Hearing Aid Use and Auditory Verbal Therapy Improve Voice Quality of Deaf Children.

BACKGROUND: Adequate phonation is self-regulated by auditory feedback. Children with bilateral profound hearing loss (PHL) lack this feedback resulting in abnormal voice. Adequate hearing aid use and auditory-verbal therapy (AVT) may improve voice quality in deaf children. OBJECTIVE: To study whether hearing aid use and AVT approach improve acoustic parameters of voice of children with bilateral PHL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen children with bilateral PHL were studied. Age range 2-5 years (X = 53.04 months; SD = 9.54). All children were fitted with hearing aids according to auditory testing and they underwent a 1-year auditory habilitation period using the AVT approach. Acoustic analysis of voice including F0, shimmer, and jitter was performed at the onset and at the end of the auditory habilitation period. Final acoustic data were compared to a matched control group of 19 children, age range 2-5 years (X = 52.85; SD = 9.74) with normal hearing. RESULTS: Mean fundamental frequency (F0) was significantly increased after AVT intervention. Shimmer and jitter significantly (P < 0.05) improved after the intervention period. However, despite the improvements, mean F0 at the end of the intervention period was still significantly (P < 0.05) decreased as compared to controls. Also, mean shimmer and jitter at the end of the habilitation period were still significantly (P < 0.05) higher as compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this preliminary study suggest that hearing aid use and auditory habilitation with AVT approach improved acoustic voice parameters of children with PHL. However, acoustic parameters persisted abnormal as compared to matched normal hearing controls. AVT approach and regular hearing aid use seem to be safe and reliable clinical tools for improving voice quality of children with PFL.

Acoustic analysis of voice in children with cleft lip and palate following vocal rehabilitation. Preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is the most common craniofacial anomaly. CLP affects resonance, voice and speech. Besides the most frequently reported resonance and speech disorders, several reports have addressed acoustic abnormalities in the voice of patients with CLP. However, there are just a few reports focusing on vocal treatment in this population. OBJECTIVE: To study whether a Speech and Language Pathology (SLP) intervention including vocal rehabilitation for children with CLP and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) provides significant improvement of abnormal acoustic parameters of voice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) were studied. Age ranged 4-5 years. A matched control group of children without craniofacial anomalies and adequate speech, resonance and voice was assembled. All children underwent acoustic analysis of voice at the onset and at the end of SLP intervention including vocal rehabilitation. RESULTS: Hypernasality persisted unchanged following SLP intervention. Mean Fundamental Frequency (F0) did not demonstrate a significant difference between the control and the active groups. At the onset of the intervention mean shimmer and jitter were significantly higher in all patients with CLP as compared to controls. At the end of the intervention shimmer and jitter significantly decreased in patients with CLP showing no differences as compared to controls. CONCLUSION: SLP intervention including vocal rehabilitation improves abnormal acoustic parameters of voice. Besides surgical treatment for VPI the SLP intervention in children with CLP should also address vocal rehabilitation.

Acoustic Analysis and Electroglottography in Elite Vocal Performers.

BACKGROUND: Acoustic analysis of voice (AAV) and electroglottography (EGG) have been used for assessing vocal quality in patients with voice disorders. The effectiveness of these procedures for detecting mild disturbances in vocal quality in elite vocal performers has been controversial. OBJECTIVE: To compare acoustic parameters obtained by AAV and EGG before and after vocal training to determine the effectiveness of these procedures for detecting vocal improvements in elite vocal performers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three elite vocal performers were studied. The study group included 14 males and 19 females, ages 18-40 years, without a history of voice disorders. Acoustic parameters were obtained through AAV and EGG before and after vocal training using the Linklater method. RESULTS: Nonsignificant differences (P > 0.05) were found between values of fundamental frequency (F0), shimmer, and jitter obtained by both procedures before vocal training. Mean F0 was similar after vocal training. Jitter percentage as measured by AAV showed nonsignificant differences (P > 0.05) before and after vocal training. Shimmer percentage as measured by AAV demonstrated a significant reduction (P < 0.05) after vocal training. As measured by EGG after vocal training, shimmer and jitter were significantly reduced (P < 0.05); open quotient was significantly increased (P < 0.05); and irregularity was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AAV and EGG were effective for detecting improvements in vocal function after vocal training in male and female elite vocal performers undergoing vocal training. EGG demonstrated better efficacy for detecting improvements and provided additional parameters as compared to AAV.

