Acoustic Analysis of Voice in Huntington's Disease Patients
Accepted 19 August 2009. published online 08 February 2010. Corrected Proof
Summary
Background/Objectives
Alterations of voice and speech are frequently observed in Huntington's disease (HD). The aim of this study was to assess the degree of voice and speech abnormalities in a group of patients with HD and to analyze possible correlations with degree of disease severity.
Patients/Methods
An observational study was carried out on diagnosed cases and controls. The voices of 20 patients were analyzed and compared with an age- and sex-matched control group. Variables analyzed included subjective voice exploration, analysis of aerodynamic efficiency, acoustic analysis measures, and laryngeal examination descriptions. Results obtained were correlated with degree of disease severity.
Results
Changes in the Voice Handicap Index and clinical characteristics of the voice were observed. Maximum phonation time was reduced. Acoustic analysis revealed changes that were analyzed. Uncontrolled adduction-abduction movements were observed by laryngeal examination. All results showed a positive correlation with degree of disease severity assessed by the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale.
Conclusions
HD causes alterations in subjective voice features, aerodynamic and acoustic analysis measures that are correlated with disease severity.
ABSTRACT