Effect of voice rehabilitation following radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer - a 3-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to report on the effectiveness of voice rehabilitation following radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer in a long-term perspective, i.e., up to three years after completion of radiotherapy. METHODS: The study included a total of 74 patients that were randomised into an intervention group (n = 37) or a control group (n = 37). Voice recordings with blinded assessment of voice quality with the GRBAS protocol (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain) and acoustic analysis was performed at baseline, 12 and 36 months following radiotherapy. Voice rehabilitation was performed in 10 sessions immediately following completion of radiotherapy. Patients also filled out the Swedish Self-Evaluation of Communication Experiences after Laryngeal cancer. RESULTS: The S-SECEL demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the intervention group when comparing baseline and 36 months, and no changes in the control group. Acoustic measures did not reveal any significant changes. The perceptual analysis demonstrated that when comparing the changes within the groups between baseline and 36 months there were statistically significant differences between the intervention and control group regarding the voice qualities Roughness, Breathiness and Strain. In the control group, 50% demonstrated deterioration in roughness, while in the intervention group only 7% deteriorated during this time. In Breathiness and Strain, 57 and 50%, respectively, improved in the intervention group, while only 32% and 23% improved, respectively, in the control group. CONCLUSION: Voice rehabilitation following radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer demonstrate positive effects in patient reported outcomes and perceptual measures of voice quality, and the effects remain up to three years following radiotherapy.

Voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy with the infrahyoid musculocutaneous flap.

BACKGROUND: It is important for the patients to reconstruct the voice phonic function by surgery after total laryngectomy in the developing countries. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical outcomes of voice reconstruction using an infrahyoid musculocutaneous flap for patients after total laryngectomies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen male patients recruited were laryngectomized. The infrahyoid musculocutaneous flap was designed. After total laryngectomy, the lower edge of the flap was sewed with the upper edge of the tracheostomy opening. Next, the lateral and medial edges of the flap were anastomosed to create a pronunciation tube. Finally, the remaining opening of the tube was sutured with the anterolateral wall of the hypopharynx to establish a communication with the pharyngeal cavity. RESULTS: A total of 17 cases of flaps were survived and only 1 necrosed. There were 17 patients without serious complications, except that 6 cases had mild irritable cough when gulping water. However, it could be relieved through blocking tracheostoma. One year after operation, all patients could more remarkably articulate clear, powerful, and consistent words. The articulatory configuration was existed under rigid laryngoscope and CT. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The use of an infrahyoid myocutaneous flap is feasible for the voice restoration in the patients undergoing total laryngectomy.

Impacto en la calidad de vida del tratamiento de disfonía espasmódica aductora con toxina botulínica A / Impact on the quality of life of the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia with botulinum toxin A

Introducción. La distonía laríngea o disfonía espasmódica se caracteriza por con-tracciones involuntarias de los músculos laríngeos internos que se desencadenan al hablar, siendo la forma aductora la más frecuente. La inyección de toxina botulínica es el manejo de elección. Para evaluar la respuesta a la terapia existen varios instru-mentos validados, uno de ellos es el cuestionario Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). El objetivo de este estudio es caracterizar a los pacientes con disfonía espasmódica aductora y evaluar el impacto de la toxina en su calidad de vida.Método. Éste se centró en un estudio retrospectivo descriptivo en pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de disfonía espasmódica aductora tratados con toxina botulínica A, en el Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile (HCUC), en el periodo comprendido en-tre 2013 y 2021. El mismo permitió la obtención de los datos epidemiológicos de los pacientes, a quienes se les solicitó responder la encuesta VHI-10 previo y posterior a un mes de cada inyección de la toxina.Resultados. Se incluyeron 55 pacientes (218 procedimientos). La dosis promedio utilizada fue de 9,18 UI con un intervalo promedio de 7,4 meses. El puntaje VHI-10 promedio en la evaluación inicial fue de 29,4 y posinfiltración de 14,96, siendo esta diferencia significativa (p < 0,000001). En nuestra serie casi un tercio tiene asociada alguna patología neurológica, y se reportó un 3,67% de complicaciones leves y transitorias.Conclusión. La disfonía espasmódica aductora tiene un gran impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes, que se reduce significativamente mediante la inyección de toxina botulínica A, procedimiento que ha demostrado ser seguro y eficaz

