Change of acoustic parameters before and after treatment in laryngopharyngeal reflux patients.

Abstract

To evaluate the usefulness of acoustic parameters as an indicator of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) treatment efficacy. A prospective case series analysis. From January to September 2005, we prospectively analyzed 40 patients who were diagnosed with laryngopharyngeal reflux by 24-hour ambulatory double-probe pH monitoring. Laryngopharyngeal reflux patients were treated medically and voice analysis was conducted three times: before treatment, 1 to 2 months after treatment, and 3 to 4 months after treatment. Jitter, shimmer, and harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR) were analyzed as the acoustic parameters. Pre- and posttreatment reflux symptom index and reflux finding score were documented. Jitter, shimmer, and HNR had improved significantly at 1 to 2 months after treatment and were maintained at 3 to 4 months after treatment. Jitter was significantly correlated with reflux symptom index. Acoustic parameters can be used as indicators of treatment efficacy for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.