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Hindi Research Article, J Otol Rhinol Vol: 2 Issue: 2
Self-reported Improvement with Voice Therapy via Translation for Muscle Tension Dysphonia: A Pilot Study
| Daniel J Stein1, Hadas Golan2, Seth M Cohen3 and J Pieter Noordzij1,2* | |
| 1Boston University School of Medicine, USA | |
| 2Boston Medical Center, USA | |
| 3Duke University School of Medicine, USA | |
| Corresponding author : Pieter Noordzij, MD 4th Floor, FGH Building, 820 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118, USA Tel: 617-638-7933 E-mail: Pieter.noordzij@bmc.org |
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| Received: February 01, 2013 Accepted: May 10, 2013 Published: May 15, 2013 | |
| Citation: Stein DJ, Golan H, Cohen SM, Noordzij JP (2013) Self-reported Improvement with Voice Therapy via Translation for Muscle Tension Dysphonia: A Pilot Study. J Otol Rhinol 2:2. doi:10.4172/2324-8785.1000119 |
Abstract
Self-reported Improvement with Voice Therapy via Translation for Muscle Tension Dysphonia: A Pilot Study
Purpose: Voice therapy is essential to caring for millions of Americans with vocal problems. However, for immigrants who are non-English speakers (NES), native-language therapists may not be available. Treatment is often provided via translator, but little data support the efficacy of this modality. We hypothesized that voice therapy would improve subject self-ratings of voice impairment, both with and without translation.
Materials/Methods: We surveyed both NES and English-speakers (ES) before and two months after receiving voice therapy at our institution for functional dysphonia. NES received therapy via translation. The survey instrument was the 30-item Voice Handicap Index (VHI). NES subjects were provided with a professionally translated version of the VHI in their native language.
Results: Change scores were calculated for the 20 subjects (12 NES and 7 ES) who completed both pre- and post-treatment surveys, and were normalized to a maximal score of 120 to account for incomplete questionnaires. ES improved from a baseline mean of 49.1 to 30.5 (p=0.015), and NES from 56.9 to 47.3 (p=0.065). The mean for the entire group improved from 54.0 to 41.1 (p=0.002). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: Overall, this mixed population showed improvement in the VHI with voice therapy. Analyzed individually, English-speakers had significant improvement, while non-English speakers did not. Further studies of voice therapy via translation are warranted.
