Defining Vocal Injury Stigma

In this episode of On The Voice, hosts Mackenzie Bykowski, MM, and Jenna Battipaglia, MS, CCC-SLP, PAVA-RV, kick off Season 2 by finally defining a term they've referenced constantly throughout the show: vocal injury stigma. Where it comes from, why it spreads faster than the truth, and why it keeps singers silent exactly when they need help the most.

Drawing on research from Johns Hopkins, McGill University, and ASHA, Mackenzie and Jenna unpack the difference between self-stigma and social stigma, why more than 85% of Broadway singers with a vocal injury never disclose it to their employer or file a workers' comp claim, and how fear of lost income keeps performers pushing through injuries that need rest. They trace the roots of public vocal injury stigma back to two landmark cases: Julie Andrews, whose 1997 vocal cord surgery left her permanently unable to sing and became, in their words, the case that put vocal injury on the public's radar; and Adele, whose 2011 vocal hemorrhage and subsequent tour cancellation offered a more transparent, empowering counterpoint decades later. Along the way, Mackenzie and Jenna share a recent real-world reminder that this stigma is alive and well, and that highlighting individual testimonials of working through vocal injury is the most effective way to combat the spread of stigma.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary — always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.