Voice Quality Measurement as an Indicator of Efficiency of Treatment in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease

Abstract

Introduction Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease can alter the structural and functional integrity of the vocal fold. Objectives of the study was to determine the effect of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPRD) on selected Acoustic, Aerodynamic and perceptual parameters of voice and to establish its effectiveness in therapeutic outcome. Materials and Methods The number of patients enrolled for this prospective observational study was 65, all with Reflux symptom index (RSI) more than 13. Quality of life was evaluated using voice handicap index (VHI). Perceptual evaluation of voice done by Grade Roughness Breathiness Asthenia Strain score (GRBAS) followed by acoustic and aerodynamic analysis. Patients were started on a once daily proton pump inhibitor therapy for 3 months along with vocal hygiene measures and RSI, VHI and voice analysis repeated after the treatment. Results There was significant improvement in the RSI score after treatment. Percent jitter and shimmer showed significant improvement in males post treatment (p value:<0.05). Harmonic to noise ratio improved 3 months post treatment in both sexes. Improvement noted in Maximum phonation time and GRBAS score except asthenia and strain post treatment. Conclusion Measurement of voice quality can be used as an effective tool to monitor the efficiency of treatment of LPRD.