Immediate effects of the semi-occluded bubble mask technique using VocalFeel® device as vocal warm-up in singers.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims at investigating the immediate effects of the Semi-Occluded Bubble Mask Technique (SOBM) performed with the device VocalFeel® as a vocal warm-up in a group of professional singers. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled study was carried out. METHODS: Forty-four vocally healthy professional singers were randomly divided into two groups on recruitment: an experimental group and a control group. The same vocal warm-up exercise was performed by the experimental group with the SOMB technique and by the control group without semi-occlusion. Self assessments, acoustic analysis and aerodynamic analysis of Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flows (PNIF) and Peak Oral Inspiratory Flows (POIF) were performed. RESULTS: Significant improvements after the SOBM technique were detected in the experimental group concerning some acoustic parameters (Jitt%; Shimm%) and aerodynamic measures (PNIF and POIF). No significant improvements after the warm-up exercise were observed in the control group. Significant differences between the experimental and the control group were found for ΔJitt%, ΔShimm%, ΔNHR, ΔPOIF and self assessments. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study support the efficacy of a vocal warm-up performed with the SOBM technique using VocalFeel® device in terms of acoustic quality, aerodynamic measures and perceived phonatory comfort in professional singers.

Cerebral Outflow Discrepancies in Recurrent Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Focus on Ultrasonographic Examination.

This prospective pilot study aimed to evaluate whether cerebral inflow and outflow abnormalities assessed by ultrasonographic examination could be associated with recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Twenty-four patients with recurrent BPPV, affected by at least two episodes, and diagnosed according to American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) criteria, evaluated at our University Hospital, between 1 February 2020 and 30 November 2021, have been included. At the ultrasonographic examination, 22 of 24 patients (92%) reported one or more alterations of the extracranial venous circulation, among those considered for the diagnosis of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), although none of the studied patients were found to have alterations in the arterial circulation. The present study confirms the presence of alterations of the extracranial venous circulation in recurrent BPPV; these anomalies (such as stenosis, blockages or regurgitation of flow, or abnormal valves, as per the CCSVI) could cause a disruption in the venous inner ear drainage, hampering the inner ear microcirculation and then possibly causing recurrent otolith detachment.

Laryngeal Taping as a Supportive Tool to Relieve Phonasthenia in Singers: A Preliminary Report.

AIM: This report aims to perform a preliminary evaluation of the role of taping in the improvement of phonasthenia among professional voice users. The larynx is a vital organ but also a work instrument for many people. Prevention of erroneous use of the vocal mechanism is essential for an optimal voice performance. METHODS: Nineteen singers complaining voice fatigue underwent taping application in peri-laryngeal areas of the anterior neck for 10 days. Taping effects were estimated by the evaluation of voice analysis parameters (jitter, shimmer, noise to harmonic ratio and singing power ratio) performed in M1 and M2 mechanisms with PRAAT software before and after treatment. In addition, a subjective assessment of phonasthenia was performed using a self-administrated questionnaire. RESULTS: Statistically significant reduction of Jitter% in M1 (P = 0.021) was reported at the end of treatment; also, an improvement of NHR in M2 was found immediately after the application (P = 0.012) and after 10 days (P = 0.002). These outcomes suggest possible beneficial effects of laryngeal taping on relieving voice fatigue, and therefore improving voice quality. Self-assessment results are consistent with this finding. CONCLUSION: Since the application of muscular taping in phoniatrics is still in its early stage, further studies and in particular a standardized protocol of application, could facilitate the spread of this technique, also offering help in comparing results.