Changes In Voice Quality Of Nasal Resonance Before And After Septoplasty

Research Article
Preeti Shetti., Jacqueline B. Fernandes., Mahesh Bhat T., Anjana and Radhakrishanan
DOI: 
xxx-xxxxx-xxxx
Subject: 
science
KeyWords: 
Deviated nasal septum, Septoplasty, Nasalance score, Nasometer, Hypernasality
Abstract: 

Introduction: Changes in the configuration of sinonasal cavity after surgery have been assumed to cause changes in the voice quality. The purpose of this study was to know when the hypernasality will be recovered after septoplasty by checking serially obtained nasalance scores using nasometer. Methodology: The patients who underwent septoplasty, at FMMC, Mangalore from March 2015 to December 2016 were included in the study. The diagnosis was made based on patient history, clinical examination and nasal endoscopy. The assessment of nasalance was performed using the Nasometer module of VAGHMI, voice and speech system, Bangalore. The nasalance scores were recorded before surgery, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months after surgery. Results: A total of 75 patients were enrolled, out of these 65 patients successfully completed followup visits. The mean nasalance scores of [m], [ma], [mi] were significant, before surgery and 4 months post-surgery. Consequently, nasalance values returned to its preoperative level at 5 months post operatively. Conclusion: Septoplasty can alter the acoustic characteristics of the vocal tract and produce a significant hupernasality. Return to its preoperative value at 5 or 6 months postoperatively depending on the subtype of speech stimuli. Therefore, surgeon can reassure patients, especially voice professionals.