Acoustic analysis of voice in children with cleft palate and velopharyngeal insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Acoustic analysis of voice can provide instrumental data concerning vocal abnormalities. These findings can be used for monitoring clinical course in cases of voice disorders. Cleft palate severely affects the structure of the vocal tract. Hence, voice quality can also be also affected. OBJECTIVE: To study whether the main acoustic parameters of voice, including fundamental frequency, shimmer and jitter are significantly different in patients with a repaired cleft palate, as compared with normal children without speech, language and voice disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate and persistent or residual velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) were studied. A control group was assembled with healthy volunteer subjects matched by age and gender. Hypernasality and nasal emission were perceptually assessed in patients with VPI. Size of the gap as assessed by videonasopharyngoscopy was classified in patients with VPI. Acoustic analysis of voice including Fundamental frequency (F0), shimmer and jitter were compared between patients with VPI and control subjects. RESULTS: F0 was significantly higher in male patients as compared with male controls. Shimmer was significantly higher in patients with VPI regardless of gender. Moreover, patients with moderate VPI showed a significantly higher shimmer perturbation, regardless of gender. CONCLUSION: Although future research regarding voice disorders in patients with VPI is needed, at the present time it seems reasonable to include strategies for voice therapy in the speech and language pathology intervention plan for patients with VPI.

Synchronous electrical stimulation of laryngeal muscles: an alternative for enhancing recovery of unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis.

BACKGROUND: Although electrical stimulation of the larynx has been widely studied for treating voice disorders, its effectiveness has not been assessed under safety and comfortable conditions. This article describes design, theoretical issues, and preliminary evaluation of an innovative system for transdermal electrical stimulation of the larynx. The proposed design includes synchronization of electrical stimuli with laryngeal neuromuscular activity. OBJECTIVE: To study whether synchronous electrical stimulation of the larynx could be helpful for improving voice quality in patients with dysphonia due to unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (URLNP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 3-year prospective study was carried out at the Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitacion in the Mexico City. Ten patients were subjected to transdermal current electrical stimulation synchronized with the fundamental frequency of the vibration of the vocal folds during phonation. The stimulation was triggered during the phase of maximum glottal occlusion. A complete acoustic voice analysis was performed before and after the period of electrical stimulation. RESULTS: Acoustic analysis revealed significant improvements in all parameters after the stimulation period. CONCLUSION: Transdermal synchronous electrical stimulation of vocal folds seems to be a safe and reliable procedure for enhancing voice quality in patients with (URLNP).

Analysis of oropharyngeal dysphagia through fibroendoscopy evaluation of swallowing in patients with Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) has a high incidence in Mexico and is estimated at approximately 500,000 patients. One of the main clinical manifestations of PD is dysphagia, which is the difficult passage of food from the mouth to the stomach. The aim of this study was to assess oropharyngeal dysphagia through fibroendoscopy evaluation of swallowing in patients with PD. METHODS: We conducted a census sample of patients with PD: 17 males and 10 females, aged >49 years. Clinical history, physical examination and neurological evaluation of swallowing fibroendoscopy were carried out. RESULTS: Of the symptomatic patients, 16 patients (59.25%) reported dysphagia. Fibroendoscopic evaluation demonstrated swallowing disorders in 25 patients (92.59%). The main findings were poor bolus control in 19 patients (70.37%), deficits in bolus propulsion in 25 patients (92.59%), impaired swallowing in 14 patients (51.85%), fractional swallowing in 11 patients (40.74%), reduced epiglottic tilting in 11 patients (48.14%), food residue in vallecula in 24 patients (88.88%) and piriform sinus in 19 patients (70.37%). There was no correlation between duration of PD and degree of involvement of oropharyngeal dysphagia. CONCLUSIONS: Oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with PD is a common symptom and can range from the oral cavity to the upper esophageal sphincter. Early onset of severe dysphagia is exceptional in this disease and should alert the clinician to the diagnostic possibility of parkinsonism.

[Alterations in voice, speech and swallowing in patients with Sjögren's syndrome]. / Alteraciones de la voz, el habla y la deglución en pacientes con síndrome de Sjögren.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe voice, speech and swallowing abnormalities in patients with Sjögren's Syndrome (SS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional descriptive observational study. Patients with SS were interviewed and physically explored. Nasolaryngeal endoscopy, video laryngeal stroboscopy, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and computerized voice spectrographic analysis (PRAAT® software) of voice and speech were also performed. RESULTS: We included 31 patients (96.7% women). Average time of evolution was 5 years; mean age was 48.4 years. Of these SS cases, 87% were secondary and 13% primary. Symptomatology: 70.9% dysphagia, 41.9% dysphonia, 35.4% dysglossia, 3.2% dysarthria. We found abnormalities principally in: one or more cranial nerves (V, VII, IX, X, XII) (67.7%), nasopharyngolaryngeal mucosa (77.4%), mucosal wave of vocal cords (90%), swallowing mechanism (90.3%), spectrogram of the vowels /e/ (58.06%) and /i/ (51.61%), and rhythm of the trisyllable "pataka" (35.48%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SS have voice, speech and swallowing abnormalities, not only associated to xerosis, but perhaps also to neurological abnormalities, probably secondary to the syndrome.

