DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF HOARSENESS

Analyses of hoarseness through the use of semantic differential method revealed the four factors R (rough), B (breathy), A (asthenic), and D*(degree). On the basis of the findings, a new simple method of classification of hoarse voice was proposed and applied to the voice samples of diverse laryngeal diseases: a voice sample was rated on the four-point scale of R, B, A and D. The results indicated that the voice of laryngeal cancer is most frequently of the RB type, in contrast to the R type for vocal cord polyp or nodule. Recurrent nerve paralysis with a wide glottal chink, functional voice disorders and other laryngeal diseases demonstrated most frequently RAB, BA and N or R type of hoarseness respectively. It was assumed that the dominance of factor B as well as factor R in the voice of laryngeal cancer would be derived from the physical properties of the cords such as hardness, loss of elasticity, rough surface, reduced motility of the vocal cord mucosa. It was suggested that more care should be taken in the diagnosis of hoarseness, if assuming breathy quality. © 1969 S. Karger AG, Basel.