Acoustic features of voice after septoplasty.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in acoustic features of voice after septoplasty and to establish concepts of patient management and a rational therapeutic approach.


METHODS
Before and one month after surgery, phonetically balanced sentences and sustained vowels a, e, and i were recorded and digitalized with MDVP (Multi Dimensional Voice Program, Kay Elemetrics) in all patients for an evaluation of nasal resonance, voice handicap index (VHI), and active anterior rhinomanometry. These parameters were estimated: average fundamental frequency (Fo), jitter percent, shimmer, noise-to-harmonics ratio (NHR), voice turbulence index (VTI), soft phonation index (SPI), degree of voicelessness (DUV), degree of voice breaks (DVB), and peak amplitude variation (vAm).


RESULTS
One month after surgery the data showed an improvement in all the acoustic parameters and a normalization of nasalance.


CONCLUSIONS
The results highlight the impact of septoplasty on nasalance and voice. In selected cases, such as severe nasal septum deviation, the decision to perform septoplasty depends on its potential effect on speech and respiratory function. An objective evaluation of voice and nasalance helps the specialist in the management of these patients.
Mora
Renzo
R
ENT Department, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy. renzomora@libero.it
Jankowska
Barbara
B
Dellepiane
Massimo
M
Mora
Francesco
F
Crippa
Barbara
B
Salami
Angelo
A
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013061:Speech Acoustics; D014831:Voice