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Published on: February 21, 2011
Short term effect of hubble-bubble smoking on voice
A-L Hamdan1, A Sibai, L Mahfoud
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. alhamdan@svclb.com
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|February 2, 2011
Summary
Hubble-bubble smoking, even for 30 minutes, can negatively impact voice quality. It leads to lower vocal pitch and increased laryngeal secretions and vocal fold vasodilation.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Speech and Voice Science
Background:
- Hubble-bubble smoking is a prevalent practice with potential health implications.
- The effects of traditional cigarette smoking on voice are well-documented, but less is known about hubble-bubble smoking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immediate effects of hubble-bubble smoking on voice parameters.
- To assess changes in vocal fold appearance and acoustic voice measures post-smoking.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 18 non-dysphonic subjects with a history of hubble-bubble smoking.
- Acoustic analysis and laryngeal video-stroboscopy were performed before and 30 minutes after smoking.
Main Results:
- No significant vocal fold erythema was observed.
- Mild vocal fold edema was present in some subjects both before and after smoking.
- Acoustic analysis revealed a drop in habitual pitch, fundamental frequency, and voice turbulence index, along with an increased noise-to-harmonics ratio post-smoking.
- Slight increases in laryngeal secretions and vocal fold vessel dilation were noted after smoking.
Conclusions:
- Thirty minutes of hubble-bubble smoking can induce short-term adverse effects on voice.
- These effects include decreased vocal pitch and increased laryngeal secretions and vocal fold vasodilation.
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