Evaluating the effects of smoking on the voice and subjective voice problems using a meta-analysis approach

The objectives of this study were to identify the effects of smoking on the voice of smokers and present the baseline data for establishing the basis for preventing voice disorders. This study was evaluated using a meta-analysis from studies published between Jan 1, 2000, and Nov 15, 2018. As a result, the final meta-analysis was conducted using nine papers. The standard mean difference was analyzed after dividing the effects of smoking on voice into the pitch (F0), sound quality (jitter, shimmer, and noise to harmonic ratio; NHR), Maximum Phonation Time (MPT), and subjective voice problem. The results showed that there was a significant difference in F0 and MPT. On the other hand, the jitter, shimmer, NHR, and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) had different mean effect size but they were not significantly different. The analysis by sub-function of VHI results showed that the mean effect size was significantly different only in VHI-P (Physical). This study evaluated the effects of smoking on voice using meta-analysis. It was confirmed that smoking had significant and moderate effects on the F0 of voice, MPT, VHI, and physical functions. It is necessary for future meta-analysis studies to conduct randomized controlled experiments or longitudinal studies to confirm the effect sizes of variables.