The Effect of a Climate Event on Voice-Related Processes in Seniors

Abstract

Purpose: This project considered the relationship of harmful algal blooms, specifically red tide, to patient reports of respiratory diseases, use of respiratory medications, reflux symptoms, excessive coughing/throat clearing, water consumption, voice handicap scores, clinician judgments of voice quality, and voice therapy outcomes in senior voice patients in coastal Southwest Florida. Method: A retrospective chart review of 131 seniors receiving voice therapy during 2013–2019 was conducted. Patients formed two groups—those evaluated during periods of high versus low red tide. Patient reports, clinician ratings, and therapy outcomes were analyzed with nonparametric statistics to determine differences between patient groups. Results: No relationship was found between the presence of high red tide and reports of airway disorders, use of airway medications, coughing/throat clearing, Reflux Symptom Index scores, or voice therapy success. A significant relationship was found between high red tide months and ratings of voice severity and Voice Handicap Index scores. Conclusions: Harmful algal blooms may have negatively impacted the voices of seniors in this study, as shown by higher clinician voice severity ratings and higher patient perceptions of voice handicap during periods of high red tide. While voice success was still achieved by many of these seniors, speech-language pathologists should be aware of environmental issues and their possible negative impacts on voice.