Cigarette smoking and voice fundamental frequency

Area of Science:

• Laryngology
• Speech and Hearing Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Cigarette smoking is a prevalent habit with known adverse health effects.
• The impact of smoking on vocal fold physiology and phonation is an area of ongoing research.
• Understanding how smoking affects voice production is crucial for public health and clinical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of long-term cigarette smoking on phonatory function.
• To compare vocal characteristics, specifically fundamental frequency, between smokers and non-smokers.
• To determine if gender influences the impact of smoking on voice.

Main Methods:

• Participants were categorized into long-term smokers and non-smokers.
• Phonatory tasks included oral reading, spontaneous speech, and sustained vowel phonations.
• Fundamental frequency (fo) was measured and analyzed for significant differences between groups.

Main Results:

• A significant difference in fundamental frequency was observed between male smokers and non-smokers during oral reading and spontaneous speech.
• While not statistically significant, female smokers exhibited a trend towards lower fundamental frequency compared to non-smokers.
• Analysis of sustained vowel phonations showed no significant differences but revealed the same trend of lower fundamental frequency in smokers.

Conclusions:

• Long-term cigarette smoking appears to lower fundamental frequency, particularly in males.
• The findings suggest a potential impact of smoking on vocal fold vibration and voice quality.
• Further research is warranted to explore the physiological mechanisms and clinical implications of smoking-induced changes in phonation.