Voice quality in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed the voice quality in TMD patients compared to healthy individuals using the Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) and evaluated the correlation between the DSI and TMD severity.

METHODS

Patients who had TMD with Fonseca's anamnestic index were subjected to an examination based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). A sample of 35 patients with TMD and 36 healthy subjects were included in the study.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the DSI score and its components between healthy subjects and TMD patients (p < .001). A significant correlation was found between the DSI scores and TMD severity (Spearman's rho: -0.90, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Patients with TMD demonstrated lower DSI scores and lower voice quality compared to healthy subjects.