Real-Time Dynamic Ultrasound Characteristics of the Thyrohyoid Space in Vocal Hyperfunction Mode

To explore the clinical value of real-time ultrasound measurement of thyrohyoid space dynamics in assessing vocal hyperfunction mode (VHM).

The 161 chronic laryngitis patients, 55 with vocal cord polyps, and 44 normal controls were studied at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, from June 2024 to January 2025. Voice quality, aerodynamic parameters, and thyrohyoid space were assessed using VHI-10, GRBAS scale, voice analysis, aerodynamic profiling, palpation scoring, and ultrasound. Data analysis was conducted using Python.

Significant differences (p < 0.05) in VHI-10 scores, G, R, B, S, Jitter, and Shimmer are observed between male and female vocal cord polyp groups. Aerodynamic analysis indicates distinct variations in mean airflow rate across both genders (p < 0.05), while maximum phonation time and subglottic pressure differ significantly in females alone (p < 0.05). Palpation scores for the thyrohyoid space and F0 do not show substantial differences (p > 0.05) between groups. Conversely, real-time ultrasound evaluations of the thyrohyoid space, including pre-phonation/phonation minimum distances (left/right), rates of unilateral (left/right) narrowing, and maximum narrowing rate, exhibit notable differences (p < 0.05) across three groups.

Real-time ultrasound measurement of the thyroid-hyoid gap is simple, feasible, and provides a more quantitative assessment of VHM than subjective palpation or vocal aerodynamic measures. It therefore represents a useful clinical tool for evaluating voice function.