Introduction. Laryngeal dystonia or spasmodic dysphonia is characterized by in-voluntary contractions of internal laryngeal muscles that are triggered when speak-ing, being the adductor form the most frequent. Botulinum toxin injection is the management of choice. There are several validated instruments to assess response to therapy, one of them is the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) questionnaire. The objective of this study is to characterize patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia and evaluate the impact of the toxin in their quality of life.Method. A descriptive retrospective study was carried out in adult patients with a diagnosis of adductor spasmodic dysphonia treated with botulinum toxin A, between 2013-2021 at the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile. The epidemiological data of the patients and the VHI-10 survey were obtained before and after one month of each toxin injection was requested.Results. 55 patients (218 procedures) were included. The average dose used was 9.18 IU with an average interval of 7.4 months. The average VHI-10 score in the initial evaluation was 29.4 and post-infiltration was 14.96, being this difference sig-nificant (p <0.000001). In our series, almost a third had an associated neurological pathology, and 3.67% of mild and transitory complications were reported.Conclusion. Adductor spasmodic dysphonia has a great impact on the quality of life of patients, which is significantly reduced by injecting botulinum toxin A, a pro-cedure that has been shown to be safe and effective

Auditory-vocal integration impairment: New challenges and opportunities for voice assessment and therapy / Alteración de la integración auditivo-vocal: nuevos retos y oportunidades para la evaluación y la terapia de la voz

This reflection paper addresses the importance of the interaction between voice perception and voice production, emphasizing the processes of auditory-vocal in-tegration that are not yet widely reported in the context of voice clinicians. Given the above, this article seeks to 1) highlight the important link between voice pro-duction and voice perception and 2) consider whether this relationship might be exploited clinically for diagnostic purposes and therapeutic benefit. Existing theories on speech production and its interaction with auditory perception provide context for discussing why the evaluation of auditory-vocal processes could help identify associ-ated origins of dysphonia and inform the clinician around appropriate management strategies. Incorporating auditory-vocal integration assessment through sensorimotor adaptation paradigm testing could prove to be an important addition to voice assess-ment protocols at the clinical level. Further, if future studies can specify the means to manipulate and enhance a person's auditory-vocal integration, the efficiency of voice therapy could be increased, leading to improved quality of life for people with voice disorders

Este artículo de reflexión aborda la importancia de la interacción entre la percepción y la producción de la voz, haciendo hincapié en los procesos de integración auditivo-vocal, los cuales aún no han sido muy divulgados en el contexto de los clínicos de voz. Dado lo anterior, este articulo busca: 1) destacar la importante relación entre la producción y la percepción de la voz y 2) considerar si esta relación pudiese explotarse clínicamente con fines diagnósticos y terapéuticos. Las teorías existentes sobre la producción de la voz y su interacción con la percepción auditiva proporcionan el contexto para discutir por qué la evaluación de los procesos auditivo-vocales podría ayudar a identificar los orígenes asociados a cierto tipo de disfonías e informar al clínico sobre las estrategias de abordaje adecuadas. La incorporación de la evaluación de la integración auditivo-vocal a través de la prueba del paradigma de adaptación sensoriomotora podría ser una importante adición a los protocolos de evaluación de la voz a nivel clínico. Además, si los estudios futuros pueden especificar los medios para manipular y mejorar la integración auditivo-vocal de una persona, la eficacia de la terapia de la voz podría aumentar, lo que llevaría a mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con trastornos de la voz

Conocimiento de los factores de riesgo vocal y presencia de síntomas vocales en profesores universitarios / Knowledge of vocal risk factors and presence of vocal symptoms in university professors

Introducción: existen diferentes factores de riesgo que pueden llegar a generar alteraciones vocales en los profesores en el ejercicio de su labor. Esta investigación busca establecer la relación entre el conocimiento de los factores de riesgo vocal y la presencia de síntomas asociados a enfermedad vocal en profesores universitarios. Método: se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional descriptivo con un diseño trans-versal con 200 profesores seleccionados bajo criterios de exclusión y exclusión. Se aplicó una encuesta online de conocimiento de los factores de riesgo vocal y la subes-cala física del Índice de Incapacidad Vocal (VHI). Para el análisis estadístico se usó Stata 14. Resultados: se encontró que los docentes presentan conocimiento de los factores de riesgo vocal y la presencia de síntomas es leve. La relación entre estas dos variables fue negativa, es decir, a mayor conocimiento vocal menor presencia de síntomas. Conclusiones: a pesar de encontrarse relación entre las variables de estudio, el nivel de significancia es bajo. Las investigaciones que indagan el conocimiento de los factores de riesgo vocal son reducidas, por lo que se recomienda continuar investi-gando esta temática

