The Assessment of Vocal Fry in Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students

Thursday, 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Seabright
Poster 2
Vocal Fry is often classified as a clinical voice disorder because it is frequently related to abnormal laryngeal output. Recently, the habitual use of vocal fry has been described as a new vocal pattern that has crept into the speech of young adult women.This research project was undertaken in order to assess the prevalence of vocal fry in speech-language pathology graduate students, entering their first and second year of a Master's program. Live voice samples were screened and analyzed using the Visi-Pitch tool in order to provide a quantitative measure of vocal fry exhibited in each sample. A corresponding survey was then administered to each participant and was comprised of qualitative measures via a Likert Scale in order to determine self-reported stress levels, vocal hygiene awareness/practices, graduate courses completed, and demographic information. Statistical analysis was implemented and indicated that first year students produced a voice sample containing significantly more vocal fry than in second year samples. Survey results suggested that first year students when compared with second year students appeared to partake more often in vocally abusive behaviors. Additionally, first year students were significantly less likely to have taken or be currently enrolled in the Voice Disorders course in comparison to second year SLP students. An important implication for future speech-language pathologists is to become aware of and limit their use of vocal fry in order to prevent the development of future voice disorders in addition to providing an appropriate and effective voice model to clients in therapy.
Track: 
Adult