The effects of earplugs on voice production during classical singing practice

Kjersti Roland and Viggo Pettersen

Background: Many singers report that they become hypersensitive to the sound of their own voice, and that this disrupts their singing. This study examines whether the use of earplugs in singing practice can reduce these problems.
Methods: A sample of eight student singers performed the same song several times with and without earplugs. Surface electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from selected muscles in the neck and jaw, and movements of the thorax were measured with strain gauge sensors. Further information on physical and psychological experiences was obtained through interviews with the participants.
Results: Singing with earplugs was associated with a lower EMG activity in the selected muscles of the neck and jaw, and with a more expanded thorax. Interview results indicate less strained larynx functions, less awareness of auditory feedback, and less critical feelings towards one’s own voice, when singing with earplugs.
Conclusions: Use of earplugs during singing practice may allow for an emotional distance from one’s own voice, and for voice production with less muscular tension.

Keywords: Earplugs, voice production, EMG, singing voice, singing practice.

*Kjersti Roland and **Viggo Pettersen
*Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo and **Department of Music and Dance, University of Stavanger, Norway
Department of Special Needs Education
P.O. box1140Blindern
0318 Oslo
Norway
Telephone: +47 93 66 43 54 / +47 22 85 62 58
E-mail: kjersti.roland@isp.uio.no