The effect of swallowing disorder symptoms on voice quality and selection of therapy method in professional voice users

Unusual use of the common effectors of breathing, swallowing and phonoarticulation can result in functional changes between the head and neck. Maintaining good vocal health is complex, and despite the vast literature on voice and swallowing disorders, studies of professional voice users have mostly focused on assessment and symptom identification. In our study, we aimed to determine the effect of swallowing disorder symptoms on the voice quality of professional voice users, to compare the voice and swallowing functions of voice professionals, to evaluate the effect of routine therapy methods on voice quality, as well as to shed light on determining the exercise protocol according to the data we obtained. In our study, 27 professional voice users (opera, theater or voice singers and other) were divided into 3 groups consisting of equal numbers of individuals and different voice therapy methods (voice hygiene (VH), VH + vocal function exercises (VFE), VH + transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)) were applied. Laryngeal examination, vocal acoustic and aerodynamic measurements, voice and swallowing evaluation scales (VHI 10, SVHI, RSI, DHI, EAT 10) and subjective pain scale were applied before and after therapy. There was an increase in MPT (p=0). Post-therapy jitter scores of VH+TENS group were higher than those of VH+VFE group (p=0.022). Post-therapy HNR scores of the VH+VFE group were higher than those of the VH group (p=0.023). Those who received VH therapy had a decrease in V-RQOL scores (p=0,027) and those who received VFE therapy had a decrease in SHI10 (p=0,039), VHI (p=0,017), and V-RQOL scores (p=0,018). Those who received TENS therapy had a decrease in VHI10 (p=0,043), V-RQOL (p=0,028). RSI (p=0), DHI (p=0,046), EAT10 (p=0,046) scores decreased. It was found that the post-therapy pain scores of the TENS group were lower than the SH group. When the effectiveness of therapy in professional voice users was examined, positive results were obtained in MPT, voice and swallowing functions and pain complaints. It was concluded that therapy protocols for professional voice users; taking into account the purpose of professional voice use (opera, theater, etc.), situations such as smoking, alcohol or sleeping habits, taking into account the existing symptoms and organizing personalized therapy programs will provide optimum benefit.