Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 74-86) Also available in print.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 74-86) Also available online.

Thesis (B.Sc)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / "A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Speech and Hearing Sciences), The University of Hong Kong, April 30, 1997." Also available in print.

Thesis (B.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2003. / "A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Speech and Hearing Sciences), The University of Hong Kong, April 30, 2003." Includes bibliographical references (p. 28-30) Also available in print.

Thesis (B.Sc)--University of Hong Kong, 2007. / "A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Speech and Hearing Sciences), The University of Hong Kong, June 30, 2007." Includes bibliographical references (p. 26-28). Also available in print.

Thesis (B.Sc)--University of Hong Kong, 2007. / "A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Speech and Hearing Sciences), The University of Hong Kong, June 30, 2007." Includes bibliographical references (p. 26-28). Also available in print.

Thesis (B.Sc)--University of Hong Kong, 1999. / "A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Speech and Hearing Sciences), The University of Hong Kong, May 14, 1999." Also available in print.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references. Online version available on the World Wide Web.

M.Tech. / Voice disorders are defined as any deviation in quality, pitch or other basic vocal attributes, which consistently interfere with vocal ability (Kaufman and Johnson, 1991). Voice disorders are medical conditions or problems that affect a patient’s ability to use their voice efficiently. Voice disorders in any professional vocalist may have emotional, social, economical and financial implications. There is limited research on the effect of homoeopathic treatment of voice disorders. The aim of this study was to determine by means of case studies, the effect of homoeopathic simillimum treatment on professional vocalists suffering from voice disorders. The vocal and laryngeal symptoms were monitored by means of laryngoscopy and the modified Singing Voice Handicap Index. This was a descriptive study, using ten case studies. The study was conducted over a period of 12 weeks. Participants were recruited from the music-recording studio in Gauteng. All participants completed a selection questionnaire and had undergone laryngoscopy to rule out pathology. All participants underwent a complete Homoeopathic case taking, physical examination and completed the Singing Voice Handicap Index questionnaire. The researcher, to determine the similimum remedy for each participant’s case holistically used each participant’s unique physical, mental and emotional symptoms. All cases were repertorised, and the simillimum remedy found. All remedies were given in the 200cH potency based on the similarity of the remedy to the participant’s disease. Each participant attended six consultations, which took place at two-week intervals. At each follow up consultation, the participants completed the Singing Voice Handicap Index questionnaires and a case history was reviewed. Participants went for the final laryngoscopy screening during the last consultation. Treatment focused on the constitutional and emotional aspects of the individual. The physical manifestations of each participant were considered. This complies with the principles of classical homoeopathy, which states that the individual is a holistic entity, and should be treated as such. The voice disorder symptoms as measured by the Singing Voice Handicap Index improved in terms of severity and frequency for all ten participants. The results show a general improvement in the frequency, duration and intensity of discomfort and pain in the larynx associated with voice disorders. The results show an improvement in the emotional and general wellbeing of all participants over the study period.

A number of risks have been proposed in the literature to be associated with hyperfunctional voice disorder (HVD), one of the most common communication disorders. Yet, it is not distributed randomly in the population, certain population groups are at higher risks of developing voice disorders. It is generally agreed that the development of voice disorders involves a multifactorial genesis. The study of risks has been documented in different diseases and also in the World Health Report (W.H.O., 2002). The probabilistic approach has been recommended to effectively manage the likelihood of health outcome in relations to disease development (Tonetti, 1988) and systematically devise prevention and intervention programs targeting population at risk. Yet, in the study of the development of HVD, the lack of a universally agreed theoretical framework prohibited the establishment of such structure and research on advancement on preventive programs. The present thesis aimed to investigate the adoption of the FMAT risk assessment framework based on the probabilistic approach (WHO) to the field of hyperfunctional voice disorders. A Voice Risk Calculator (VRC) Questionnaire was developed focusing on the vocal loading, physiological/medical and psycho-emotional indicators and all subjects completed this questionnaire. The VRC Questionnaire was then validated based on the FMAT framework using a cross-sectional study was used to identify risk indicators associated with HVD development in the local population and a longitudinal study was employed to validate these risk indicators as risk factors. A total of 192 Cantonese-speaking subjects participated in the cross-sectional study including 123 dysphonic subjects and 69 non-dysphonic control subjects and 7 in the longitudinal study. Instrumental measurements including the voice range profile, aerodynamic measurements and the Voice Activity and Participation Profile (VAPP, Ma & Yiu, 2001) were also used as part of the validation procedure. The findings showed that significant differences were found between the dysphonic and non-dysphonic group in the cross-sectional study based on results from the instrumental measurements protocol. A minimal set of selected VRC questionnaire items were also determined (Items 1, 3, 25 and somatization scale) to differences between the subject groups in this study. Thus a set of locally-applicable risk indicators have been suggested. Yet, only minimal changes have been detected in a high-risk group targeted in the longitudinal study. Research (Beck, 1994) indicated that disease progression takes over a time frame of at least more than two years. Thus the small subject size and temporal element of the longitudinal study in the present thesis limited research aim to be achieved. Nonetheless that first phase of the FMAT framework for hyperfunctional voice disorders have been established in the current study and a finalized version of the Voice Risk Calculated Questionnaire has been developed for future research. / published_or_final_version / Speech and Hearing Sciences / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy