Evaluation of voice parameters in people with head and neck cancers: An investigational study

Background: head and neck cancer severely affects the voice and compromises a patient’s vocal independence. in the present study we have investigated the difference in three vital components of the voice - pitch,jitter,and shimmer in head and neck cancer patients and compared the findings with age matched healthy volunteers. methods: voice parameters were ascertained in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients and controls using voice analysis software (praat) and a dynamic unidirectional aud-59 xlr microphone in a sound proof voice recording laboratory. results: we observed considerable changes in the three voice indices of pitch,jitter and shimmer. according to gender,there were significant changes in all three indices for men (p<0.015 to 0.0001),whereas only pitch significantly changed in women (p=0.0001). conclusion: the results have suggested that individuals with any form of head and neck cancer will have a degree of voice problems even before the initiation of cancer treatments. voice assessment is a vital aspect to be considered before initiation of treatment. © 2016,shiraz university of medical sciences. all rights reserved.