Introduction: there are different risk factors that can generate vocal alterations in teachers in the exercise of their work. This research seeks to establish the relationship between knowledge of vocal risk factors and the presence of symptoms associated with vocal disease in college teachers. Method: a descriptive observational study was carried out with a cross-sectional design with 200 teachers selected under exclusion and exclusion criteria. An online survey of knowledge of vocal risk factors and the physical subscale of the Vocal Disa-bility Index (VHI) were applied. Stata 14 was used for statistical analysis.Results: it was found that teachers present knowledge of vocal risk factors and the presence of symptoms is mild. The relationship between these two variables was ne-gative, that is, the higher the vocal knowledge, the lower the presence of symptoms.Conclusions: despite finding a relationship between the study variables, the level of significance is low. The investigations that research the knowledge of the vocal risk factors are limited. Therefore, it is recommended to continue investigating this topic.

Orientaciones filosóficas en la intervención fonoaudiológica de voz. El desafío actual de dar el alta / Philosophical orientations in voice therapy. The current challenge of discharge

El presente artículo corresponde a una reflexión sobre las orientaciones filosóficas en la terapia vocal actual. Cuando existe alguna alteración o trastorno vocal, se habla comunmente de un desequilibrio entre los subsistemas involucrados en el proceso fonatorio, es decir, fuelle (sistema respiratorio), fuente (pliegues vocales) y filtro (tracto vocal). Si no hay un correcto balance, entonces el sistema no tiene un correcto funcionamiento y pueden aparecer síntomas como ronquera, sensación de cuerpo extraño, prurito, fatiga vocal o bien disfonía o incluso afonía. Como con-secuencia de estas dificultades, se generan compensaciones que durante el proceso de la intervención fonoaudiológica el profesional debe volver a "equilibrar". Para lograr este objetivo, se desarrollan y analizan las diversas herramientas que entregan las filosofías de pensamiento a lo largo de la historia de la rehabilitación vocal, don-de se encuentran la orientación higiénica, psicológica, sintomatológica, fisiológica y ecléctica. En este mismo sentido, el profesional debe buscar lo que percibe como más idóneo para cada paciente o grupo a intervenir, centrado en mejorar la calidad vocal y las necesidades actuales de estos, basándose en el contexto mundial actual, con el objetivo de lograr un buen proceso de entrenamiento o rehabilitación y final-mente lograr el alta.

The present article corresponds to a reflection about the philosophical orientations in the current vocal therapy. When there are some vocal alterations or disorders, we usually talk about an imbalance between the sub-sysmtems involved in the fonatory process, which are bellows (respiratory system), source (vocal folds) and filter (vocal tract). When there is not a correct balance, the system does not work properly and as a consequence, it is possible to experiment symptoms such as hoarseness, foreign body sensation, pruritus, vocal fatigue, dysphonia or even aphonia. As a result of these difficulties, it is possible to generate compensations through the intervention of speech therapy. By virtue of this therapy the professional must 'balance'. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to develop and analyze the different tools that philoso-phical studies offer through the history of vocal rehabilitation. Some of these tools are hygienic orientation, psychological, symptomatological, physiological and eclec-tic. Thinking on that, the professional must search what it is most suitable for every patient or group of people that he/she will be working with. This must be focus on improving vocal quality and the actual necessities of the patient, based on the current global context. The final purpose of the professional is to achieve a good and healthy process of training and/or rehabilitation to accomplish medical discharge.

Multidimensional voice assessment: the immediate effects of Lax Vox® in singers with voice complaints / Avaliação multidimensional da voz: efeitos imediatos do Lax Vox® em cantores com queixas vocais

