Long-Term Voice Change in Presbylarynges Patients With and Without Intervention

Area of Science:

• Laryngology and Voice Science
• Patient-Reported Outcomes Research
• Longitudinal Health Studies

Background:

• Presbylarynges, a condition affecting the larynx, can impact voice quality and patient experience.
• Understanding long-term patient-reported outcomes is crucial for evaluating treatment effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term patient experience of treated and untreated presbylarynges patients.
• To compare patient-reported voice changes (better, stable, worse) and standardized ratings over two years post-visit.
• To assess the congruence between rating differences and patient probe responses.

Main Methods:

• A mixed prospective (37) and retrospective (7) cohort study.
• Collected patient voice change perceptions (better, stable, worse) and treatment follow-through.
• Compared self-rating scales (verbal or chart data) from previous visits to follow-up ratings.

Main Results:

• After a mean of 4.6 years, 44% reported stable voice, 36% worse, and 20% better.
• Untreated patients reported significantly more better/stable outcomes than treated patients (P=0.038).
• Initial normal voice ratings predicted sustained normal ratings in untreated patients (P=0.0007).

Conclusions:

• Voice-related quality of life and effort ratings within normal limits at initial evaluation tend to remain so long-term.
• Limited congruence exists between rating differences and probe responses, particularly for 'worse' outcomes.
• Development of more sensitive rating scales is suggested for better assessment of voice changes.