Benign vocal cord lesions cause significant dysphonia by disrupting the normal vibratory function of the vocal fold mucosa. Multidimensional assessment of voice characteristics allows for an accurate analysis of voice impairment and can be used to assess the outcome of different treatment modalities.

To evaluate the outcome in patients treated for benign vocal fold lesions using multidimensional voice assessment

Thirty adult patients with benign vocal fold lesions were treated according to standard protocols and followed up for 6 months. Voice was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS), GRBAS (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain) scale, maximum phonation time (MPT), S/Z ratio, and acoustic parameters using PRAAT. Pre- and posttreatment voice was compared.

Benign lesions observed were vocal polyps (16), vocal nodules (7), vocal fold cysts (5), vocal cord papilloma (1), and sulcus vocalis (1). Mean VAS rating improved from 7.5 to 2 at 3 months and 1.6 at 6 months. Mean GRBAS score improved from 7.5 to 2.96 at 3 months and 2.3 at 6 months. Maximum phonation time increased from 9.43 seconds to 14.16 seconds at 3 months and 14.46 seconds at 6 months. S/Z ratio reduced from 1.37 to 1.16 at 3 months and 1.15 at 6 months. Jitter reduced from 1.81 to 1% at 3 months and 0.97% at 6 months; shimmer decreased from 6.07 to 2.19% at 3 months and to 2.03% at 6 months. Harmonic-to-noise ratio values improved from 8.01 to 10.78 dB at 3 months and 10.96 dB at 6 months; mean F₀ increased from 207.27 to 217.89 Hz at 3 months and 219.65 Hz at 6 months.

A single measurement of voice cannot be used as a reliable outcome measure. Perceptual, aerodynamic, acoustic, and self-analysis together allow a multidimensional assessment of voice characteristics.

Virmani N, Sharma A, Dabholkar J. Outcome Analysis in Patients with Benign Vocal Fold Lesions. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2016;6(1):8-13.