|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||
Essentials in
Singing Skills
The Bogart-Bacall Syndrome and Vocal Fatigue
Avoid speaking in your lowest range.
Updated: 7/15/2008 8:45:47 AM
By Dr. James Koufman
Thanks to Dr. James Koufman, Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology, at Wake Forest University and a much published icon in the EENT community, we have an opportunity to learn more about vocal fatigue in our singers. The following article on Bogart-Bacall Syndrome appeared in a recent edition of the Journal of Singing (The Official Publication of NATS, the National Association of Teacher’s of Singing)
Many people with low-pitched speaking voices, who complain of vocal fatigue (worsening of the voice with "prolonged" usage) and soreness or pain in the throat with "prolonged" vocal usage, and hoarseness, suffer from what is called "Bogart-Bacall Syndrome." The condition is most common in voice users such as singers, actors, and radio or television personalities. Such people often employ a habitual speaking fundamental frequency (habitual pitch) that is too low and therefore very inefficient, thus producing a kind of muscle tension dysphonia. This is why the condition is called "Bogart-Bacall" syndrome (BBS); both of those great actors had noticeably low-pitched voices. However, for most people, to maintain a very low-pitched speaking voice (particularly when one uses the lowest pitch of ones pitch range), considerable effort is required. Interestingly, most people with this condition are unaware of the effort required, at least until trouble develops. Why and how does this problem occur?
In today’s society, a low-pitched speaking voice is generally considered to be authoritative, worldly, and sophisticated. Until the last few years, a low-pitched resonant voice was almost a prerequisite to become a radio or television news person. Consider the history of such voices in broadcasting . . . Chet Huntley, David Brinkley, Walter Cronkite, Peter Jennings; the list goes on and on. Indeed, the low-pitched voice has traditionally been an important distinguishing characteristic of many in the entertainment industry and indeed, in all public life.
Although some people consciously choose to employ a very low-pitched speaking fundamental frequency (SFF), usually the selection of one's habitual conversational pitch is unconsciously determined. Perhaps, Bogart-Bacall Syndrome, which is more common in women, is to some extent the result of social pressure on professional women to compete with men in the business arena. In actuality, however, no one knows why people get Bogart-Bacall Syndrome (BBS).
From the vocal clinician's point of view, a low-pitched SFF is not the only feature of the BBS. Also usually present is poor breath support for speech and apparent muscle tension in the larynx (when the larynx is examined with a fiberoptic laryngoscope). The pattern of muscle tension seen is termed "MTD III).”
Characteristically, there is contraction of the larynx with the back of the larynx being drawn or pulled forward toward the base of the epiglottis. Thus, with the “MTD III” finding, the posterior half or more of the vocal folds are obscured from view. For the laryngologist, the finding of “MTD III” when associated with a very low pitched speaking voice is a good sign of BBS.
"Poor breath support" refers to inefficient regulation of the air stream that drives the vocal folds. This problem is common in many types of voice disorders. Most BBS patients tend to speak when the air in the lungs is already relatively depleted. Thus, to maintain the pitch and volume of the voice increased work (muscle tension) results . . . hence the finding of “MTD III.” Interestingly, when BBS occurs in singers, “MTD III” is not present during singing. For some reason, perhaps due to vocal training, good breath support is exhibited during singing, but not during ordinary conversational speech. Ironically, singers with BBS may complain only of problems with the singing voice. It may be that the increased vocal demands of singing unmasks the laryngeal tension and fatigue that results from the chronic laryngeal muscle tension of chronic inefficient speaking.
For the voice clinician, the BBS consists of a triad -- very low-pitched speaking voice, poor breath support, and laryngeal muscle tension (MTD III). Correction of the syndrome in voice therapy consists of improving breath “warm air” control, and alteration of the habitual SFF . . . the patient will usually find a more efficient and optimal habitual pitch when the individuals attention is simply alerted to the problem. For some, such pitch alteration is difficult to achieve. In these cases, somewhat prolonged voice therapy by a trained speech and language pathologist may be required to avoid chronic voice problems.
REFERENCES:
1. Koufman JA, Blalock P aD: Vocal Fatigue and Dysphonia in the Professional
Voice User: Bogart-Bacall Syndrome. Laryngoscope 98: 493-4981988
2. Koufman JA, Blalock PD: Functional Voice Disorders. Oto
Clin N A 24:1059-1073,1991
3. Blalock PD: Breath Support. The Visible Voice
1:6,April,1992
Save a PDF
Save original
Email Story
Print Story
 |