What Are the Contemporary Trends on Euphonic Voice Research? A Scientometric Analysis.

(1) Background: The study of the human euphonic voice is a subject that has been researched in recent years from different perspectives. Therefore, it is pertinent to assess the current state of the science. The aim of analyzing the characteristics of normal voice-related publications over the last 11 years is to identify research trends, the numerical and temporal evolution of the publications, their type, and the most-used descriptors. (2) Methods: Bibliometric data from 2011 to 2021 were obtained through several databases. Subsequently, a science mapping analysis was made via VOSviewer software. (3) Results: A total of 901 publications were obtained. The analysis of the scientific production on the field of study regarding the euphonic voice shows a slight increase over the last 11 years, with an average of 82 publications per year. Co-authorship analysis revealed a 6215 authors contributing to the field with a 901 articles (headed by Jiang, J.J. with 18 articles). Keyword co-occurrence analysis highlighted the lack of temporal advancement and variety in the terminology used in the field of voice research. (4) Conclusions: This scientometric study sheds light to the need to broaden in this field of study and the establishment of solid research groups to contribute to its advancement.

Vestibular Impairment in Hemifacial Spasm Syndrome: A Case Report.

A 52-year-old man presented with left hemifacial spasm (HFS). A magnetic resonance imaging scan showed compression of the left facial nerve at the cerebellopontine angle by a dolichoectatic basilar artery. The neurotological evaluation showed an otolithic deficit, with canalicular preservation and normal hearing. The deficit improved after surgical decompression. No previous report has described the impairment of vestibular function in patients presenting with HFS.

Does Asymmetric Hearing Loss Affect the Ability to Understand in Noisy Environments?

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether, in asymmetric hearing loss, the presence of an ear with a better or worse hearing threshold is related to either better or worse speech-in-noise (SiN) intelligibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 618 subjects with different degrees of hearing loss were evaluated for their ability to understand SiN. A stepwise forward logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors that affect performance. The influencing factors of very high or very low performance were determined. RESULTS: Age, especially after 70 years of age, and hearing loss, especially from moderate hearing loss, negatively influence SiN intelligibility. Remarkably high intelligibility was identified in subjects with a contralateral ear presenting a better auditory threshold. CONCLUSION: Although age and hearing loss are known factors that affect SiN intelligibility, the presence of a healthy contralateral ear is presented as the first description of preservation of SiN hearing ability.