Short-Term Voice Outcomes of Eclectic Voice Therapy for Vocal Nodules.

Abstract

Objectives: The treatment of vocal nodules includes microsurgery, voice therapy, or a combination. Research studies have reported the benefits of voice therapy in vocal nodules; however, there is less evidence on systematic voice therapy approaches specific to vocal nodules. Hence, the current study aims to establish the short-term outcome of a systematic Eclectic Voice Therapy Program named Comprehensive Voice Habilitation Program (CVHP), modified in the treatment of vocal nodules.

Method: Fifteen individuals with vocal nodules in the age range of 20-55 years received the modified CVHP for 15 sessions spread across 3 weeks. A stroboscopy examination was performed at the baseline and posttherapy to track the changes in laryngeal functions. Further, Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice in Kannada (CAPE-V Kannada), Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI), and Voice Fatigue Index in Kannada (VFI-K) were obtained at the baseline, posttherapy, and two follow-ups to report the voice therapy outcomes. Related- samples Friedman's Two-way Analysis of Variance by Ranks and pairwise comparisons were made to note the pre-post and follow-up changes in voice outcomes.

Results: Stroboscopy findings revealed a reduction in the size of the vocal nodules in 8 participants and complete recovery from vocal nodules in 7 participants, posttherapy. Also, there was a significant improvement in movement patterns and symmetry of the vocal folds in all the participants. Perceptual ratings and AVQI scores decreased in posttherapy and follow-up evaluations, indicating a decrease in dysphonia severity over time. In addition, a significant decrement in VFI-K scores indicated the alleviation of self-perceived vocal fatigue-related symptoms in the participants.

Conclusion: The current study reported the short-term outcome of Eclectic voice therapy in vocal nodules by documenting significant changes in the voice-related outcome measures.