The purpose of the study was to describe the outcomes of the Voice Use Reduction (VUR) program on voice quality and vocal fatigue in occupational voice users (OVUs). A within-subject, quasi-experimental, pre-test, post-test research design was performed on 30 OVUs. Perceptual and acoustic outcome measures were employed pre-and post-implementation of the VUR, including the GRBASI 4-point rating scale, jitter, shimmer, 𝐹0, HNR, MPT, frequency min and max, intensity min and max, the dysphonia severity index (DSI) and the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI). The pre-and post-test outcomes revealed significant (p <0.001) decreases in perceptual G (Grade of hoarseness), R (Roughness), A (Asthenia), S (Strain), and I (Instability). Perceptual normality in all of these areas increased significantly (p <0.001). Acoustic measures revealed significant (p < 0.05) decreases in Jitter%, Intensity (dB) Min, and DSI scores as well as significant (p < 0.05) increases in MPT /a/, /s/ and /z/, Frequency (Hz) Max, and 𝐹0 (Hz) Max, indicating improved voice quality at post-test. The VUR program positively affected and improved OVUs’ perception of VF in the areas of tiredness of voice and physical discomfort. OVUs strongly perceive improvement of VF symptoms with rest regardless of the current level of VF they are experiencing. When approaching OVUs, clinicians are encouraged to make use of a combination of direct voice therapy and vocal hygiene accompanied by the use of VUR to help develop healthier use of the voice, facilitate healing, and prevent further/future injury.
Keywords: Occupational Voice Users; Voice Use Reduction Program; Vocal Quality; Vocal Fatigue.