Acoustic assessment of the voice quality before and after medialization thyroplasty using the titanium vocal fold medialization implant (TVFMI).

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to objectify the vocal outcome in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Acoustic parameters were evaluated and compared to perceptual voice sound assessments before and after medialization thyroplasty using the titanium vocal fold medialization implant (TVFMI).

STUDY DESIGN AND

SETTING

Twenty-eight patients underwent external medialization thyroplasty using TVFMI. Prior to and after surgery videostroboscopy, perceptual voice evaluation and acoustic analysis based on the computerized "hoarseness diagram" were performed.

RESULTS

In videostroboscopy, most patients showed an almost complete glottal closure after thyroplasty. The statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement in the perceptual voice parameters (p<0.001). The acoustic measurements could objectify the positive impact on the voice after thyroplasty (p< or =0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results confirm that the TVFMI is an excellent and individually adjustable device for medialization thyroplasty. The "hoarseness diagram" allows the vocal outcome after surgery to be documented and objectified in an easy and reliable manner.