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Voice feature characteristic in morbid obese population
Maria Gabriela Bernardo da Cunha1, Gustavo Haruo Passerotti, Raimar Weber
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo University Medical School, CPF: 281.583.908-38; RG: 20.289.600-6, Alameda Jaú, 1863 ap. 42. CEP: 01420-002, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. gabicunha74@gmail.com
Obesity Surgery
|September 19, 2009
Summary
Morbid obesity significantly alters vocal characteristics, leading to hoarseness and instability in obese individuals. These voice changes highlight a critical public health concern associated with obesity.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Public Health
- Speech Science
Background:
- Morbid obesity is a widespread health issue in Western countries.
- Obesity-related voice alterations can impact therapeutic interventions.
- Understanding these vocal changes is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and characterize the specific voice features of individuals with morbid obesity.
- To compare the vocal parameters of morbidly obese individuals with a non-obese control group.
Main Methods:
- Study included 45 morbidly obese adult volunteers (BMI > 35 Kg/m²).
- A control group of non-obese volunteers (BMI < 30 Kg/m²) was matched for sex, age, and smoking habits.
- Methods included laryngoscopic examination, audio perceptive analysis, and voice acoustics determination.
Main Results:
- Obese individuals presented with hoarseness, murmuring, and vocal instability.
- Altered jitter and shimmer values were observed in the obese group.
- Reduced maximum phonation times and voice strangulation at emission end were noted.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms that morbid obesity leads to distinct voice alterations.
- Significant changes in vocal characteristics differentiate the voices of obese individuals from non-obese individuals.
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