title: The vocal load of Reform Jewish cantors in the USA.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Jewish cantors comprise a subset of vocal professionals that is not well understood by vocal health professionals. This study aimed to document the vocal demands, vocal training, reported incidence of voice problems, and treatment-seeking behavior of Reform Jewish cantors.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study used a prospective observational design to anonymously query Reform Jewish cantors using a 35-item multiple-choice survey distributed online. Demographic information, medical history, vocal music training, cantorial duties, history of voice problems, and treatment-seeking behavior were addressed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results indicated that many of the commonly associated risk factors for developing voice disorders were present in this population, including high vocal demands, reduced vocal downtime, allergies, and acid reflux. Greater than 65% of the respondents reported having had a voice problem that interfered with their ability to perform their duties at some time during their careers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reform Jewish cantors are a population of occupational voice users who may be currently unidentified and underserved by vocal health professionals. The results of the survey suggest that Reform Jewish cantors are occupational voice users and are at high risk for developing voice disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Emory Voice Center, Emory University, 550 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA. ehapner@emory.edu
authors.forename: Edie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hapner
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gilman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004522:Educational Status; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007599:Judaism; D008875:Middle Aged; D009146:Music; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014831:Voice; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult