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Scientific Oral Presentations

Laryngology/Broncho-Esophagology

Session: Scientific Oral Presentations 2 - Laryngology/Broncho-Esophagology

Functional Dysphonia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Distinctions, Psychosocial Interventions, and Speech Therapy Outcomes

Sunday, October 12, 2025
10:06 AM - 10:12 AM EDT
Location: 138
Disclosure(s):
Raisa Chowdhury, MSc:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: Functional dysphonia is a significant voice disorder requiring evidence-based treatments. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates diagnostic distinctions, psychosocial interventions, and voice therapy outcomes using acoustic, aerodynamic, and perceptual voice measures.

Methods: A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL) through December 2024. Studies assessing voice therapy in adults with functional dysphonia were included. Two independent reviewers handled study selection and data extraction. Quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (randomized trials) and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (observational studies). Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for acoustic, perceptual, and self-reported outcomes.

Results: Of 41 studies, 18 met criteria for meta-analysis. Voice therapy led to significant improvements. The Voice Handicap Index showed substantial improvement (MRAW = -19.69, 95% CI [-24.46, -14.92], I² = 100%), particularly with combined interventions. Perceptual voice quality via GRBAS Scale improved moderately (MRAW = -3.85, 95% CI [-9.36, 1.67], I² = 100%). Acoustic parameters showed positive changes in fundamental frequency (MRAW = 6.61, 95% CI [-3.20, 16.43], I² = 100%), jitter (MRAW = -0.15, 95% CI [-0.21, -0.09], I² = 81%), shimmer (MRAW = -1.06, 95% CI [-1.40, -0.71], I² = 96%), and noise-to-harmonic ratio (MRAW = -0.13, 95% CI [-0.24, -0.02], I² = 95%).

Conclusions: Voice therapy demonstrates significant effectiveness across multiple acoustic and perceptual parameters, with strongest improvements in Voice Handicap Index scores and acoustic measures. High heterogeneity across studies suggests the need for standardized treatment protocols and outcome measures. Future research should focus on developing standardized intervention protocols and identifying predictive factors for treatment success.

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Raisa Chowdhury, MSc

    Medical Student
    McGill University
    Montreal, QC, Canada

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • SA

    Salwa Alhumaid, MD

    Department of Otolarynglogy-Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Senior Author(s)

  • KK

    Karen M. Kost, MD

    Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Director of the Voice and Dysphagia Laboratory, McGill University
    McGill University
    Westmount, Quebec, Canada

    Disclosure information not submitted.