A Survey of Dysphonic Episodes in High-School Cheerleaders

Abstract

Questionnaire responses were obtained from 146 high-school cheerleaders. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate typical vocal use, vocal history, and the incidence and nature of acute dysphonic episodes related to cheerleading. Many high-school cheerleaders reported frequent instances of acute aphonia, aphonic syllables, dysphonia, and pitch breaks. Abnormal voice characteristics often persisted for many hours following completion of the cheerleading event. Both "tired voice" and "sore throat" were experienced more frequently during evenings following a cheerleading event than during those evenings not preceded by cheerleading.