Does Open Rhinoplasty Alter Voice Quality?

[PURPOSE] The voice can change after upper airway manipulation. The present study evaluated voice change after open rhinoplasty.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] The present cross-sectional study was conducted on patients undergoing open rhinoplasty. Three acoustic parameters (frequency, bandwidth, and amplitude) were evaluated before open rhinoplasty and then 3, 7, and 10 months after the operation. Patients' sounds when pronouncing M, N, and A were examined. Acoustic factors were measured at the first and second nasal murmurs. Time was a predictive factor and multiple acoustic parameters were the outcome of the study.

[RESULTS] Twenty-five patients were studied. Amplitude and bandwidth decreased, whereas frequency increased, when pronouncing the vowel A after rhinoplasty. In contrast, for consonants M and N, amplitude decreased, whereas bandwidth and frequency increased, after rhinoplasty.

[CONCLUSION] Open rhinoplasty seems to affect voice quality. Open rhinoplasty altered the frequency, amplitude, and bandwidth of vowel and consonant sounds during 10-month follow-up.