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Genetic and environmental effects on vocal symptoms and their intercorrelations
Ida Nybacka1, Susanna Simberg, Pekka Santtila
1Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research : JSLHR
|December 27, 2011
Summary
Genetic and environmental factors influence vocal symptoms like hoarseness. While genetics play a moderate role, environmental influences appear to be the primary driver of vocal symptom development.
Area of Science:
- Twin studies
- Behavioral genetics
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Previous research identified genetic influences on composite dysphonia measures.
- Understanding etiological factors for individual vocal symptoms is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate genetic and environmental influences on individual vocal symptoms.
- To analyze genetic and environmental associations between vocal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Population-based sample of 1,728 Finnish twins (125 MZ, 108 DZ pairs).
- Questionnaire assessing 6 distinct vocal symptoms.
- Univariate and multivariate genetic analyses (ACE model) to estimate variance components.
Main Results:
- Additive genetic effects accounted for 27% of variance in 'voice gets low or hoarse'.
- Nonshared environmental factors solely explained variance in 'voice gets strained or tires'.
- Multivariate analyses revealed significant correlations between most vocal symptom combinations.
Conclusions:
- Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to vocal symptoms.
- The balance of genetic and environmental influences varies across different vocal symptoms.
- Environmental factors appear to be more significant than genetic factors in the etiology of vocal symptoms.
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