The outcome of the Accent method of voice therapy as an initial treatment of patients with benign vocal fold lesions

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the outcome of the use of the Accent method of voice therapy as an initial approach for patients with benign vocal fold lesions. Patients and Methods: This experimental prospective study was conducted on 30 patients (10 females and 20 males), aged 18 - 60 years (mean age: 40.6) with benign vocal fold lesions. Auditory perceptual analysis, videolaryngoscopic examination of the larynx, acoustic analysis and Voice handicap index (VHI) were performed for all patients before and after voice therapy. Results: Auditory perceptual assessment and voice handicap index (VHI) done for patients with benign vocal fold lesions before and after voice therapy revealed significant improvement ( p value 0.003 : p value 0.000 respectively). The acoustic parameters for the different group of benign vocal fold lesions pre-therapy in comparison to the acoustic values post voice therapy revealed significant improvement in the fundamental frequency ( p value >0.001 ). Videostroboscopic examination revealed complete recovery in 6 cases of vocal fold nodules, mild improvement of 5 cases of vocal fold polyp with complete cure of one case. There was mild improvement of all cases of vocal fold cysts, contact granuloma and Reinke’s edema without complete cure except for complete cure of two cases of Reinke’s edema. Conclusion: The Accent method of voice therapy may lead to an improvement in the perceived voice quality in some patients with benign vocal fold lesions, and this could make surgical intervention unnecessary.