AbstractDysphonia is a medical term meaning disorder of voice. A voice disorder exists when quality, pitch, loudness, or flexibility differs from the voices of others. Their voice disorders can be caused due to numerous factors such as environmental factors, personal habits or anatomical variations (Pereira
et al, 2014). In order to provide a set of standardized questions, the Dysphonia risk screening protocol (DRSP) was developed by Nemr et al (2016). The study was performed to predict the patient’s probability of developing a voice disorder and would provide a clearer comparison of symptoms, habits, signs and factors that may interfere with voice and as an effective way to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. The use of this protocol also helps the professional to determine the best approaches in terms of counseling, treatment plans, patient follow ups and helps in sharing data and carrying out discussions with the patient about his or her commutative habits. The protocol facilitates the comparison of results between different time-points such as, initial assessment and follow up assessment and effectiveness between different care services and provides a more evidence-based practice in the assessment and treatment of voice disorders (Nemr
et al, 2016).
Objectives: To check the applicability of the DRSP in the General Population of Mangalore, Karnataka and to find out its validity and reliability.
Materials & Method: The study consisted of 80 Subjects. Males and females from in and around Mangalore within the age range of 18 - 45 years were taken as participants for the study. The participants were divided into 2 groups, dysphorics and non-dysphonics. The DRSP was administered, and a voice sample was taken using Praat. The DRSP along with acoustic parameters were used in analysis.
Results: The result revealed a significant difference in the DRSP scores between the two groups.
Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, it can be seen that the DRSP is an effective tool that can be used in a voice assessment protocol across various speech language pathology clinics in Mangalore. It can be used to supplement the initial case history taken or can act as an effective case history in itself. It covers the demographic data, family history, medical history, environmental factors and dietary habits that can lead to the development of voice problems or dysphonia.