The efficiency of the voice therapy in the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux associated dysphonia

The aim of this study is to understand the efficiency of voice therapy in laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) associated muscle tension dysphonia (MTD).The research has designed in pre-test post-test experimental controlled-group model. 20 patients whose ages between 18-57 and who applied to Yeditepe University Hospital ENT clinic with dysphonia problem have been included in the study. All patients have been diagnosed as LPR-associated muscle tension dysphonia.Patients in both voice therapy and control group were given medical treatment. After medical treatment, therapy group were given voice therapy whereas the control group had no treatment or therapy during a-six-week period. Amplitude Variation (vAm) and Soft Phonation Index (SPI) parameters were observed on MDVP acoustic analyses program before and after the medical and therapy managements in both two groups.As a result, the difference in both parameters pre test-post test medical treatment is found significant, yet in between-group comparison there was found no difference statistically. In within-group comparison, both parameters were found significant statistically in pre test- post test voice therapy in the therapy group. Within-group comparison in control group it was observed that two parameters had increased without any management. Between-group comparison also showed that the difference between voice therapy group and control group period was statistically significant in both parameters.Based on the results of this study it is important to say that voice therapy is an effective method in the treatment of MTD associated with LPR and it must be used in addition to medical treatment.Keywords: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, Muscle Tension Dysphonia, Voice Therapy, Acoustical Analysis