ABSTRACT Purpose: to multidimensionally assess the effect of the Lax Vox® vocal technique on singers with voice complaints. Methods: a comparative intrasubject study that assessed 30 singers - 13 males and 17 females, aged 18 to 55 years - who self-reported voice complaints and had voice problems symptoms. The participants were submitted to voice assessment with perceptive-auditory, acoustic, aerodynamic, and electroglottographic voice analysis, as well as laryngeal assessment with high-speed videolaryngoscopy. The participants were assessed at two moments: 1) at the beginning of the data collection; and 2) five minutes after performing the Lax Vox® vocal technique. The groups were compared with appropriate statistical tests, with a 5% significance level. Results: in the acoustic analysis, there was an increase in the fundamental frequency for males, after using the Lax Vox® vocal technique. In the aerodynamic assessment, there was an increase in the airflow mean values during vocalization, as well as in aerodynamic power after using the Lax Vox® vocal technique in both groups. Conclusion: the Lax Vox® vocal technique, in the studied singers with a complaint of dysphonia, promoted an increase in the fundamental frequency, for males. In the aerodynamic parameters, in both sexes, it promoted an increase in the airflow and aerodynamic power.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar, de forma multidimensional, o efeito da técnica vocal Lax Vox® em cantores com queixas vocais. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo comparativo intrassujeitos. Foram avaliados 30 cantores, sendo 13 homens e 17 mulheres, com idade entre 18 e 55 anos, que apresentaram queixa vocal autorreferida e presença de sintomas vocais. Os participantes foram submetidos à avaliação vocal pela análise perceptivo-auditiva, acústica, aerodinâmica e eletroglotográfica da voz, bem como à avaliação laríngea com a videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade. Os participantes foram avaliados em dois momentos: 1) no início da coleta; e 2) após cinco minutos de realização da técnica vocal Lax Vox®. Para comparação dos grupos foram utilizados teste estatísticos pertinentes, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: na análise acústica houve aumento da frequência fundamental dos homens após o uso da técnica vocal Lax Vox®. Na avaliação aerodinâmica houve aumento dos valores da média do fluxo aéreo durante vocalização e da potência aerodinâmica após o uso da técnica vocal Lax Vox® em ambos os grupos. Conclusão: a técnica vocal do Lax Vox® nos cantores com queixa de disfonia estudados promoveu um aumento da frequência fundamental nos homens. Nos parâmetros aerodinâmicos em ambos os sexos provocou um aumento do fluxo aéreo e da potência aerodinâmica.

Profile of users receiving Speech-Language Therapy service at a Critical Patient Unit / Perfil de usuarios que reciben atención fonoaudiológica en una unidad de paciente crítico

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the profile of patients treated by Speech-Language therapists in a Critical Patient Unit. Methods: an ex post facto, observational and descriptive study was carried out. Monthly statistical data of patients hospitalized in the period January-December 2018 were analyzed, in the Intensive Care Unit at a public hospital. Data were described from the analysis of frequency and measures of central tendency. The distribution of the variables was determined through the skewness-kurtosis test, considering a significance level of p<0.05. Results: 217 individuals got 868 speech-language therapy services. Men (57.26%), older than 65 years old, required a more frequent intervention. The main medical diagnosis of admission to the unit corresponded to non-specific pathologies (57.14%), respiratory disease (15.21%) and cerebrovascular disease (12.79%). The speech-language therapy functions were related to the evaluation of swallowing (54.31%) and voice (32.4%). In relation to the intervention, the treatment of dysphagia (25.82%) and oral motor functions (25.04%) was predominant in the duties. Functions associated with language, speech and cognition were secondary. Conclusion: the profile of the critical patient and the speech-language therapy work in this field represent a first step to characterize the role of the speech-language therapist in Intensive Medicine teams.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir el perfil de usuarios atendidos por fonoaudiólogos en una unidad de paciente crítico. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo con temporalidad ex post facto. Se analizaron los resúmenes estadísticos mensuales de usuarios internados durante los meses de enero a diciembre de 2018, en la unidad de cuidados intensivos de un hospital público. Se describieron los datos a partir de análisis de frecuencia y medidas de tendencia central. La distribución de las variables se determinó mediante skewness-kurtosis test, considerando un nivel de significancia p<0,05. Resultados: 217 sujetos recibieron 868 atenciones fonoaudiológicas. Los hombres (57,26%) mayores de 65 años requirieron una intervención más frecuente. Los principales diagnósticos médicos de ingreso a la unidad correspondieron a patologías inespecíficas (57,14%), enfermedades respiratorias (15,21%) y cerebrovasculares (12,79%). Las funciones de fonoaudiología se relacionaron con la evaluación de la deglución (54,31%) y de la voz (32,4%). En cuanto a la intervención, el tratamiento de la disfagia (25,82%) y las funciones motoras orales (25,04%) dominaron la carga laboral. Las funciones asociadas con el lenguaje, el habla y la cognición fueron secundarias. Conclusión: el perfil del paciente crítico y las labores fonoaudiológicas en este ámbito representan un primer paso para caracterizar el rol profesional del fonoaudiólogo en el contexto de los equipos de medicina intensiva.

