Abstract
Eight patients, (six adults, 2 children), following resolution of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, received vocal testing to determine vocal function. Vocal testing included a perceptual evaluation; a voice frequency and intensity range profile; and a questionnaire regarding vocal dysfunction in various situations. Perceptual results indicate that the voices were abnormal in roughness, strain, and breathiness. Vocal frequency range was a mean of 15.8 semitones for adults (patient range 10-20 semitones) and the intensity range was 25.1 dB (range of 14-33 dB) compared to normals of 37 semitones and 40 dB. Responses to the questionnaire revealed most patients were generally satisfied with their voice, although they did not feel it functioned normally. Laryngeal stroboscopic examination at the time of vocal testing suggests the vocal dysfunction could be due to scarring of the vocal folds.
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