past year were significantly younger than singers who did not experience hoarseness in the past year.
Through research, we demonstrated that vocal disorders are more prevalent in Slovenian folk singers than in opera singers. We emphasized the importance of familiarity with the principles of vocal hygiene, appropriate vocal training, and the performance of vocal warm-up exercises before performances for Slovenian folk singers. Because the Slovenian folk singing genre itself represents a significant vocal strain for the singer due to the characteristics of their performances, it would be necessary to empower Slovenian folk singers with knowledge about vocal hygiene and risk factors for vocal disorders. We believe that in this way, speech therapists could significantly contribute to a lower incidence of vocal disorders among Slovenian folk singers by conducting preventive activities.
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