Sue Jones 1 , Dane Chalfin 1 , Philip Jones 1

1 University Hospital of South Manchester, Speech, Voice and Swallowing, Manchester

Elite vocal performers have very particular requirements with regard to vocal health as they are particularly vulnerable to vocal injury. Lifestyle and vocal demands can lead to sudden vocal difficulties which can threaten their careers. Pressure to continue vocal use despite vocal problems is frequent.

It is essential that these performers have access to expert medical, therapeutic and vocal rehabilitation professionals when they experience vocal difficulties.

In addition many benefit from regular vocal "check-ups" to ensure they remain in good vocal health.This presentation outlines the integrated approach developed at University Hospital of South Manchester, England.

The Elite Vocal Performer Clinic has been developed as an extension of a suite of voice clinic services. It is run by a Consultant Voice Therapist and Vocal Rehabilitation Consultant but has regular input from a Consultant ENT Surgeon as required. Performers can be seen as part of a routine clinic or on an emergency basis as required. Many performers presenting to the clinic have required therapy and/or singing rehabilitation which has been delivered either consecutively or concurrently. Others have required surgical intervention followed by a therapeutic approach.

A small series of cases which have involved the skills of all these professionals in managing elite vocal performers will be presented along with outcomes of these interventions. The importance of working as an integrated team in managing performers successfully is emphasised.

Raija Perko 1

1 University of Jyväskylä, Department of Early Childhood Education, Jyväskylä

Geert Berghs 1 , Marianne Avaux 2 , Nena Creylman 2 , Felix de Jong 2

1 singing teacher, , Bussum

2 Lab.Exp.ORL, Dep.ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Leuven

Kim Chandler 1

1 London College of Music, Faculty of the Arts, London