Consideraciones clínicas para fonoaudiólogos en el tratamiento de personas con COVID-19 y traqueostomía. Parte II: Mejorando la fonación para facilitar la comunicación / Clinical considerations for speech-language pathologists in the treatment of people with COVID-19 and tracheostomy. Part II: Improving phonation to facilitate communicatio

La enfermedad COVID-19 fue declarada pandemia por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Su presentación más severa genera una condición que requiere tratamiento en unidades de cuidados intensivos, condición que al prolongarse en el tiempo requiere la implementación de una traqueostomía para facilitar la entrega de soporte ventilatorio invasivo. Si bien este dispositivo posee importantes ventajas que favorecen la recuperación y rehabilitación, también es cierto que genera diversas complicaciones en la comunicación de las personas, condición que se suma a los efectos propios del COVID-19 y la frecuente historia de intubación endotraqueal previa. El objetivo de este artículo es proveer orientaciones y herramientas clínicas para el tratamiento de la fonación para la comunicación en personas con traqueostomía y COVID-19. Se considera para ello las recomendaciones de la literatura existentes a la fecha, bajo un análisis pragmático y basado en nuestra experiencia de atender a más de 561 personas con esta condición. Se exponen las características de la comunicación en esta población, su tratamiento, consideraciones para el uso de técnicas específicas y orientaciones para la mejora de la calidad de vida. Siempre con un enfoque orientado al cuidado y protección de las/os usuarias/os y el equipo de salud, en particular fonoaudiólogas y fonoaudiólogos del país.

The COVID-19 disease was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. When most severe, it generates a condition that requires treatment in intensive care units, which, when extended in time, requires implementing of a tracheostomy to facilitate invasive ventilatory support. Although ventilatory support has important advantages that favor recovery and rehabilitation, it generates various complications for patients' communication, a condition that adds to the effects of COVID-19 and the frequent history of previous endotracheal intubation. The aim of this article is to provide guidance and clinical tools for the treatment of phonation to facilitate communication in people with tracheostomy and COVID-19. For this, the recommendations of the existing available literature are considered, under a pragmatic analysis and based on our experience of treating more than 561 infected patients. The characteristics of communication in this population, its treatment, considerations for the use of specific techniques and guidelines to improve quality of life are exposed. Always with an approach oriented to the care and protection of users and the health team, in particular speech-language pathologists in the country.

Voice Quality in Laryngeal Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study of the Effect of Voice Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate the short-term and long-term effects of voice rehabilitation in patients treated with radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer as measured by both the acoustic measure smoothed cepstral peak prominence (CPPS) and perceptual measures. A secondary aim was to investigate the relationship between acoustic and perceptual measures. METHODS: In total, 37 patients received voice rehabilitation post-radiotherapy and 37 patients constituted the irradiated control group. Outcome measures were mean CPPS for connected speech and ratings with the auditory-perceptual Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia and Strain (GRBAS) scale. Outcome measures were analyzed 1 (baseline), 6, 12, and 24 months post-radiotherapy, where voice rehabilitation was conducted between the first two time-points. Additional recordings were acquired from vocally healthy participants for comparison. RESULTS: CPPS values of the voice rehabilitation group and vocally healthy group were not significantly different at 24 months post-radiotherapy. Ten out of 19 patients who received voice rehabilitation yielded a CPPS value above the threshold for normal voice 24 months post-radiotherapy, compared to 11 out of 26 in the irradiated control group. No statistically significant correlations were found between CPPS and perceptual parameters of GRBAS. CONCLUSION: Voice rehabilitation for irradiated laryngeal cancer patients may have positive effects on voice quality up to 24 months post-radiotherapy. The relationship between CPPS and GRBAS as well as the applicability of CPPS for evaluation over several points of measurement needs to be studied further.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of voice rehabilitation for patients with laryngeal cancer: a randomized controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Voice problems are common following radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer. Few studies exist covering the effect of voice rehabilitation, and no previous studies exist regarding the cost of said rehabilitation. This randomized controlled study aimed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of voice rehabilitation after radiotherapy for patients with laryngeal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 66 patients with laryngeal cancer with follow-up data 12 months post-radiotherapy were included. Patients were randomized into receiving either voice rehabilitation (n = 32) or no voice rehabilitation (n = 34). The patient outcome was measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The index range between 0 and 1, where 0 equals death and 1 represents perfect health. The QALYs were assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire QLQ-C30 mapped to EuroQoL 5 Dimension values. The cost of rehabilitation and other healthcare visits was derived from hospital systems. The patients reported the total amount of sick leave days during the first 12 months following radiotherapy. The cost-effectiveness of the voice rehabilitation was compared with no rehabilitation intervention based on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. RESULTS: The cost per gained QALY with voice rehabilitation compared to no rehabilitation from a societal perspective was - 27,594 € (SEK - 250,852) which indicates that the voice rehabilitation is a cost-saving alternative compared to no rehabilitation due to lower costs and a slightly better health outcome. From a healthcare perspective, the voice rehabilitation indicates a cost 60,800 € (SEK 552,725) per gained QALY. CONCLUSION: From a societal perspective, i.e., including the costs of production loss, voice rehabilitation compared to no voice rehabilitation following radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer seems to be cost-saving. When analyzing only the healthcare costs in relation to health outcomes, voice rehabilitation indicates an incremental cost of 60,800 € per gained QALY, which is just above the threshold of the maximum willingness to pay level.

