Comparative Analysis of Characteristics of Voice Use Amidst Clergy.

Authors :: Reed JP
Sims HS
Source :: Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation [J Voice] 2017 Mar; Vol. 31 (2), pp. 256.e7-256.e11. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Aug 18.
Publication Year :: 2017
Abstract: The development of "Care of the Professional Voice" as a subspecialty of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery has expanded the concept of professional voice users. Although sometimes uncompensated, the clergy represents a unique group of voice users who are required to perform at a professional level. Additionally, cultural norms create great diversity in terms of style of delivery and typical venues, adding to the interest in this subset of professional voice users. We surveyed 403 respondents and found certain factors predictive of voice problems for members of the clergy. Age, length of sermon, and ethnicity were all found to be statistically significant indicators. Further investigations are needed.<br /> (Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)