Perceptual and Acoustic Analysis of Voice in Individuals with Total Thyriodectomy: Pre-Post Surgery Comparison

Abstract

Total thyroidectomy (TT) is a surgical procedure which involves complete removal of the thyroid gland, usually done in massive goitre compressing the trachea and esophagus, hyperthyroidism and carcinoma of thyroid gland. Laryngeal nerve damage is one of the most feared complications after TT which can lead to permanent changes in voice. Recent research suggests the occurrence of voice changes without any visible laryngeal nerve damage. Present study attempts to compare the pre and post-operative voice characteristics in individuals with total thyroidectomy without any laryngeal nerve damage. A total of 27 subjects (21 females and 6 males) who underwent total thyroidectomy participated in the study. Their recorded phonation of vowel/a/was subjected to two types of analyses viz. Perceptual analysis (using CAPE-V rating scale) and Acoustic analysis (using Multi Dimensional Voice Profile). Results of perceptual analysis indicated slight decrease in overall severity, roughness and breathiness and a slight increase in strainness, in only males. Acoustic analysis findings supported perceptual results with minimal changes in most of the parameters. The results suggest that after total thyroidectomy, in the absence of visible laryngeal nerve damage, functional changes in voice are minimal and temporary in nature. This study provides an insight to Otolaryngologists and Speech Language Pathologists about the voice characteristics in individuals with thyroidectomy, enabling them to formulate appropriate therapy protocol for this population. It further attempts to sensitize surgeons and physicians on the need for referral of this population to Speech Language Pathologist in the event of dysphonia.