Occupational voice is a work in progress: active risk management, habilitation and rehabilitation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The current article reviews recent literature examining occupational voice use and occupational voice disorders (January 2018-July 2019). RECENT FINDINGS: Our understanding of the prevalence of voice disorders and work-related vocal use, vocal load and vocal ergonomics (environmental and person influences) across different occupations is continuing to build. There is encouraging evidence for the value of intervention programs for occupational voice users, particularly of late with performers, teachers and telemarketers. Education and prevention programs are emerging for other 'at risk' occupations. SUMMARY: Occupational health and workforce legislation does not adequately acknowledge and guide educational, preventive and intervention approaches to occupational voice disorders. Voice disorders are prevalent in certain occupations and there is an urgent need for research to support occupational voice health and safety risk measurement, prevention and intervention. Large population-based studies are required with a focus on the health and economic burden of occupational voice disorders.

Voice rehabilitation for laryngeal cancer after radiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine whether voice rehabilitation after radiotherapy improves the quality of life (QOL), voice function, and self-rated voice function in patients with laryngeal cancer. METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for randomized controlled trials published between inception and October 2018. The primary outcome was QOL, adverse events and mortality. Secondary outcomes included voice function and self-rated voice function. The quality of evidence was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. RESULTS: Three trials (enrolling 122 patients) compared voice rehabilitation to usual care or no intervention after radiotherapy. Voice rehabilitation did not significantly improve any QOL scores. Data on adverse events and mortality were not available in any of the trials. Voice rehabilitation did not improve any voice function scores, such as jitter (mean difference: - 0.48 [- 1.27 to 0.32]), shimmer (mean difference: - 0.04 [- 0.27 to 0.19]), maximum phonation time (mean difference: 1.54 [- 1.13 to 4.22]), and the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain scale (mean difference: - 0.39 [- 2.59 to 1.80]). Voice rehabilitation also did not improve the voice handicap index, which was used as a self-rated voice function score (mean difference: 5.54 [- 2.07 to 13.16]). The certainty of the evidence was graded as low for primary and secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Voice rehabilitation for patients with laryngeal cancer after radiotherapy might not improve QOL, voice function, and self-rated voice function. Pre-specified voice rehabilitation programs may not be necessary for all patients with laryngeal cancer after radiotherapy.

Profile and speech-language rehabilitation of patients with laryngeal cancer. / Perfil e reabilitação fonoaudiológica de pacientes com câncer de laringe.

