RESUMO Introdução Apesar dos vários estudos relacionados à voz na terceira idade e o canto, ainda são necessárias pesquisas que busquem entender os efeitos dessa prática na voz falada de idosos. Objetivo comparar as características da voz falada de idosas com prática de canto coral às de idosas sem essa vivência. Método fizeram parte deste estudo 75 idosas, sendo 50 com prática de canto coral que compuseram o grupo corista (GC) e 25 sem essa prática (GNC), que foram comparadas. Para caracterização das idosas e levantamento de dados referentes aos hábitos de vida e voz, foi aplicado um questionário. Foram coletadas amostras de fala (vogal sustentada, repetição de frases e um trecho de fala espontânea) em uma sala silenciosa com as idosas sentadas. As vozes foram analisadas por três juízes fonoaudiólogos segundo o protocolo Consensus Auditory–Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V). Os dados foram submetidos à análise descritiva e estatística. Resultados as vozes das idosas do GNC apresentaram aumento significativo nos escores relacionados à alteração do grau geral e presença de rugosidade e tensão. Conclusão A análise das características da voz falada de idosas coristas, quando comparada a daquelas que não realizam essa prática, apontou para melhor qualidade vocal no aspecto geral, em decorrência de menor rugosidade e tensão.

ABSTRACT Introduction Despite several studies related to singing and aging voice found in the literature, there is still the need for investigation seeking to understand the effects of this practice in the speaking voice of the elderly. Objective To compare the characteristics of the speaking voice of elderlies with experience in choral singing with those of elderlies without this experience. Method Participants were 75 elderly women: 50 with experience in choral singing - group of singers (SG) and 25 without experience - group of nonsingers (NSG). A questionnaire was applied to characterize the elderly and collect data with respect to lifestyle and voice. Speech samples (sustained vowels, repetition of sentences, and running speech excerpts) were collected in a quiet room in sitting position. The voices were analyzed by three expert speech-language pathologists according to the protocol Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V). Data were submitted to descriptive and statistical analysis. Results The voices of elderly nonsingers (NSG) showed significant increase in scores related to the overall degree of deviance and presence of roughness and strain. Conclusion Analysis of the aspects of the speaking voice of subjects in the SG, compared with that of subjects in the NSG, showed better overall degree of deviance due to lower roughness and strain.

Introduction Due to increased life expectancy among the population, studying the vocal parameters of the elderly is key to promoting vocal health in old age. Objective This study aims to analyze the profile of the extension of speech of elderly female choristers, according to age group. Method The study counted on the participation of 25 elderly female choristers from the Choir of Messianic Church of São Paulo, with ages varying between 63 and 82 years, and an average of 71 years (standard deviation of 5.22). The elders were divided into two groups: G1 aged 63 to 71 years and G2 aged 72 to 82. We asked that each participant count from 20 to 30 in weak, medium, strong, and very strong intensities. Their speech was registered by the software Vocalgrama that allows the evaluation of the profile of speech range. We then submitted the parameters of frequency and intensity to descriptive analysis, both in minimum and maximum levels, and range of spoken voice. Results The average of minimum and maximum frequencies were respectively 134.82-349.96 Hz for G1 and 137.28-348.59 Hz for G2; the average for minimum andmaximum intensitieswere respectively 40.28-95.50 dB for G1 and 40.63-94.35 dB for G2; the vocal range used in speech was 215.14 Hz for G1 and 211.30 Hz for G2. Conclusion The minimum and maximum frequencies, maximum intensity, and vocal range presented differences in favor of the younger elder group.

OBJETIVO: identificar o nível de autopercepção vocal de cantores de um coral profissional. MÉTODO: participaram 44 coristas, com idades entre 20 e 75 anos (<img border=0 width=16 height=20 src="../img/x.jpg" align=absmiddle> 51,5 ± 14,36), de ambos os sexos. Estes responderam a um questionário com 30 questões objetivas sobre autopercepção vocal e queixas da voz cantada e falada; experiência com o canto e hábitos relacionados ao bem estar vocal. RESULTADOS: todos os coristas auto definiram suas vozes com características positivas, não apresentando diferença estatística entre voz falada e cantada. Os coristas identificaram também características vocais negativas para voz falada e cantada, sendo que foi encontrada diferença estatística. O índice de queixas vocais foi de 31% para voz falada e 25% para voz cantada, sem apresentar diferença estatística. 43% dos participantes realizaram aulas de canto, com tempo médio 1,95 anos (± 2,29 anos) e o tempo de participação em corais variou de seis meses a 66 anos, com tempo médio de 17,74 anos (± 18,45 anos). Quanto aos hábitos relacionados ao bem estar vocal, o índice médio de ingestão diária de água foi de 1,7 litros (± 0,92 litros); 50% dos coristas fazem ingestão de álcool com frequência; o índice numérico de tabagistas foi de 4,5% e 22% dos coristas são ex-tabagistas. Não foram encontradas correlações estatísticas entre tabagismo, etilismo e experiência no canto com queixas vocais. CONCLUSÃO: os coristas avaliados apresentaram um nível elevado de autopercepção de seus aspectos vocais, podendo sugerir que o canto coral desempenha um papel importante na promoção do bem estar vocal.

PURPOSE: to identify the vocal self-perception level of the vocal aspects, on the singers of a professional chorus. METHOD: participated 44 choristers, with ages between 20 and 75 years (<img border=0 width=16 height=20 src="../img/x.jpg" align=absmiddle> 51.5 ± 14.36) of both genders. All answered a questionnaire with 30 objective questions about complaints and self-perception of singing and speaking voice; experience in singing and vocal habits related to vocal health. RESULTS: all the choristers self-defined your voices with positive characteristics, no statistically significant difference between spoken and singing voice. The choristers identified characteristics negatives to spoken voice and to singing voice, with statistical difference. Vocal complaints rate was 31% and 25% for spoken voice and singing voice respectively, but no statistical difference. 43% of participants were singing classes with an average time of 1.95 years (± 2.29 years) and the time of participation in chorus was 17.74 years (± 18.45 years). About the habits, the average daily water intake was 1.7 liters (± 0.92 liters); 50% of the choristers drinks alcohol regularly; the numeric index of smokers was 4.5% and 22% of the choristers reported to have abandoned the use of cigarettes. There were no statistical correlation between smoking, drinking and singing experience with vocal complaints. CONCLUSION: conclude that the choristers analyzed have good level of self-perception of their vocal aspects, which suggests that chorus singing have importance in promotion of vocal health.