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Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery

Published in:

25-07-2023 | Original Article

Nasalance, Nasal Airflow and Perceived Nasality in Carnatic Singers and Non-singers

Authors: Thirunavukkarasu Jayakumar, Vijaitha V. Soonan, Vijitha Raj Thankamany, Jesnu Jose Benoy

Published in: Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

This study aims to compare the nasalance and nasal airflow between professional singers trained in Carnatic classical singing and non-singers. We also aimed to correlate perceived nasality with objective measurements of nasalance and nasal airflow. A total of 40 female participants (20 to 50 years) were involved in this study. The first group comprised 15 female professional Carnatic singers with a minimum of 10 years of classical training. The second group consisted of 25 non-singer females. These participants were compared on nasalance, nasal airflow and perceived nasality across three sets of stimuli (vowels, oral non-words, and nasal non-words) and three pitch-conditions (low, mid, and high). Correlations were also made between objective measures of nasalance and nasal airflow and perceived nasality. Mixed ANOVA showed a significant (P < 0.05) interaction in nasalance between pitch conditions and groups. Group differences were also observed in the nasalance scores of vowels, oral non-words, nasal non-words. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in nasalance with ascending pitch in singers and non-singers. A comparison of aerodynamic analysis of vowels, oral non-words, and nasal non-words between singers and non-singers suggested that nasal airflow was higher in singers. Perceptual nasality was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in Carnatic singers than non-singers. Correlations between objective measures of nasalance and nasal airflow and perceived nasality were not observed. Despite an increased airflow, nasality was lower in trained Carnatic singers than non-singers. Current findings suggest that vocal training impacts nasalance, nasal airflow and perceived nasality.

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Title: Nasalance, Nasal Airflow and Perceived Nasality in Carnatic Singers and Non-singers
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu Jayakumar
Vijaitha V. Soonan
Vijitha Raj Thankamany
Jesnu Jose Benoy
Publication date: 25-07-2023
Publisher: Springer India
Published in: Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 2231-3796
Electronic ISSN: 0973-7707
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-023-03994-w

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Nasalance, Nasal Airflow and Perceived Nasality in Carnatic Singers and Non-singers

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