Change of Acoustic Parameters Before and After Treatment in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patients

Objectives: To evaluate the usefulness of acoustic parameters as an indicator of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) treatment efficacy. Study Design: A prospective case series analysis. Materials and Methods: From January to September 2005, we prospectively analyzed 40 patients who were diagnosed with laryngopharyngeal reflux by 24-hour ambulatory double-probe pH monitoring. Laryngopharyngeal reflux patients were treated medically and voice analysis was conducted three times: before treatment, 1 to 2 months after treatment, and 3 to 4 months after treatment. Jitter, shimmer, and harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR) were analyzed as the acoustic parameters. Pre- and posttreatment reflux symptom index and reflux finding score were documented. Results: Jitter, shimmer, and HNR had improved significantly at 1 to 2 months after treatment and were maintained at 3 to 4 months after treatment. Jitter was significantly correlated with reflux symptom index. Conclusion: Acoustic parameters can be used as indicators of treatment efficacy for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.