Effects of the “Smith Accent Technique” of voice therapy on the laryngeal functions and voice quality of patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis

Abstract

Unilateral adductor vocal fold paralysis (UAVFP) is encountered commonly in clinical practice. These patients tend to have the highest level of social and vocal disability when compared to other patients with voice disorders and patients with general medical problems. Voice therapy is the main nonsurgical management option for these patients. Only, few studies have reported on the effectiveness of different voice therapy techniques in managing unilateral vocal fold paralysis. The current study investigates the effectiveness of one of the known voice therapy techniques on the laryngeal functions and voice quality of patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. This particular technique focuses on developing abdominal breathing patterns, timing expiration with the onset of phonation, developing optimal breath support throughout phonation, together with controlling the speed, duration, loudness and intonation of the speaking voice. Results of voice therapy using the “ Smith Accent (SA) Method” for three patients with a diagnosis of Unilateral Vocal fold paralysis will be presented. The implications of changes in their auditory perceptual ratings, aerodynamic and laryngeal findings and Vocal Handicap Index scores across time will be discussed.