Long-Term Retention of Voice Therapy Outcomes After Discharge

Area of Science:

• Speech and Hearing Sciences
• Otolaryngology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Long-term effectiveness of voice therapy is not well-established.
• Understanding relapse rates post-therapy is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess voice therapy relapse rates 4-5 years after treatment completion.
• To evaluate the long-term retention of voice therapy effects.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 43 patients post-voice therapy (2019-2020).
• Assessed outcomes using Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and patient perception questionnaires.
• Included questions on current vocal function and exercise adherence.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in VHI-10 scores from baseline (24.2 to 15.3).
• 7% reported relapse, 63% improved, 30% stable voice post-therapy.
• 28% continued exercises; 77% met daily vocal demands at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Low relapse rates (7%) and vocal limitations (23%) observed 4-5 years post-voice therapy.
• Outcomes suggest favorable long-term results compared to previous reports.
• Voice therapy demonstrates sustained positive effects on vocal function.