Manejo de los aspectos respiratorio, fonatorio y articulatorio en la disartria. Reporte de 4 casos / Management of respiratory, phonatory and articulatory aspects of dysartrhia. A 4 cases report

Propósito: Estudiar un programa de actividades que faciliten la rehabilitación del paciente disártrico. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo de cuatro pacientes de los departamentos de Foniatría y Neurología del I.N.C.H. con diagnóstico de síndrome disártrico, de febrero a octubre de 1995, que se comprometieron a cumplir con las sesiones de terapia, dos horas por semana durante ocho meses. En todos los pacientes se hizo evaluación general y examen de articulación con estudio naso-laringo-endoscópico al principio y al final del periodo de terapia. Resultados: Los pacientes presentaron alteraciones en el mecanismo respiratorio, manifestadas por una inversión del patrón respiratorio, incoordinación e insuficiencia. El tono muscular y la postura presentaron hipotonía, hipertonía o ambas en cabeza, cuello y cintura escapular. Existió deficiencia en el funcionamiento de estructuras inervadas por los pares craneales que intervienen en el proceso de la comunicación y alteraciones en actividades prefonatorias como succión, masticación y deglución. La voz se modificó en timbre, tono e intensidad. El habla era ininteligible como consecuencia de los trastornos mencionados anteriormente. Después del periodo de terapia de 8 meses, los 4 pacientes mejoraron los aspectos involucrados en el proceso de terapia incluyendo respiración, tono muscular y movimiento de estructuras orofaciales, articulación y voz. Conclusiones: Los resultados de esta investigación sugieren que si se incluyen ejercicios de respiración, orofaciales, masoterapia, actividades prefonatorias, voz y por ultimo articulación, en el orden antes mencionado, los pacientes disártricos podrían tener mejores oportunidades de recuperar las habilidades que permiten una comunicación oral de adecuada calidad

Estandarización de técnicas y de reporte de la inspección directa del esfínter velofaríngeo / Standaizinf the techniques and reporting of the direct observation of the velopharyngeal sphincter

En septiembre de 1990 un grupo de la Sociedad Mexicana de Audiolgía y Foniatría se reunió en el Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González para desarrollar un protocolo común para el reporte de procedimientos que observan directamente el esfínter velofaríngeo. Se puntualizan las condiciones mínimas para realizar la nasofaringoscopía y la videofluroscopía del esfínter velogaríngeo, el adiestramiento de las personas involucradas y las características que debe tener el equipo. Se describe la metodología de la nasofaringoscopía, así como videofluoroscopía de incidencia múltiple del esdínter velogaríngeo y se sugiere la forma de reportar los hallazgos

Estandarización de los datos reportados en estudios de nasofaringoscopía y fluoroscopía del esfínter velofaríngeo / Stantardization of data reported in studies of nasopharyngoscopy and fluoroscopy of the velopharyngeal sphincter

Existe una gran inquietud mundial por inicar el informe de los hallazgos obtenidos con la endoscopía con fibra óptica y con la fluoroscopía en el esfínter velofaríngeo. La evolución debe ser realizada por un médico especialista (foniatría). Nasofaringoscopía: el equipo necesario es el nasofaringoscopio con frente de luz. La videograbación es deseable, pero no indispensable. El reporte debe ser discriptivo y llegar a conclusiones precisas sobre 1) fosa nasal: 2) meatro; 3) orificio de la salida de la trompa de eustaquio; 4) orofaringeo; 5) esfinter velofaríngeo (paredes faríngeas posterior y laterales y velo de paladar), 6)patrón de cierre (forma y cada estructura por separado, en reposo y fonación); 7) laringe. Flouroscopía; útil para valorar las parederes faríngeas laterales y el nivel de cierre del esfínter velofaríngeo. No se requiere en todos los casos, pero es completamente para la nasofaringoscopía. La videograbación no es indispensable. Siempre se deben realizar las incidencias frontal, lateral y basal

Orientaciones básicas para el paciente laringectomizado / Basic points for patient laringectomized

Se abordan diversos aspectos relativos a la atención, cuidados y rehabilitación del paciente laringectomizado. Contenido: Introducción. Objetivos. 1) Cáncer laríngeo: causas y frecuencia; localización topográfica y clasificación clínico patológica. 2) Consideraciones generales de tratamiento. 3) Mecanismos y estructuras implicadas en la fonación normal y sus cambios en el paciente laringectomizado. 4) Laringectomía total: indicaciones, contraindicaciones, ventajas y desventajas. 5) Etapa rehabilitatoria: alternativas de rehabilitación (voz esofágica, laringe artificial, fístula traqueoesofágica y prótesis de voz). 6) Factores que influyen en una adecuada rehabilitación. 7) Readaptación a la vida diaria: ámbitos familiar, laboral, social y sexual. 8) Experiencia personal. 9) Laringectomía: una nueva oportunidad de vida. 10) Conclusiones. Anexo