Issue N# 5 - 2017
PHONIATRICS
A study of the effects of the menopause on the voice of opera singers
Authors : Clarós P, Kuifo C, Clarós-Pujol A, Clarós A, Pujol C. (Barcelone)
Ref. : Rev Laryngol Otol Rhinol. 2017;138,5:189-192.
Article published in french 
Downloadable PDF document french
Summary :
Objectives: To report our experience of the effects of menopause observed in women opera singers on the objective and subjective aspects of voice analysis. Materials and methods: We carried out a retrospective study from 2011 to 2017 on 64 women received in our clinic of otolaryngology in Barcelona. Included were postmenopausal women and opera singers. A control group consisted of 26 women, opera singers with a regular menstrual cycle, without hormone replacement therapy. Results: The mean age among postmenopausal women was 54.5 years and 32.4 years in the control group. Dryness of vocal cord was found in 78% of menopausal women, the mean fundamental frequency in the same group was 190.3 Hz. The mean maximum phonation time was 20.56 in the group of women with a normal menstrual cycle and 20.45 in the menopausal women group. Conclusion: The vocal parameter most affected by menopause is the decrease of the fundamental frequency. Changes in the vocal organ are also observed in videolaryngoscopy. In a professional singer these elements have an impact on the quality of the voice. However, it is difficult to establish the responsibility for natural aging of the voice in such changes.
Price : 14.00 €
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