The Effects of Loading Tasks on the Vocal Characteristics in Speakers with Type I and II Diabetes

A person’s voice is closely related to personality and sense of self. When the voice is disrupted, their interactions, confidence, and way of life may be affected. Caring for that voice is essential in maintaining one’s quality of life. The vocal fold collisions happen hundreds of times per second. They can be damaged in a single instance or over time and across activities and vocations, particularly in professional voice users. 11.6% of the US population has diabetes. These individuals suffer from fatigue, are prone to infection, and are taxed with slowed healing. This research investigates how prolonged speaking at increased intensity over increased ambient noise affects vocal quality and vocal fold health of individuals with diabetes, using the latest objective and subjective measurement tools available. This will contribute to our understanding of the short-term effects of vocal loading in a susceptible population to avoid long-term changes and requisite care.