The Lived Experience of Phonotrauma: Discussions on Identity and Stigma.

PURPOSE: To capture the perspectives of patients on the experience of living with a phonotraumatic voice disorder and their path through treatment, the current study examined the experience and emotional impact of a phonotrauma diagnosis. The relationships between voice disorders, identity, and barriers were explored through semistructured interviews.

METHOD: Twenty-one individuals with phonotrauma (20 cisgender females and one cisgender male; 19 singers) participated in semistructured interviews conducted through a secure videoconferencing platform and lasted an average of 30 min. Interviews addressed the following topics: personality, identity, impacts of voice problems, and barriers to pursuing treatment. Interview data were systematically analyzed using dual coders and triangulation of data sources to identify recurrent themes, categories, and expressions.

RESULTS

The data from interviews resulted in two primary themes: (a) The role of voice in identity may heighten the emotional impact from a phonotrauma diagnosis, and (b) negative pressure and perceived stigma. Participants, particularly singers, described their voice as central to their personal and professional identity. Loss of vocal function led to disruption in identity and perceived mental health symptoms such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Participants also reported experiencing both internal and external pressures. Pressures included stigma from peers, colleagues, and health care providers, fear of being perceived as having poor vocal skills, and practical consequences such as loss of income and career uncertainty.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this qualitative study into the perspectives of patients diagnosed with phonotrauma revealed far-reaching effects beyond the standard vocal function impacts. Phonotrauma can impact the individual's identity, well-being, and livelihood. Stigma and negative pressure can compound these effects. Clinicians should consider using an individualized approach to treating patients with phonotrauma by addressing the emotional and identity impacts of the disorder and helping patients navigate the psychosocial challenges of recovery.