The Effect of Voice Therapy for Muscle Tension Dysphonia

Abstract

The present study evaluates the effect of voice therapy for MTD. The study included 22 participants diagnosed with MTD. Evaluation of their MTD score, pitch range, lowest pitch, and highest pitch, along with an aerodynamic and acoustic analysis, perceptual evaluation (grade, rough and strained) and VHI-10, were performed before and after the treatment. Nine patients were evaluated over time: once before the treatment, after one course of voice therapy, and after completion of the voice therapy. The MTD score, highest pitch and vocal range in female, PPQ, APQ, NHR, G, S, and VHI-10 were significantly improved after the treatment. Comparison of the nine cases revealed that PPQ, APQ, NHR, and G were significantly improved after one course of voice therapy and after completion of the voice therapy. Moreover, vocal range in female, S and VHI-10 were significantly improved after voice therapy. The effect of voice therapy on MTD was seen in improved laryngeal findings, vocal function, and subjective evaluation. Especially, in acoustic analysis and perceptual evaluation, therapeutic effect may appear quickly.