To determine the voice change in patients with thyroid disorder using videostroboscpy – A prospective study

Background: According to the latest National Family health survey (NHFS)-5 data, the burden of thyroid disorders being 2.7% for women and 0.5% for men in the Indian subcontinent, this makes thyroid disorder arguably the commonest endocrine disorder. Aims: This study aims to assess the acoustic and perceptual characteristics of voice with thyroid disorders using specific scientific software. Subject and Methods: The study categorizes the study population into two groups, cases and controls, by randomization. The selection criterion of patients was thyroid gland disorders with a medical diagnosis, no history of voice change, and/or absence of other possible causes of voice change. The study assesses the acoustic, perceptual and aerodynamic parameters by using videostrboscopy, PRATT SCORE (PHONOLAB ECLERIS software) and Grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain (GRBAS) (Grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain) scale analysis. Results: Changes in perceptual characteristics (GRBAS) of voice and acoustic parameters were noted. The highest deviation was seen in the acoustic parameters of shimmer and harmonic noise ratio. Patients with thyroid disorders showed a significant difference in maximum phonation time. Conclusions: The study indicated the importance of assessing and treating the symptoms of voice change in patients with thyroid disorders, since there is a significant difference in the perceptual parameters of voice among patients with thyroid disorders and normal individuals.