1. INTRODUCTION
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurring episodes of
partial or complete upper airway obstruction while sleeping. It is
estimated that 4 to 7% of adults in the general population are
affected.[1] Reduced neural activation and upper airway anatomic
abnormalities are the primary causes of obstructive hypopneas and apneas
in patients with OSA.
OSA has a wide range of effects on the body, including the
cardiovascular, neurologic, and respiratory systems. Moreover, OSA has
been linked to upper airway inflammation, such as a thicker soft palate,
hypertrophic tonsils, or a thickened pharynx, as well as tongue base
lymphoproliferation, which can affect one’s voice.[3] The
inflammatory reaction of the upper airway, as well as the dryness of the
upper airway caused by mouth breathing, can both have a deleterious
impact on the vocal cord mucosa and result in a voice issue. Work
environment, psychological variables, personality traits, and voice
abuse have been identified as risk factors for voice disorders.
Meanwhile, recent research has revealed that people with sleep apnea
have poor voice quality, which might be caused by vocal fold
inflammation.[4]
The objective of this study was to assess the risk of benign vocal fold
lesions (BVFL) in OSA patients, which is currently unknown. This
research will help us better understand the association between OSA and
vocal disorders.