Perceptual and Acoustic Characteristics of Voice Changes in Reflux Laryngitis Patients

The aim of the study was to outline the multidimensional perceptual, subjective, and instrumental acoustic voice changes in the group of reflux laryngitis (RL) patients. Data of multidimensional voice assessment of 108 RL patients and 90 healthy persons of the control group were subjected to comparative analysis. A slight hoarseness according to the GRB (G-grade, R- rough, B-breathy) scale was prevailing in the RL patients group. Statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) between RL patients group and the control group was found of all voice parameters measured, with the patients having worse results--increased mean jitter, shimmer, normalized noise energy, voice handicap index (VHI), and decreased parameters of phonetogram. The results of the study demonstrated that multidimensional voice assessment documented deteriorated voice quality and restricted phonation capabilities in the tested group of RL patients.