Voice Characteristics in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Participants with MS had higher scores on the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and GRBAS scales, indicating worse voice impairment than healthy controls. Acoustic analysis showed increased shimmer values in both sexes with MS, while women specifically displayed lower Harmonics-to-Noise Ratio (HNR) and fundamental frequency (fo).

Tags: #MSResearch
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Source: Read original source (PMID 42867280)

This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.

Human efficacy: Not yet assessed
Mechanism: Not yet assessed
Evidence strength: Not yet assessed
Outcome: Not yet assessed

Why it matters

These findings highlight the significant voice impairments experienced by individuals with MS, which may impact their quality of life and communication. Understanding these impairments can inform voice therapy and assistive communication strategies.

What this does not prove

Vocal function was assessed using limited scales and analyses, potentially missing other aspects of voice impairment.

Next milestone

No next milestone was established from the available source.

Study facts

Study design: Observational
Participants / samples: Not reported
Randomised: Not reported
Controlled: Not reported
Primary endpoint met: Not reported
Relevant MS type: Not reported
Publication date: 2026-10-13
Evidence reviewed: Abstract only
Regulatory approval: Not reported
Research areas: Not classified

Original sources

Primary evidencePerceptual, patient-reported, and acoustic voice characteristics in individuals with multiple sclerosis. ↗DOI: 10.1080/14015439.2026.2747974

Supporting passages (6)

study designThe present study aimed to investigate vocal characteristics in individuals with MS using a combined subjective, perceptual, and acoustic assessment approach.

subjectsMETHODS: A total of 91 participants were included, comprising 48 individuals with MS and 43 healthy controls.

sample size basisMETHODS: A total of 91 participants were included, comprising 48 individuals with MS and 43 healthy controls.

publication datePublication date: 2026-10-13

findingsRESULTS: Participants with MS showed significantly higher VHI and GRBAS scores compared to controls in both sexes, indicating greater perceived and perceptual voice impairment.

limitationsTitle: Perceptual, patient-reported, and acoustic voice characteristics in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 1 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.