Hermann LA, Tur B, Köberlein MC, Gantner S, Westphalen C, Benthaus T, Döllinger M, Kniesburges S, Echternach M (2024)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2024
Book Volume: 38
Pages Range: 731-740
Journal Issue: 3
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.11.005
INTRODUCTION: Due to increased aerosol generation during singing, choir rehearsals were widely prohibited in the course of the CoVID-19 pandemic. Most studies on aerosol generation and dispersion focus on professional singers. However, it has not been clarified if these data are also representative for amateur singers. METHODS: Nine non-professional singers (four male, five female) were asked to perform five tasks; speaking (T+), singing a text softly (MT-) and loudly (MT+), singing on the vowel [ə] (M+) and singing with a N95 mask (MT+N95). Before performing the tasks, the singers were asked to inhale 0.5 L vapor produced by an e-cigarette consisting of the basic liquid. The spread of the exhaled vapor was recorded in all three dimensions by high-definition cameras and the impulse dispersion was detected as a function of time. RESULTS: Regarding the median dispersion to the front, all tasks showed comparable distances from 0.69 m to 0.82 m at the end of the tasks. However, the maximum aerosol dispersion showed a larger variety among different subjects or tasks, respectively. Especially in the M+ task a maximum distance of 1.96 m to the front was reached by a single subject. Although singing with a N95 mask resulted in a slightly increased median dispersion to the front, the maximum dispersion was decreased from 1.47 m (MT+) to 1.04 m (MT+N95). CONCLUSION: The maximum dispersion distance to the front of 1.96 m at the end of the M+ task and 1.47 m at the end of the MT+ task showed higher values in comparison to professional singers. Differences in phonation, articulation and mouth opening could lead to greater impulse dispersion. Singing in loud phonation with a N95 mask reduced the maximum impulse dispersion to the front to 1.04 m. Taking all results into consideration, a slightly larger safety distance should be necessary for non-professional singers.
APA:
Hermann, L.A., Tur, B., Köberlein, M.C., Gantner, S., Westphalen, C., Benthaus, T.,... Echternach, M. (2024). Aerosol Dispersion During Different Phonatory Tasks in Amateur Singers. Journal of Voice, 38(3), 731-740. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.11.005
MLA:
Hermann, Laila Ava, et al. "Aerosol Dispersion During Different Phonatory Tasks in Amateur Singers." Journal of Voice 38.3 (2024): 731-740.
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