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Robotti C, Schindler A, Lechien JR, Di Sabatino A, Capobianco S, Schindler A, Ottaviani F, Sims HS, Bertino G, Benazzo M, Mozzanica F. Prevalence of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms, Dysphonia, and Vocal Tract Discomfort in Amateur Choir Singers. J Voice 2023; 37:932-944. [PMID: 34404581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vocal tract discomfort (VTD), dysphonia, and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms are complaints frequently reported by amateur singers. There are two aims of this study. The first is to evaluate the prevalence of these symptoms using validated questionnaires. The second is to correlate singing-related variables with the questionnaire responses. METHODS A total of 392 amateur choir singers (ACS) and 514 control subjects completed an online survey divided into four parts: (1) clinical and demographic characteristics, (2) training in singing and singing experience, (3) history of gastroesophageal reflux disease and LPR symptoms, (4) validated questionnaires. Specifically, the reflux symptom index (RSI), the vocal tract discomfort scale (VTDS), and the voice symptom scale (VoiSS) were included to analyze the actual burden related to LPR symptoms, VTD, and dysphonia. RESULTS ACS demonstrated a healthier lifestyle and a lower prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms in comparison with control subjects. ACS scored significantly higher in VTDS and VoiSS than control subjects, while no differences in the RSI results were found. Significant correlations among the questionnaires' results were demonstrated. Occasional professional singing was the variable influencing VTDS and VoiSS results the most. CONCLUSION ACS do not evidently manifest a higher impairment connected to LPR (RSI score), while they do report higher levels of voice (VoiSS score) and vocal tract (VTDS score) impairments, in comparison with control subjects. The relevant correlations among the PRO measures suggest that LPR symptoms, VTD, and dysphonia are related to each other. Given the relevant repercussion on the severity of VTD and dysphonia, providers should specifically ask about occasional professional singing when treating amateur singers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Robotti
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Schindler
- Department of Biochemical and Clinical Science "L. Sacco", Luigi Sacco University Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jerome R Lechien
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Foch Hospital, Paris Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Antonio Di Sabatino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Capobianco
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, ENT section, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Schindler
- Department of Biochemical and Clinical Science "L. Sacco", Luigi Sacco University Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Ottaviani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy
| | - H Steven Sims
- Chicago Institute for Voice Care, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Giulia Bertino
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Benazzo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Mozzanica
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy.
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