Changes in perception of pitch during vocal performance after three- and two-wall orbital decompression surgery

Ear Nose Throat J. 2025 Jan;104(1):NP38-NP39. doi: 10.1177/01455613221088722. Epub 2022 Apr 13.

Abstract

This case series presents 2 Caucasian females that underwent orbital decompression surgery for symptomatic exophthalmos and postoperatively developed a change in their perception of pitch during vocal performance. One patient went as far as to undergo voice lessons in attempt to regain her pre-operative pitch perception; however, the attempt was unsuccessful. We propose the etiology of this complication is anatomic changes within the ethmoid sinus. Temporary changes in nasalance have previously been reported with functional endoscopic sinus surgery literature, but this specific complication of change in pitch perception has not.

Keywords: orbital decompression; pitch perception.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Decompression, Surgical* / methods
  • Ethmoid Sinus / surgery
  • Exophthalmos / etiology
  • Exophthalmos / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Orbit / surgery
  • Pitch Perception* / physiology
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery