Acoustic Analysis of Voice in Huntington's Disease Patients

Background/objectives: Alterations of voice and speech are frequently observed in Huntington's disease (HD). The aim of this study was to assess the degree of voice and speech abnormalities in a group of patients with HD and to analyze possible correlations with degree of disease severity.

Patients/methods: An observational study was carried out on diagnosed cases and controls. The voices of 20 patients were analyzed and compared with an age- and sex-matched control group. Variables analyzed included subjective voice exploration, analysis of aerodynamic efficiency, acoustic analysis measures, and laryngeal examination descriptions. Results obtained were correlated with degree of disease severity.

Results: Changes in the Voice Handicap Index and clinical characteristics of the voice were observed. Maximum phonation time was reduced. Acoustic analysis revealed changes that were analyzed. Uncontrolled adduction-abduction movements were observed by laryngeal examination. All results showed a positive correlation with degree of disease severity assessed by the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale.

Conclusions: HD causes alterations in subjective voice features, aerodynamic and acoustic analysis measures that are correlated with disease severity.