Bilateral Vocal Nodules Multidimensional Assessment: Pre- and Post- Speech Language Pathology Intervention

(1) Background: Vocal fold nodules are bilateral lesions that can have an important negative impact on a person’s job performance, social interaction, and quality of life. This study aims to analyze multidimensional voice evaluation outcomes in a group of patients with bilateral vocal fold nodules w...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Rita Alegria, Susana Vaz-Freitas, Fátima Maia, Maria Conceição Manso
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-09-01
Series:Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/4/2/8
Description
Summary:(1) Background: Vocal fold nodules are bilateral lesions that can have an important negative impact on a person’s job performance, social interaction, and quality of life. This study aims to analyze multidimensional voice evaluation outcomes in a group of patients with bilateral vocal fold nodules who underwent voice therapy. (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in 42 patients on the following voice evaluations, before and after voice therapy: visual-perceptual (video-laryngostroboscopic evaluation), auditory-perceptual voice analysis based on the GRBAS scale, and aerodynamic voice analysis. Data were collected from January 2001 to December 2019. Data analyses were performed with non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon test) using α = 0.05. (3) Results: The patient average age was 33.6.1 ± 10 years (range 19–60), and 95.2% were female. Voice therapy was delivered by an experienced speech-language pathologist once a week, with an average of 9.8 ± 3 appointments (range 8–17). Vocal fold lesions disappeared in 40.4% of the patients after voice therapy, especially in participants receiving early voice therapy (<i>p</i> = 0.035). When comparing pre- and post-therapy audio-perceptual results, all parameters were improved with statistical significance (<i>p</i> < 0.05) except for the asthenic voice scale. Aerodynamic parameters were all improved but without statistical significance (<i>p</i> > 0.05); (4) Conclusions: Early timing to initiate voice therapy after the onset of symptoms or diagnosis seems to be an important factor for the success of voice therapy (absence of vocal fold nodules).
ISSN:2504-463X