LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 26:6 June 2026
ISSN 1930-2940

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Singing Voice Handicap Index (M-SVHI) in Geriatric Bhajan Singers in Maharashtra

Anjali Sanjay
Dr. Satish Kumaraswamy

Abstract

Bhajan (devotional) singers in Maharashtra undergo intense vocal load alongside age related vocal decline. Despite these risks, their vocal health remains largely unexamined. Singing voice handicap index (SVHI) is used to evaluate singers' self-perceived vocal difficulties. This study aimed to evaluate self-perceived singing voice handicap among geriatric bhajan singers in Maharashtra using the Marathi version of the Singing Voice Handicap Index (M-SVHI) and examine its correlation in 60 elderly bhajan singers aged 50-75 years in Maharashtra. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient. The results revealed high rates of vocal distress with 71.7% experiencing nervousness, 65% felt frustrated and 53.3% felt handicapped by their voice and strong positive correlation between age and SVHI scores (r = 0.944, p < 0.001) indicating that vocal handicap increased with age. The findings highlight factors affecting vocal health in devotional singers and underline the importance of targeted vocal care.

Keywords:Bhajan, Singing voice handicap index, (M-SVHI), Maharashtra

Introduction

Voice plays a vital role in daily communication and also serves as a key instrument of artistic expression. The major way of expressing one's unique individuality and influencing society is through voice (Sataloff, 2006). For singers, their voice becomes a means of expressing inner devotion, emotion and identity.

In India, bhajans (devotional songs) are important devotional practices that encourage emotional expression through song (Nikky & Tiwari, 2025). Within Maharashtra this tradition holds profound cultural significance, particularly among geriatric populations that actively participate in community based Bhajan singing. Unlike singers of classical genres like Hindustani or Carnatic or commercial styles like jazz, pop and light music, bhajan singers encompass a unique category of vocal performers. Their styles are characterized by continuous phonation, intense emotional expression and extended singing hours. This extensive vocal loading can strain their vocal mechanism making them prone to voice impairments.

Vocal changes can manifest across lifespan due to different etiologies. However, the aging process can cause a progressive decline in vocal efficiency characterized by breathiness, hoarseness, increased pitch in men and so on (Çiyiltepe & Senkal, 2017 ; Mezzedimi , Di Francesco , Livi , Spinosi & De Felice, 2017 ; Rapoport , Menier & Grant, 2018). When these age-related physical declines intersect with the intense physical demands of devotional bhajan singing, the risk of developing singing voice handicap increases significantly.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Anjali Sanjay
Post Graduate Student (MASLP),
Dr. M.V. Shetty College of Speech and Hearing,
Malady Court, Kavoor,
Mangalore University-15
anjalisanjay10@gmail.com
&
Dr. Satish Kumaraswamy
Ph.D. Speech and Hearing
Professor
Dr M.V Shetty College of Speech and Hearing,
Malady Court, Kavoor,
Mangalore University-15
sat8378@yahoo.com

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