Not Just Sound II: an investigation of singer patient self-perceptions mapped into the voice range profile.

In aiming at higher specificity in clinical evaluations of the singing voice, singer perceptions were included and tested in conjunction with the voice range profile. Method: The use of a commercial phonetograph supplemented by a hand-held response button was clinically tested with 13 subjects presenting voice complaints. Singer patients were asked to press a button to indicate sensations of vocal discomfort or instability during phonation. Each press was registered at the
actual position in the Voice Range Profile (VRP) so as to mark areas of difficulty. Consistency of button press behavior was assessed with a method developed previously. Results: In spite of their voice complaints, subjects did not press the button as much as healthy singers. Like healthy singers, the singer-patient group demonstrated consistent behavior but tended to press the button in completely different areas of the VRP space. The location of the presses was dominantly in the interior of the VRP and concentrated to a small fundamental frequency range. An extensive discussion examines carefully the reasons for such outcomes. Conclusion: The button augmented VRP could be a well needed resource for clinicians but requires further development and work.