PURPOSE: to describe the clinical and sociodemographic profile and analyze the voice rehabilitation outcomes of patients with laryngeal cancer. METHODS: cross-sectional study with 204 individuals with laryngeal cancer treated between 1989 and 2015. The variables describing the patients' profile were presented in absolute values (n) and percentage (%). The association between the speech-language therapy outcome and the sociodemographic and clinical characterization variables was verified by means of uni- and multivariate techniques. RESULTS: 95.1% of the patients are male; 53.43% are aged 60 or more; 77.37% have elementary education; 44.12% are in the service industry; 81.63% smoke and consume alcohol; 30.4% are stage T3. Absence of nodules was found in 72.00%, and of metastasis, in 85.6% of patients. The most frequent therapeutic procedure was complete or partial laryngectomy (69.61%). There was an association among education, disease stage, habits, and therapeutic outcome with speech-language therapy (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Several causes can affect the prognosis of vocal rehabilitation in patients with laryngeal cancer. Optimization and diversification of new therapeutic procedures are challenges for these patients' speech-language rehabilitation.

OBJETIVO: descrever o perfil clínico e sociodemográfico e o desfecho da reabilitação fonoaudiológica de pacientes com câncer de laringe. MÉTODO: estudo transversal com 204 pessoas atendidas entre 1989 e 2015. A associação entre desfecho da fonoterapia e variáveis de caracterização sociodemográfica e clínicas foi verificada por técnicas univariadas e multivariadas. RESULTADOS: prevalência do gênero masculino (95,10%), 60 anos ou mais (53,43%), ensino fundamental (77,37%), setor de serviços (44,12), tabagistas e etilistas (81,63%); estágio T3 (30,4%), ausência de nódulos (72,00%) e de metástase (85,6%). O procedimento terapêutico mais frequente foi a laringectomia total ou parcial (69,61%). Houve associação da escolaridade, estágio da doença, hábitos e procedimento terapêutico com desfecho da fonoterapia (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: fatores sociodemográficos e clínicos podem interferir no prognóstico da reabilitação vocal de pessoas com câncer de laringe. A otimização e diversificação de novos procedimentos terapêuticos são desafios na reabilitação fonoaudiológica destas pessoas.

Swallowing and Voice Outcomes following Treatment of Hypopharyngeal Cancer: The Need for Supervised Rehabilitation.

Advances in and intensification of treatment in hypopharyngeal cancer have led to an increase in organ preservation and in overall survival. Treatment intensification comes at the cost of more pronounced acute and long-term side effects causing functional impairments in voice and swallowing. Swallowing and voice problems have a significant impact on communication, eating and nutrition, social well-being and quality of life. Swallowing problems may be so severe that patients suffer profuse aspiration or are left gastrostomy-tube dependent. Pre-treatment evaluation of swallowing and voice as well as a tailored rehabilitation programme including personalized exercise prescriptions and advices on nutrition and weight, allows for a decrease and preferably prevention of the late effects. Although the evidence is still at a suboptimal level, there is general consensus to integrate prevention, monitoring and management of swallowing and voice impairments as part of treatment protocols. Optimal timing is still controversial, but a trend is seen to start voice and swallowing exercises prior to or at the start of treatment. However, patients are often reluctant to perform and adhere to the exercise prescriptions due to the burdensome tumour-treatment-schedules. This leads to a need for supervision, either face to face or online, during these rehabilitation programmes.

Discrimination of "hot potato voice" caused by upper airway obstruction utilizing a support vector machine.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: "Hot potato voice" (HPV) is a thick, muffled voice caused by pharyngeal or laryngeal diseases characterized by severe upper airway obstruction, including acute epiglottitis and peritonsillitis. To develop a method for determining upper-airway emergency based on this important vocal feature, we investigated the acoustic characteristics of HPV using a physical, articulatory speech synthesis model. The results of the simulation were then applied to design a computerized recognition framework using a mel-frequency cepstral coefficient domain support vector machine (SVM). STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental research design. METHODS: Changes in the voice spectral envelope caused by upper airway obstructions were analyzed using a hybrid time-frequency model of articulatory speech synthesis. We evaluated variations in the formant structure and thresholds of critical vocal tract area functions that triggered HPV. The SVMs were trained using a dataset of 2,200 synthetic voice samples generated by an articulatory synthesizer. Voice classification experiments on test datasets of real patient voices were then performed. RESULTS: On phonation of the Japanese vowel /e/, the frequency of the second formant fell and coalesced with that of the first formant as the area function of the oropharynx decreased. Changes in higher-order formants varied according to constriction location. The highest accuracy afforded by the SVM classifier trained with synthetic data was 88.3%. CONCLUSIONS: HPV caused by upper airway obstruction has a highly characteristic spectral envelope. Based on this distinctive voice feature, our SVM classifier, who was trained using synthetic data, was able to diagnose upper-airway obstructions with a high degree of accuracy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c Laryngoscope, 129:1301-1307, 2019.

