Vocal and Nonvocal Habits among Vedic Chanters

Abstract

<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The objective of the present study was to explore the voice concerns and vocal and nonvocal habits of Vedic chanters. <b><i>Participants and Method:</i></b> A cross-sectional design was used to study 200 Vedic chanters using a 36-item questionnaire. This questionnaire was developed and administered to explore their voice concerns and vocal and nonvocal habits. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings and K-means cluster analysis was carried out to identify clusters concerning voice quality and influence of habits. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The majority of Vedic chanters were involved in certain vocal habits such as use of loud voice while chanting and frequent throat clearing. Further, approximately half of the chanters expressed a concern towards their voice, while a vast majority experienced vocal fatigue. Cluster analysis helped in identification of 4 clusters: Vedic chanters with (1) good lifestyle and good voice characteristics (<i>n</i> = 107), (2) good lifestyle but bad voice characteristics (<i>n</i> = 15), (2) poor lifestyle and good voice characteristics (<i>n</i> = 51), and (4) poor lifestyle leading to bad voice characteristics (<i>n</i> = 27). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The findings of the present study provide useful information on voice concern and vocal and nonvocal habits among a unique population of individuals. The current study of Vedic chanters highlights the need to have a detailed understanding of their specific voice usage, demands, and voice characteristics.