Long-term outcome of hyperfunctional voice disorders based on a multiparameter approach.
The purpose of this study is to determine the long-term voice outcome (6.1 years after a well-defined voice treatment program) of hyperfunctional voice disorders in 27 subjects. All patients showed a muscle tension pattern type I (MTP I). Perceptual ratings, aerodynamic and acoustical analyses, Voice Handicap Index (VHI) value, and a determination of the Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) were performed. The laryngovideostroboscopic images indicated that 51% of the subjects still show pathological laryngological findings. The negative evolution of the DSI from -1 to -3.2 is in agreement with this finding. Analysis of the components of the DSI shows that the main responsible variable for this negative change is the lowest intensity (I-low) that increased with 8.1 dB, indicating that subjects generally speak too loud, which is a typical problem for vocal hyperfunction. The VHI-score indicates an unimportant psychosocial impact of the voice disorder. The more objective and laryngostroboscopic findings indicate a chronic situation for a substantial part of the subjects and even a worse situation for some of them. Whether the long-term voice outcome results can be changed with the insertion of several follow-up voice rehabilitation sessions over the years remains unanswered and is a subject for further research.
Van Lierde
K M
KM
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Gent, Gent, the Netherlands. kristiane.vanlierde@ugent.be
Claeys
S
S
De Bodt
M
M
van Cauwenberge
P
P
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007821:Laryngeal Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014833:Voice Quality; D014834:Voice Training