Voice Problems in Hong Kong: A Preliminary Report

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Abstract
This study provided a preliminary investigation of the occurrence and distribution of voice problems of residents of Hong Kong. The subjects were sampled from patients receiving voice therapy. Background data such as laryngeal pathologies, age, sex, occupations and other “at-risk” factors are presented. Vocal abuse appears to be the primary underlying cause of vocal pathologies found in this sample. Investigation of the parameters of voice indicated that the phonatory ability, as measured by maximum phonation time of subjects with laryngeal pathologies was greatly reduced. Perceptual analysis of voice quality revealed that harshness (irregular glottal wave) was more prevalent than whisperiness (noise components of turbulent air).