Comparative Analysis of Characteristics of Voice Use Amidst Clergy.

The development of "Care of the Professional Voice" as a subspecialty of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery has expanded the concept of professional voice users. Although sometimes uncompensated, the clergy represents a unique group of voice users who are required to perform at a professional level. Additionally, cultural norms create great diversity in terms of style of delivery and typical venues, adding to the interest in this subset of professional voice users. We surveyed 403 respondents and found certain factors predictive of voice problems for members of the clergy. Age, length of sermon, and ethnicity were all found to be statistically significant indicators. Further investigations are needed.

Occupational Health and the Performing Arts: An Introduction.

OBJECTIVE: Workplace hazards in the performing arts cause injuries, disabilities, and deaths every year. Occupational health professionals are familiar with most of these hazards and are particularly qualified to contribute to efforts to reduce them. This article reviews current health issues in the performing arts and highlights opportunities for occupational health contributions. METHODS: Recognized experts in performing arts medicine were consulted and articles illustrating performing arts health issues were reviewed. Literature sources included medical databases, unindexed art-health publications, and popular press articles. RESULTS: Resources discussing hazards and health issues in theater, dance, voice, and instrumental musicians were located and reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment providers have a history of involvement with segments of the performing arts. The occupational health approach to workplace health issues can effectively complement these efforts. Sources of further information on performing arts health concerns are available.