Abstract
Objective:
This study explored the voice experience, singing ability, and wellbeing of singers diagnosed with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (h-EDS).
Study Design:
This was a mixed-method study. A purposive sampling strategy was used. Data were collected via an online survey, using written closed and open-ended questions.
Methods:
276 adults completed the survey. This study focuses on a subset of professionally-trained singers (n=71). Responses elicited information about participants’ voice health and function, symptoms of hypermobility, singing experiences and training. Data were analysed using template analysis.
Results:
Many participants reported wide vocal ranges and enjoyment of singing but 74.6% of participants across all age groups (18-60 years) experienced voice difficulties. Three common themes were identified: (1) ‘My unreliable voice’: The ups and downs; (2) Wider effects of HSD/h-EDS on singers, and (3) Need for acknowledgment and support.
Conclusions:
Voice difficulties and hypermobility-related health conditions affected the participants’ abilities to sing and perform; this impacted their professional and personal opportunities, communication, relationships, and wellbeing. Our results indicate that symptoms of voice disorder worsen over time. We suggest practical strategies that singers and training providers could implement to support hypermobile singers. More research is needed to fully understand voice difficulties in singers with HSD/H-EDS and to inform tuition and support.
This study explored the voice experience, singing ability, and wellbeing of singers diagnosed with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (h-EDS).
Study Design:
This was a mixed-method study. A purposive sampling strategy was used. Data were collected via an online survey, using written closed and open-ended questions.
Methods:
276 adults completed the survey. This study focuses on a subset of professionally-trained singers (n=71). Responses elicited information about participants’ voice health and function, symptoms of hypermobility, singing experiences and training. Data were analysed using template analysis.
Results:
Many participants reported wide vocal ranges and enjoyment of singing but 74.6% of participants across all age groups (18-60 years) experienced voice difficulties. Three common themes were identified: (1) ‘My unreliable voice’: The ups and downs; (2) Wider effects of HSD/h-EDS on singers, and (3) Need for acknowledgment and support.
Conclusions:
Voice difficulties and hypermobility-related health conditions affected the participants’ abilities to sing and perform; this impacted their professional and personal opportunities, communication, relationships, and wellbeing. Our results indicate that symptoms of voice disorder worsen over time. We suggest practical strategies that singers and training providers could implement to support hypermobile singers. More research is needed to fully understand voice difficulties in singers with HSD/H-EDS and to inform tuition and support.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Journal of Voice |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 29 Dec 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Acknowledgments:We would like to thank the participants of this study, and the Hypermobility Syndromes Association and Ehlers-Danlos Society for assisting in the recruitment process.
DATA MANAGEMENT AND SHARING:
The authors have full control over the primary data for this study. Analysed data are stored in a shared OneDrive folder hosted by Bishop Grosseteste University. As per the ethical committee approval, this dataset is subject to ethical restrictions, and informed consent of study participants does not include the publication of raw data in terms of full survey responses. Access to the study data for secondary analysis can be made through reasonable request to the corresponding author. Requests for access to data will be reviewed by the project management group.