Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis and Voice Therapy: Does Age Matter? A Prospective Study With 100 Consecutive Patients

Abstract

Objective: To use a multidimensional assessment to analyze potential influence of “aging” in the functional outcomes achieved by a group of patients with recent onset of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) who underwent voice therapy. Design: Prospective, observational, and cross-sectional study. Setting: Otolaryngology department, Centro Hospitalar do Porto. Participants: Patients with UVFP who underwent voice therapy. Main Outcome Measures: Data regarding gender, age, side and position of the paralyzed vocal fold, etiology, comorbidities, and Voice Handicap Index (VHI)—30 questions, before and after voice therapy, were collected. Glottal insufficiency was also evaluated, by endoscopic laryngoscopy, before and after voice therapy. Results: A total of 100 patients (76 females and 24 males) with UVFP were included. Mean age was 61.04 years (range: 21-88 years). The mean score of VHI, before and after voice therapy, was statistically different (P