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The effect of acute xerostomia on vocal function
Jong-Lyel Roh1, Hyo Seon Kim, Ah-Young Kim
1Department of Otolaryngology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea. rohjl@amc.seoul.kr
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|May 17, 2006
Summary
This study found that induced dry mouth (xerostomia) in healthy men significantly impaired vocal function, increasing vocal effort and affecting voice range. Salivary hypofunction correlated with these vocal changes.
Area of Science:
- Vocal physiology
- Oral medicine
- Experimental pathology
Background:
- Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common condition with potential impacts on physiological functions.
- The specific effects of acute xerostomia on vocal parameters in healthy individuals are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the impact of induced xerostomia on vocal function in healthy young men.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled study involving 20 healthy young men.
- Acute xerostomia was induced using glycopyrrolate in 10 participants; 10 received saline as controls.
- Salivary flow, dry mouth symptoms, and both subjective and objective vocal functions were assessed.
Main Results:
- Glycopyrrolate effectively induced significant salivary hypofunction and dry mouth symptoms within 90 minutes.
- Participants with induced xerostomia showed significant increases in vocal effort and phonation threshold pressure.
- Voice range profiles were significantly reduced in the xerostomia group, with strong correlations between salivary and vocal parameters.
Conclusions:
- Acute xerostomia can negatively affect vocal function in healthy individuals.
- The findings highlight a direct link between salivary status and vocal performance.