Potential adverse effects of poor posture on phonation process have been known for centuries especially in singing pedagogy. Proper posture means a perfect balance between deep extensor muscles and flexors which leads the body to a 'maximum muscular economy' state. Head is the pivot point being a powerful moment bearing mass for the whole balance system. Forward head posture (FHP) is carrying the head forward of the center of the shoulder which puts increased stress on the cervicothoracic spine and requires more work from the erector spinae muscles to maintain an erect posture.

            The larynx is suspended from the  basicranium without any direct bony attachment. FHP is one of the major posture abnormalities which effects voicing by altering the vocal tract shape, hightening vertical larynx position and disturbing the cricothyroid activity. Breathing dynamics will also change with FHP. A clinical study about the effects of poor posture (ie. forward head posture) on human voice will also be presented.

            A new device (Vocal Posturometer) is designed in order to give the user auditory biofeedback signals instantly in postural disturbances to rearrange the previously tailored proper posture. The device is composed of two parts. The sensor part -which is indeed an accelerometer- is attached to the neck between superior thyroid notch and jugular fossa by an elastic bandage. Microprocessor part which is small enough to carry in a shirt pocket receives angle information from the sensor part. This part gives auditory signals with its buzzer when the larynx posture changes beyond preset limits.

            Vocal posturometer seems to be a useful non-invasive ambulatory device which continuously reminds to correct the abnormal posture.