Changes in Voice After Septoplasty: A Pilot Study

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate changes in voice after septoplasty in adults using the Dr.Speech assessment module in conjunction with subjective evaluation using Voice Handicap Index (VHI). A total of 50 consecutive patients with symptomatic Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS) undergoing septoplasty were included in the study. Patients fit for surgery underwent septoplasty by standard technique. Voice assessment was done by subjective voice evaluation and Acoustic voice analysis preoperatively, 1  week after surgery and 1 month after surgery. Mean values of both males and females for Fundamental frequency (F0) were within the normal range at all the three times of assessment. No- significant differences were obtained at all the three times of assessment in males and females respectively. Significant results were obtained while comparing the preoperative and postoperative SNR dB values. Mean VHI score at preoperative, 1  week postoperative and 1 month postoperative was 23.2, 22 and 21.5 respectively. No statistical difference was obtained while comparing the mean VHI score at different time intervals. The scores between 0 and 30 are in the mild category, i.e. minimal amount of handicap. The scores of all the pati ents were less than 30 at all times of assessment. To conclude, post-operative changes in the voice parameters were minimal and not significant, they were indicative of greater acoustical quality of voice and lesser nasalized speech, thus reflecting the po...
Source: Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery - Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research