Voice therapy results in unilateral vocal cord paralysis

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate our rehabilitation results in patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis, which significantly reduces a person's quality of life and motivation to enjoy life. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included 12 patients (10 females, 2 males; mean age: 44.3±15.5 years; range, 23 to 71 years) who were diagnosed with dysphonia caused by unilateral vocal cord paralysis and received voice therapy between April 2022 and October 2024. Before voice therapy, videolaryngostroboscopy was performed on each patient. The duration and degree of direct and indirect voice therapy techniques varied based on the patients' dysphonia features. To evaluate the therapy results, voice handicap index and maximum phonation time scores were obtained before and after therapy, and the results were compared. Results: A significant difference was found between the patients' maximum phonation times and voice handicap index values before and after therapy (p<0.01). Conclusion: Voice therapy is an effective therapeutic strategy for dysphonia in people with unilateral vocal cord paralysis, with early rehabilitation being more beneficial. In clinical settings, maximum phonation time and voice handicap index can be used to assess the efficacy of voice treatment.