Voice quality in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the voice quality in TMD patients compared to healthy individuals using the Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) and evaluated the correlation between the DSI and TMD severity. METHODS: Patients who had TMD with Fonseca's anamnestic index were subjected to an examination based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). A sample of 35 patients with TMD and 36 healthy subjects were included in the study. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the DSI score and its components between healthy subjects and TMD patients (p < .001). A significant correlation was found between the DSI scores and TMD severity (Spearman's rho -0.90, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Patients with TMD demonstrated lower DSI scores and lower voice quality compared to healthy subjects.