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.