An Acoustic Study on Voice Change after Tonsillectomy

Abstract

Objectives Many people have been concerned about voice change after tonsillectomy. The purpose of this study is to analyze changes in the voice and to think about changes in the vocal tract after surgery by using CSL-MDVP. Methods Data of 27 patients who underwent tonsillectomy were prospectively evaluated. Acoustic analysis was performed before, after 1 week, after 1 month from the surgery. Nasometer was also conducted. Results In acoustic analysis, there were no significant changes in F0, jitter, shimmer, NHR, VTI, SPI. But vAM was statistically increased. Vowels and nasal consonants formant frequency analysis results in patients showed no statistically correlation in 1months after tonsillectomy. Although the statistically increased in the nasal consonants /하나/. Conclusions Although the temporary increase or decrease in the acoustic factor or formant in the vowels and nasal consonants after tonsillectomy, but most factors are make no difference. The voice change that come postoperatively could be considered as no concern, but surgeons need to aware of various facts, which can affect voice changes before the surgery.

Keywords

• tonsillectomy
• voice