This study explored the possibility of proactive voice dosimetry for use by occupational voice users to prevent future voice disorders. This study included two parts, the design and initial testing of a Preventative Voice Monitoring (PVM) feedback system on voice use. In Part 1, the feedback displays were designed using an iterative user-centered approach. In Part 2, testing of the design occurred in two phases: laboratory and real world (classroom). In Part 1, the researcher found that users want an interactive, flexible system with well-defined measures and a layered display structure that provides both objective feedback and suggestions to improve voice use. In Part 2, the researcher found that while users felt the displays were user-friendly, they were difficult to interpret without better definitions of measures and suggestions for how to improve the voice based on feedback. Pitch strength was found to be a statistically significant predictor of vocal fatigue, with pitch strength (associated with voice quality) decreasing with increasing vocal fatigue. Readiness to change increased from the start to the end of the study for a majority of the participants, indicating that engagement with voice monitoring and feedback will increase the likelihood of engaging in behavior change. Finally, pitch and phonation time showed decreasing trends with voice monitoring and feedback, which are associated with decreased risk of developing voice disorders.
Read
