Effects of Hydration on Voice Acoustics

ABSTRACT: Purpose: Caring for the professional voice involves an understanding of the aspects of vocal function and the aspects affecting vocal function. The significance of the voice is especially obvious for individuals whose careers rely on speech. Clinical advice and support programs to improve voice conditions for professional voice users should be based on a foundation of empirical research. The purpose of this study was to increase scientific knowledge in determining the effects of hydration on vocal performance. Method: A sample of students ranging between 18 and 35 years of age and not presenting a history of voice disorder was used in this study. Two repeated measures designs were applied to the data analysis, allowing investigation of the effects of hydration on the voice of participants using two parameters of perturbation, jitter and shimmer, in vocal fold vibration as dependent variables across the two levels of the intervention. Jitter and shimmer are objective indicators of variability in vocal fold vibration. Result: Statistically significant reduction of jitter and shimmer on systemic hydration supports the claim that hydration has a positive impact on voice.