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Aerodynamic and acoustic characteristics of voice in Prader-Willi syndrome

T Defloor1, J Van Borsel, L Curfs

  • 1UZ Gent, Centrum voor Gehoor- & Spraakrevalidatie, Belgium. Truus.Defloor@rug.ac.be

Journal of Voice : Official Journal of the Voice Foundation
|June 20, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) commonly experience voice disorders. This study found impaired voice quality, frequency, and aerodynamic capabilities in children and adults with PWS.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Speech and Language Pathology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder affecting chromosome 15, leading to various health issues.
  • Common PWS symptoms include hypotonia, obesity, developmental delays, and distinct facial features.
  • Voice and speech abnormalities are reported in PWS but lack detailed investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate voice characteristics in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome.
  • To analyze acoustic and aerodynamic voice parameters in PWS patients.
  • To compare voice data with normative values.

Main Methods:

  • Acoustic and aerodynamic voice analyses were performed on 22 individuals with PWS.
  • Participants were divided into two age groups: children and adolescents/adults.
  • Voice parameters were compared to normative data from the Belgian Study Group on Voice Disorders.

Main Results:

  • Individuals with PWS frequently exhibit voice difficulties.
  • Impairments were observed in voice frequency levels and voice quality.
  • Poor aerodynamic capabilities were also noted in the PWS group.

Conclusions:

  • Voice disorders are a common feature of Prader-Willi syndrome.
  • Acoustic and aerodynamic voice assessments reveal significant abnormalities in PWS.
  • Further research into PWS-related voice issues is warranted.

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