Acoustic voice analysis in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux

Exposure of laryngeal mucosa to gastric juice causes trauma either directly or through a secondary mechanism, which causes chronic cough. Laryngeal mucosal trauma can cause voice problems, which is a frequent complaint in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Acoustic voice analysis using Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP) is a relatively convenient and objective method for the assessment of voice disorders. This study assessed the differences between the values of acoustic voice parameters in patients with LPR and those without LPR. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient Clinic at the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital between May and November 2016 (LPR group, n = 40; non-LPR group, n = 20). Some acoustic voice parameters in the LPR group were higher than those in the non-LPR group. Male patients exhibited significantly higher jitter, Pitch Perturbation Quotient (PPQ), and Noise/Harmony noise (NHR) values, whereas female patients exhibited significantly higher shimmer and Amplitude Perturbation Quotient (APQ) values. Significant differences were observed with respect to jitter, PPQ, APQ, and NHR values between male patients in the mild-LPR group and those in the moderate-severe LPR group.