Voice quality in patients with temporomandibular disorders

Cranio. 2024 May 13:1-7. doi: 10.1080/08869634.2024.2350922. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Objectives: This study assessed the voice quality in TMD patients compared to healthy individuals using the Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) and evaluated the correlation between the DSI and TMD severity.

Methods: Patients who had TMD with Fonseca's anamnestic index were subjected to an examination based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). A sample of 35 patients with TMD and 36 healthy subjects were included in the study.

Results: There were significant differences in the DSI score and its components between healthy subjects and TMD patients (p < .001). A significant correlation was found between the DSI scores and TMD severity (Spearman's rho: -0.90, p < .001).

Conclusion: Patients with TMD demonstrated lower DSI scores and lower voice quality compared to healthy subjects.

Keywords: Dysphonia severity index; temporomandibular disorders; voice assessment; voice quality.