Examination of voice usage habits and knowledge levels about voice hygiene and voice diseases of patients applying to the voice polyclinic

Kocataş, Ş.N. (2024). Examining the Voice Usage Habits and Knowledge Levels About Voice Hygiene and Voice Diseases of Patients Who Apply to the Voice Polyclinic and Determining Their Voice Characteristics. Master's Thesis, Istanbul Atlas University Graduate Education Institute, Department of Language and Speech Therapy, Istanbul. This research was conducted to examine the voice usage habits of patients who applied to the voice clinic, their knowledge levels about voice hygiene and voice diseases, and to determine their voice characteristics. . A total of 61 individuals, 47 women and 14 men, between the ages of 20 and 60, participated in the research. Demographic information was obtained from 61 participants and then they were asked to fill out a survey titled "Analysis of Voice Usage Habits and Knowledge Levels About Voice Hygiene and Voice Diseases of Patients Applying to the Voice Clinic". GRBAS was used for perceptual assessment and for aerodynamic measurements, s/z and maximum phonation duration values were measured. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the patients who applied to the voice clinic were at risk in terms of their voice usage habits, that although they were aware of the behaviors that caused damage to the voice mechanism, they did not pay enough attention to their voice hygiene. Also it was found that their knowledge level about voice diseases was above average, however, they did not apply this knowledge sufficiently in their lives. According to the answers given, it was determined that the voice problems of the patients negatively affected their lives. Additionally, a significant difference was found in terms of VHI scores between male and female individuals. Statistically significant differences were found between smokers and non-smokers in terms of G scores and MFS according to smoking status, in terms of MFS between individuals according to regular sleep status, and in terms of G, B, A, S scores and VHI scores depending on frequent throat clearing status. In this study, it was determined that the participants' knowledge and practices on voice hygiene were limited. Individuals in professional groups who have to constantly use their voices need to be made aware of correct voice use and voice hygiene and gain awareness on this issue.