Selim ERBEK, Bülent KOÇ, Eltaf Ayça ÖZBAL KOÇ

Comparison of Acoustic and Stroboscopic Findings and Voice Handicap Index between Allergic Rhinitis Patients and Controls

Background: In our experience Allergic Rhinitis (AR) patients sufferfrom voice problems more than health subjects.Aims: To investigate the acoustic analysis of voice, stroscopic findingsof larynx and Voice Handicap Index scores in allergic rhinitispatients compared with healthy controls.Study Design: Case-control study.Methods: Thirty adult patients diagnosed with perennial allergic rhinitiswere compared with 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controlswithout allergy. All assessments were performed in the speech physiologylaboratory and the testing sequence was as follows: 1. VoiceHandicap Index (VHI) questionnaire, 2. Laryngovideostroboscopy,3. Acoustic analyses.Results: No difference was observed between the allergic rhinitisand control groups regarding mean Maximum Phonation Time(MPT) values, Fo values, and stroboscopic assessment (p>0.05). Onthe other hand, mean VHI score (p=0.001) and s/z ratio (p=0.011)were significantly higher in the allergic rhinitis group than in controls.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the presence of allergiescould have effects on laryngeal dysfunction and voice-related qualityof life.

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