Therapeutic consequences from changing voice ideals (clear to harsh, pleasant to jarring): Summarizing report on a round-table discussion at the 5th World Voice Congress, Luxor, Egypt, 27–31 October 2012

Abstract

Starting out with an attempt to define an ‘ideal voice’, the discussion moved on to the hazards of pop singing, followed by the topics of harsh voices (from the desired effects in modern singing expression to devastating clinical cases), phoniatric targets (aesthetics and fitness), and, finally, the phoniatricians’ attitudes comprising acceptance, neglect, and rejection. Therapy should aim at a resilient and effective voice regardless of the mere sound, unless the perfection of the vocal sound is the ultimate goal. In addition, the panellists agreed that voice specialists and all friends of healthy and efficient voices are obliged permanently to engage in voice care.

Key words::

• Harsh voices
• therapy
• voice care
• voice ideals

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.