The isolated effects of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on voice production were examined in 30 healthy adults with no known pre-existing airway disease. All participants followed a daily ICS treatment regime of 500 μg in the morning and evening over a 6-day period. Sustained vowels and connected speech samples were audio recorded before, during, and after the ICS regime. Each participant's audio recorded samples were acoustically analysed. Results revealed that ICS has a short-term detrimental effect on various acoustic properties of voice. These effects were more evident in connected speech compared to isolated vowel productions. All acoustic parameters returned to normalcy after discontinuing the ICS. The study provides insight as to the influence of ICS on healthy voice production.
Keywords: Acoustic analysis; asthma; inhaled corticosteroids; voice.