Advertisement!
Author Information Pack
Editorial Board
Submit article
Special Issue
Editor's selection process
Join as Reviewer/Editor
List of Reviewer
Indexing Information
Most popular articles
Purchase Single Articles
Archive
Free Online Access
Current Issue
Recommend this journal to your library
Advertiser
Accepted Articles
Search Articles
Email Alerts
FAQ
Contact Us
Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Volume  5, Issue 3 (Supplement), Jul-Sep 2017, Pages 274-
 

Original Article

A Study on the Variations in Vocal Parameter Measures in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Jacqueline B. Fernandes,Joylene D’Almeida,Enayath Nisha and Renita Maben

Jacqueline B. Fernandes Assistant Professor, SLP, Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Joylene D’Almeida Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Enayath Nisha and Renita Maben Interns, Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.

Choose an option to locate / access this Article:
days Access
Check if you have access through your login credentials.        PDF      |
|

Open Access: View PDF

DOI:

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a very common endocrine or metabolic abnormality affecting 6–8% of women of reproductive age worldwide. The diagnosis of PCOS depends on a speciûc criterion, reviewed and updated by a subgroup of the National Institute of Health and more recently by a task force of the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society. Which includes: (1) oligo and/or an ovulation, (2) clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, and (3) polycystic ovaries. Deepening of the voice and/or other vocal symptoms have not been investigated in patients with PCOS based on the current literature. An elevated testosterone level invariably results in deepening of the voice. The purpose of this study was to look at the prevalence and pattern of acoustic changes in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Method: A total of 60 patients in the age range of 19 to 42 years with PCOS diagnosed on the basis of three criteria: the presence of irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism and an ultrasound diagnosis of polycystic ovaries, were included in the study. Acoustic voice analysis was carried out on each of these patients. Parameters assessed in the voice analysis of these patients were Frequency (F0), Jitter, Shimmer, and Harmonics to Noise Ration (HNR). Results: A significant decrease in the mean fundamental frequency and increase in the harmonic to noise ratio , was noted in individuals with PCOS. When compared within age groups, middle age female subjects with PCOS showed a higher significance of voice changes, in comparison to young female subjects diagnosed with PCOS. Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of vocal changes in PCOS especially in hirsute subjects with PCOS and hence must a more than often suggest a voice therapy initiative, that can reduce damaging voice changes from becoming a permanent altercation.