Perspectives and Experiences of College-Aged Singers Regarding Voice Injury and Visiting the ENT: A Phenomenological Approach

Abstract

Among singers, stigma surrounding voice injury can affect self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-worth and can lead to hesitancy to disclose vocal injuries for fear of damaging their career. In addition, stressors in the singer-physician relationship can work against positive interactions with physicians. To date, no study has documented the perspectives of singers about voice injury and their interactions with physicians through a qualitative approach. The purpose of this study was to a) examine the perspectives and experiences of college-aged singers regarding voice injury and visiting an ear, nose, and throat physician (ENT), and b) identify behaviors of singers and ENT physicians that establish a functional and healthy relationship with the other. Following an interpretive phenomenological design, 6 collegiate singers were interviewed using a semi-structured guide, and from the results of these interviews three emergent themes were generated: a) the emotional connection of a singer and their voice, b) the presence of stigma surrounding voice injury, and c) the barriers to effective relationships between a singer and an ENT physician.