Study of the influence of psychological factors in the etiology of vocal nodules in women.

OBJECTIVE: The role placed by certain psychological factors such as stress and personality on the development of vocal nodules has not yet been established. The aim of this case-control type study is to analyze the relationship between these psychological factors and the presence of vocal nodules while also considering the professional and social aspects of the subjects suffering from this pathology. METHODS: The case group is made up of 50 patients diagnosed with vocal nodules and with at least 6 months of evolution. The control group is made up of 50 patients diagnosed with nasal respiratory insufficiency. All the patients were examined by laryngeal stroboscopy. For the personality study, the perceived stress, and the voice use, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2, Levenstein Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and Goldman Voice Use Survey were used, respectively. RESULTS: The subjects with vocal nodules presented a mean perceived stress score of 0.41±0.09, which was higher than that of the control group (0.35±0.06), the differences observed being statistically significant (P<0.001). In the personality study (MMPI-2), the only scale that was associated with the presence of the vocal nodules was that of psychomotor acceleration. The mean score obtained for the scale was 51.64±8.25 in the vocal nodule group and 45.02±0.06 in the control group (P<0.001). In the analysis of voice use, the subjects with vocal nodules scored 9.31±1.36, which was significantly higher than the score of the control group (8.07±1.24; P<0.001). In addition, other variables were associated with the presence of vocal nodules, such as being young and working in professions considered to be of vocal risk. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived stress and personality features of hyperactivity and impulsivity are independent factors related to vocal nodules.

[The effect of tobacco consumption on acoustic voice analysis]. / Efecto del consumo de tabaco en el análisis acústico de la voz.

An observational study of acoustic voice parameters was made in non-dysphonic adult smokers and non-smokers. The sustained vocal /a/ of 79 smokers and 169 non-smokers was recorded with Mini-Disk equipment. Acoustic analysis was performed with the Dr. Speech Science 3.0 program. Some acoustic parameters differed between smokers and non-smokers: the fundamental frequency (FQ) was lower in smokers. Average jitter (PPQ) and shimmer (APQ) were higher in smokers (Ji:0.27%, Shi: 2.56%) than in non-smokers (Ji: 0.23%, Shi: 2.02%). HNR and NNE values did not differ significantly.

[Acoustic analysis of the normal voice in nonsmoking adults]. / Análisis acústico de la voz normal en adultos no fumadores.

Acoustic analysis was made of 154 voices of healthy non-smokers adults. A sustained vowel /a/ was recorded on a mini-disc. Acoustic analysis was carried out with Dr. Speech Science software. Fundamental frequency (F0), standard deviation of the fundamental frequency (SD F0), jitter PPQ (%), shimmer APQ (%), harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR), and normalized noise energy (NNE) were estimated. Mean F0 was 201 Hz in women and 129 Hz in men. F0 increased with age in men. In women, changes in F0 with age were not statistically significant. Age, sex and F0 did not significantly influence jitter, shimmer or HNR. An acceptable normal threshold is 0.5% jitter. Three percent shimmer excludes 13% of healthy persons. Our HNR values were higher than those reported elsewhere (95th percentile: 18 dB). An NNE threshold of -10 dB is unacceptable because it excludes 38% of healthy persons. NNE differed with sex (mean difference: 3-5 dB). Methodology, sample characteristics and the vowel /a/ may account for some of the differences in results.

[Examination of the patient with supraglottic carcinoma at the medical office. Contribution of the rigid optical devices and the fiberscope]. / La exploración en la consulta del paciente con carcinoma supraglótico. Aportación de la óptica rígida y de la fibroscopia.

Seventy one patients afflicted of supraglottic carcinoma were included in a prospective study whose purpose was to determine which of three optical tools available at the medical office--indirect mirror laryngoscopy, laryngotelescopy and fiberscopic examination--is the most suitable to examine the larynx of patients with this disease. No significant differences were found among these explorations in the easily observable regions, as the hypopharyngeal areas and the epilarynx. The examination of the pericommisural region--the most difficult area to see--was easier with the flexible fiberscope. The laryngotelescope provided better visualization than the mirror laryngoscopy. Exploration with the new optical devices did not correct the errors in the interpretation of images made with the mirror laryngoscopy. We conclude that flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy provides better information than other diagnostic tools for the assessment of patients with supraglottic carcinoma at the medical office.