S126 The Effects of Atmospheric Conditions on the Singer

Sunday, 6 January 2013
Exhibit Hall 3 (Austin Convention Center)
Nicole Marie Robertson, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK

The idea that human health is connected with weather has occupied minds for thousands of years; the first written evidence of such thought dates from 2700 B.C. While the idea may seem steeped in myth more than fact, science has proven otherwise. Since c.1950, biometeorologists have studied the effects of natural and artificial atmospheric conditions on the human body. These conditions, such as temperature, pressure and humidity, have shown direct correlation with health trends around the globe. In the vocal realm, much speculation continues to circulate as to weather's effect on the voice; however, very little research has been done to directly correlate weather and vocal health. This presentation will include an overview of the current research on this topic, including historical, anecdotal and scientific evidence, while also highlighting the necessity for further research in this field based on a newly proposed model
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