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Changes in voice characteristics after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
1Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Summary
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery generally does not significantly alter voice characteristics or speech quality. Objective acoustic analysis and listener ratings found no discernible pre- or postoperative differences in patients undergoing UPPP.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Speech Science
- Acoustic Analysis
Background:
- Previous studies suggest tonsillectomy and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) may negatively impact speech resonance and voice timbre.
- Objective investigations into the effects of UPPP on voice, beyond nasality, are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively investigate the effects of UPPP on voice characteristics.
- To assess changes in speech quality and acoustic parameters post-UPPP surgery.
Main Methods:
- Eight patients undergoing UPPP surgery were studied.
- Pre- and postoperative speech samples were recorded.
- Samples were evaluated by listener ratings and acoustic spectral analysis of vowels /a/ and /e/ using MacSpeech Lab II.
Main Results:
- Experienced listeners could not differentiate between pre- and postoperative voice samples.
- Acoustic analysis revealed no significant changes in fundamental frequency or first and second formants.
Conclusions:
- UPPP surgery does not appear to significantly affect voice characteristics.
- The findings suggest that UPPP can be performed without substantial impact on voice quality, provided excessive nasality is avoided.