PURPOSE: To investigate the vocal health profile of male and female gospel amateur singers regarding vocal complaints, habits and difficulties during singing practice. METHODS: Participants were 55 subjects with ages between 18 and 50 years, who answered a self-assessment questionnaire regarding the identification of vocal habits and possible complaints of spoken and sung voice. RESULTS: Amateur gospel singers reported vocal complaints, such as continuous hoarseness (43.6%), constant throat clearing (43.6%), voice failure (34.5%), voice loss (18.1%), dry throat (18.1%), weak voice (14.5%), and neck and cervix pain (12.7%). During singing activity, the most reported complaints were difficulties in reaching high notes (45.4%), hoarseness (30.9%) and voice failure (29%). The vocal habits the singers reported regarded excessive talking (63.6%), immoderate icy beverages intake (43.6%), loud talking (40%), and repeatedly shouting (20%). Significant differences were found between genders regarding the variables voice failure, icy beverages intake, and loud talking. CONCLUSION: Amateur religious singers of both genders showed an expressive percentage of vocal complaints and habits that might be associated to lack of information about healthy vocal habits, which can contribute to the development of laryngeal alterations and voice disorders.
Voice; Dysphonia; Voice quality; Voice disorders; Questionnaires
