Association between vocal symptoms and related causes in a group of choristers of the city of São Paulo

Abstract

Aim: To associate vocal symptoms and referred causes in choir singers, according to sex and vocal classification. Method: 143 subjects between 18 and 45 years of age and different vocal classifications filled in a questionnaire for assessment of vocal symptoms and referred causes. The data was statistically analyzed (significance level of 5%) according to the occurrence of: most mentioned symptoms and causes according to sex and vocal classification, and the most frequent ones in spoken and/or singing voice. The Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the differences between sex and vocal classification; Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to verify the relationship between vocal symptoms and their referred causes. Results: The symptoms most often reported were phlegm/secretion (44,6% for both), hoarseness (22,9% of women and 26,8% of men) and dry cough (20,5% for females and 14,3% for males). In regards to sex, there was significant difference (p=0,015) for men regarding weak voice. In vocal classification, dry throat and dry mouth differentiated, respectively, altos from sopranos. Among the possible causes, the most reported were: flu (50,8%), intense use of singing voice (42,4%) and allergy (41,6%). Conclusion: The most often reported vocal symptoms were phlegm/secretion, hoarseness and wet cough. Hoarseness was mentioned most regarding the spoken voice, while phlegm/secretion regarded the singing voice or both. In correlation with sex, the symptom weak voice was present in men, and in correlation with vocal classification, dry throat and dry mouth symptoms were present in the altos. The most often mentioned causes were flu, intensive vocal usage and allergy. The referred causes attributed to the specific symptom of hoarseness were intensive voice use, respiratory infection, allergy and digestive disorders.