The Effects of Singing-Based Voice Training on Vocal Functions and Quality of Life of Older People with Visual Impairments
Supervised By: Dr. Estella Ma, Academic Unit of Human Communication, Learning, and Development, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong
Project Background
Visual impairment is prevalent among older people in Hong Kong, and 27.7% of older people perceived themselves as having voice problems, adversely affecting one’s quality of life.
Singing is a complex physical activity consisting of longer phrases and wider pitch ranges than speaking, also constantly activating structures essential for voice production. Previous research has proven such intervention beneficial for alleviating voice problems, yet little is known regarding the effectiveness of singing-based training specifically in older people with visual impairment.
Objective
This study aims to explore the effectiveness of singing-based voice training in improving 1) vocal functions, including maximum phonation time (MPT) and maximum phonational frequency range (MPFR), and 2) voice-related quality of life, including score in Aging Voice Index (AVI) and perceived phonatory effort rated using the OMNI-scale on older people with visual impairments.
Methodology
Older people with visual impairment above 60 years old will be recruited. Participants will attend eight 30-minute voice training sessions, once to thrice weekly for four weeks. Cantonese and Mandarin song excerpts will be practised in each session, targeting the vocal mechanisms ‘endurance’ and ‘coordination’. Participants will practise pitch alteration and sing phrases in one breath, with phrase lengths adjusted depending on participants’ MPT. Voice samples will be recorded and analysed using the Praat software.