Spasmodic dysphonia and vocal fold paralysis: outcomes of voice problems on work-related functioning.
Patients at a university voice disorder clinic diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia (SD, n = 68) or vocal fold paralysis (VFP, n = 57) reported vocal symptoms and adverse work outcomes in contrast to a nondisordered group (ND, n = 68). Patients with SD most frequently cited symptoms of effortfulness (57%) and weakness (54%), VFP cited hoarseness (70%) and weakness (60%), while the nondisordered reported hoarseness (28%). SD and VFP produced greater (p< .05) adverse work outcomes than the nondisordered in the past (SD: 65%, VFP: 41%, ND: 3%), potential future (SD: 78%, VFP: 65%, ND: 19%), and current job performance (SD: 64%, VFP: 46%, ND: 2%). These disorders significantly disrupt socioeconomic outcomes and research is needed to improve functional ability and quality of life.
Smith
E
E
Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
Taylor
M
M
Mendoza
M
M
Barkmeier
J
J
Lemke
J
J
Hoffman
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013035:Spasm / Q000503:physiopathology; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000209:etiology*