1.
Vocal folds are “chords.”
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
“Chords” is a misspelling that is often confused by many. The term “vocal cord” has been used for many years, however “vocal fold” is a more accurate anatomical description for the structure as they are folds of tissue that provide the vibratory movements needed to produce sound.
2.
Emotional and physical stress does not contribute significantly to vocal problems.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
It is important to maintain good health, both physically and emotionally, as this helps preserve a healthy voice as well. It is important to exercise regularly and practice healthy eating habits.
3.
Excessive use of mouthwash can be detrimental to the vocal structures.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
It is important to avoid chronic use of mouthwash as mouthwash contains high alcohol content which can be irritating to the larynx. Mouthwash should be used to rinse the mouth, but if you must gargle, switch to a mouthwash without alcohol or use warm saltwater.
4.
Which of the following activities, substances, and/or environments are abusive to the vocal mechanism? (check all that apply)
Correct Answer(s)
A. Talking in loud settings
C. Talking in a low-pitched voice
D. Coffee
F. Throat Clearing
G. Air Conditioning
Explanation
Yawning and humming are actually beneficial to your vocal mechanism and are techniques used by many actors to reduce tension in the laryngeal area as well as find their optimal pitch (Boone, McFarlane, & Von Berg; Zeine & Waltar, 2002).
5.
It is better to drink cold water than warm water.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Lukewarm water is best to drink as cold water can increase muscle tension in the laryngeal area. It is also important to drink at least 32 ounces of water per day, however for vocal performers drinking much more is essential. Water is an actor’s best friend!
6.
Vocal nodules are small, fibrous bumps, usually located on the middle of the vocal fold and are typically acquired over time.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Vocal nodules are seen on both of the vocal folds located directly across from each other. They are acquired gradually due to continuous misuse and abuse of the voice. However, vocal care education to reduce the abusive behaviors exhibited by the actor can positively affect the vocal nodules, often eliminating its symptoms. (Boone, McFarlane, & Von Berg, 2005; Zeine & Waltar, 2002).
7.
What are the symptoms reported by actors with small, early-stage vocal nodules (nodes)?
Correct Answer
C. Hoarseness, difficulty with register transitions, and difficulty projecting the voice
Explanation
• These are the most common symptoms exhibited in patients with early-stage nodules. Because the nodules create additional mass on the vocal folds, the vocal folds aren’t able to vibrate normally creating difficulty projecting the voice and transitioning between registers. The nodules also cause vocal fold irritation leading to the perception of hoarseness. (Zeine & Waltar, 2002).
8.
The treatment for early-stage vocal nodules is:
Correct Answer
B. Voice therapy focusing on changes in vocal behavior
Explanation
• Usually surgical removal is not necessary on nodules unless they are large recurrent (long-established). Most early-stage nodules can be successfully treated with voice therapy. Because nodules are caused by misuse and abuse of the voice, therapy focused on changing vocal behaviors will often cause the nodules to shrink and symptoms experienced to fade away (Zeine & Waltar, 2002).
9.
When my voice sounds bad, I should push harder to get it out.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Although one can push past some mild voice difficulties, this typically results in trauma to the vocal folds themselves often due to the increased muscle tension and increased forces on the vocal tissues. The sound of your voice is often an indicator of your general health therefore if your voice is experience difficulties, voice rest and excessive hydration is most important (Boone, McFarlane, & Von Berg, 2005).
10.
The treatment of choice for early-stage laryngitis is:
Correct Answer
E. Complete voice rest until symptoms subside
Explanation
• Complete or absolute voice rest, which means no phonation or whispering for days, is usually enough for irritated vocal folds to lose their swelling and return to their normal shape. It is important during this time that whispering not occur as this still causes vocal fold movement and further irritation (Boone, McFarlane, & Von Berg, 2005; Zeine & Waltar, 2002).
11.
Frequent throat clearing is detrimental to the voice.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
When you clear your throat you are essentially “slamming” the vocal folds together. This can cause damage to the vocal folds by causing inflammation and irritation. If there is a need to clear the throat, try sips of water first. If this is not effective, try a silent throat clear by closing your mouth and saying the “h” sound followed by a swallow (Boone, McFarlane, & Von Berg, 2005).
12.
Yawning lowers the voice box (larynx) and relaxes the muscles that surround the throat.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The yawn-sign technique is one of the most effective therapy techniques for reducing tension due to vocal hyperfunction. In vocal hyperfunction, the larynx rises, the vocal folds are tightly compressed, and the throat is constricted. After yawning, the larynx drops, there is a slight opening of the vocal folds, and the throat is no longer constricted (Boone, McFarlane, & Von Berg, 2005; Zeine & Waltar, 2002).
13.
When experiencing vocal difficulties, it is acceptable to whisper to be heard as whispering causes less abuse on the already damaged vocal system.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Although you may think that whispering is a good way to conserve your voice, in reality whispering is actually quite taxing on the vocal folds. Most people produce a glottal whisper by placing the vocal folds in close proximity to one another, which produces a light voice. The irritated, swollen tissues continue to touch and vibrate further damaging the system. Complete vocal rest and supplementing written notes for communication is most ideal (Boone, McFarlane, & Von Berg, 2005).
14.
If you experience chronic heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux), you are at risk for developing contact ulcers on the vocal folds.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Acid reflux is highly problematic to the vocal folds. This constant acidic irritation can cause contact ulcers to form leading to vocal symptoms. If you experience frequent heartburn, contact your physician as soon as possible (Boone, McFarlane, Von Berg, 2005; Janzen & Zeine, 2008).
15.
The use of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as aspirin and Advil can be detrimental to an actor’s voice.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The use of NSAIDs is one of the main causes of vocal fold hemorrhage. These drugs function as blood thinners and should be used ONLY in moderation, if absolutely necessary (Boone, McFarlane, & Von Berg, 2005).