Vocal and auditory symptoms and self-perception of voice and hearing in voice actors

Povreslo, Heloísa Soares; Constantini, Ana Carolina

doi:10.1590/2317-1782/e20240316pt

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Original Article • CoDAS 37 (6) • 2025 • https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/e20240316en linkcopy

Vocal and auditory symptoms and self-perception of voice and hearing in voice actors

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

ABSTRACT

Purpose To trace suspected voice disorder based on vocal and auditory symptoms self-reported by voice actors and analyze the correlation between these symptoms.

Methods Quantitative, cross-sectional and prospective study, approved by the institution’s Research Ethics Committee. An online questionnaire was applied consisting of different instruments to trace vocal and auditory symptoms and conditions: Vocal Production of the Actor (VP-A), Screening Index for Voice Disorder (SIVD) and Self-Reported Hearing Loss Questionnaire (SRHLQ). Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was conducted with the application of Fisher’s Exact test to verify the association between suspected voice disorder (VD) and perceived hearing loss (HL) and variables of interest; and the Mantel-Haenszel test (p<0.05) was applied to measure the association between two variables controlled by a third variable.

Results 55 voice actors (27 men, 26 women and 1 non-binary person) composed the sample. An association between suspected VD with work habits, setting and organization and use of vocal technique was noted; self-perception of hearing and perception of HL was associated with habits and perceptions about the voice. Seven voice actors (12.7%) presented suspected VD and 31 (56.4%) presented perceived HL. The most common vocal symptom was throat clearing. Most of those with perceived HL (14, 25.5%) were aged up to 35 years.

Conclusion Self-perceived HL affected most participants and suspected VD was less frequent. There was an association between suspected VD and vocal symptoms and also with hearing.

Keywords:
Worker Health; Voice; Voice Disorders; Hearing; Hearing Loss

VP-A question	Question available on the form
6. How long have you been a professional actor?	6. How long have you been a professional actor/voice actor?
7. What is your type of actor training?	7. What is your type of training in this profession?
8. How many play, projects and other professional activities are you currently involved in? (consider the last 30 days for answering)	8. How many dubbing projects are you currently involved in? (consider the last 30 days for answering)
8.1. How many hours per week do you dedicate to performing and rehearsing?	8.1. How many hours per week do you dedicate to recording and rehearsing?
9. In addition to acting, do you perform other activities that require the use of voice?	9. In addition to voice acting, do you perform other activities that require the use of voice?
9.1. Can you support yourself financially with your profession as an actor?	9.1. Can you support yourself financially with your profession as a voice actor?
11. What function(s) do you currently perform in the theatre (please answer for each function type).	11. What function(s) do you currently perform in the voice acting studio (answer for each function type).
13. Is your rehearsal and performance space noisy?	13. Is your rehearsal and recording space noisy?
26.1. Do you have a good relationship with your colleagues who work in the play (other actors, production and technical staff)?	26.1. Do you have a good relationship with your colleagues who work in the recording (other actors, production and technical staff)?
39.6. Which of the situations of violence listed below have already occurred in your work setting: Violence around the rehearsal/performance setting.	39.6. Which of the situations of violence listed below have already occurred in your work setting: Violence around the rehearsal/recording setting.
Guidance on questions 12–25 about the work setting: “Think about the places where you usually rehearse and perform. The questions below should be answered considering your main work setting.”	Guidance on questions 12–25 about the work setting: “Think about the places where you usually rehearse and record. The questions below should be answered considering your main work setting.”

		n	%
Age (n=55)	Between 36 and 40	15	27.3
	Between 31 and 35	12	21.8
	Over 50	11	20.0
	Under 30	9	16.4
	Between 41 and 50	8	14.5
Years of professional experience (n=54)	Less than 5	23	42.6
	Between 5 and 10	16	29.6
	More than 10	15	27.8

Pairs	p-value
Gender
Gender × Absence due to voice disorder	0.001
Gender × Voice loss	0.022
Years of professional experience × Strained speech	0.001
Habits
Consumption of alcoholic drink × Low-pitched voice	0.040
Consumption of energy drink × Vocal cool-down	0.026
Consumption of energy drink × Hoarseness	0.031
Consumption of energy drink × Cough with secretion	0.019
Consumption of energy drink × Secretion/phlegm in throat	0.014
Consumption of energy drink × Strained speech	0.005
Water intake × Vocal warm-up	0.007
Water intake × Breaking voice	0.043
Vocal warm-up × Use of vocal technique	0.008
Vocal cool-down × Hoarseness	0.042
Absence due to voice disorder × Strained speech	0.028
Positive SIVD
SIVD × Hoarseness	0.013
SIVD × Low-pitched voice	0.044
SIVD × Vocal cool-down	0.036
SIVD × Dry cough	0.010
SIVD × Cough with secretion	0.000
SIVD × Secretion/phlegm in throat	0.000
SIVD × Dry throat	0.003
SIVD × Strained speech	0.000
SIVD × Hearing	0.045
Hearing Self-Assessment
Hearing Self-Assessment × Consumption of energy drinks	0.004
Hearing Self-Assessment × Low-pitched voice	0.014
Self-perception of hearing loss
Self-perception of hearing loss × Consumption of energy drink	0.045
Self-perception of hearing loss × Water intake	0.037
Self-perception of hearing loss × Hearing	0.003

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[1] Source: Prepared by the authors, 2025