Efeito da técnica de sobrearticulação na voz e na fala em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson após cirurgia de estimulação cerebral profunda / Effect of overarticulation technique in voice and speech of individuals with Parkinson's disease with deep brain stimulation

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar o efeito imediato e após 15 minutos da técnica de sobrearticulação de fala em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson, submetidos à estimulação cerebral profunda em núcleo subtalâmico, nos parâmetros de voz, fala e mímica facial. Métodos Participaram 29 sujeitos com diagnóstico médico de doença de Parkinson, sob tratamento medicamentoso e submetidos à estimulação cerebral profunda em núcleo subtalâmico, com e sem reabilitação fonoaudiológica prévia. Realizou-se gravação em áudio e vídeo de amostra de fala e voz em três momentos: pré-intervenção, pós-imediato e após 15 minutos da realização individual de cinco minutos de uma sequência de exercícios de sobrearticulação de fala. As gravações foram submetidas à avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da voz e perceptivo-visual da mímica facial. Resultados A técnica produziu resultados positivos em 69% dos casos, após 15 minutos de aplicação, em relação aos demais momentos. O parâmetro que mais contribuiu para a identificação da melhor emissão na avaliação perceptivo-auditiva foi articulação (69%), significativamente maior que os demais parâmetros, exceto velocidade de fala. A análise perceptivo-visual mostrou melhora em 58,6% dos casos após 15 minutos, também significativamente melhor que os demais momentos. O parâmetro em que se observou maior proporção de melhora foi na movimentação de boca, sobrancelhas e olhos. Conclusão A técnica de sobrearticulação de fala produz efeito positivo imediato nos aspectos vocais e uma maior expressividade facial, principalmente após 15 minutos de realização.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the immediate and after 15 minutes effect of the overarticulation technique in individuals with Parkinson's disease, submitted to deep brain stimulation in subthalamic nucleus, in the voice, speech and facial movements. Methods This study counted with 29 patients with the diagnosis of Parkinson Disease who were undergoing pharmacotherapy and were submitted to deep brain stimulation in the subthalamic nucleus, with and without prior speech therapy. Speech and voice samples were recorded in an audio and video file at three different moments: pre-intervention, immediate post intervention and 15 minutes post intervention. The intervention was the individual performance of 5 minutes exercise consisting of sequence of overarticulation techniques. The audio and video recordings were submitted to the perceptual-judgement of the voice quality and facial movements. Results The technique produced positive results in 69% of the cases after 15 minutes of its application when compared to the other moments. Articulation was the parameter that most contributed in the perceptual-judgment of the best voice quality (69%); it was significantly higher than the other parameters, except speech rate. After 15 minutes of the technique, 58.6% of the patients had improvement in the facial movements, according to the perceptual-judgment which was also significantly better when compared to other moments. The parameter with greater provement was movement of the mouth, eyebrows and eyes. Conclusion The overarticulation technique produces an immediate positive effect on vocal aspects and greater facial expressiveness, especially after 15 minutes.

Fadiga vocal em professores disfônicos que procuram atendimento fonoaudiológico / Vocal fatigue in dysphonic teachers who seek treatment

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a autopercepção de fadiga vocal de professores disfônicos em atividade letiva que procuram atendimento fonoaudiológico. Método Participaram desta pesquisa 60 professores com queixa vocal, dentre estes, 30 que buscaram tratamento no Programa de Saúde Vocal do Sindicato dos Professores de São Paulo - SinproSP (G1) e 30 professores que não buscaram atendimento (G2). Todos os participantes responderam a um questionário de identificação, a um de caracterização pessoal e do trabalho, a uma lista de sinais e sintomas vocais e ao Índice de Fadiga Vocal - IFV. Além disso, foram registradas contagem de números de 1 a 10 e vogal sustentada "é" para definição do grau de desvio vocal por meio da análise perceptivo-auditiva. Resultados Os professores que procuraram o atendimento (G1) apresentaram piores escores nos protocolos IFV, maior número de sinais e sintomas, além de pior autoavaliação da voz quando comparados aos professores que não procuraram tratamento (G2). Além disso, os docentes dos dois grupos estudados apresentaram desvios de voz de leve a moderado. Conclusão Professores disfônicos que procuram atendimento fonoaudiológico apresentam maior sensação de fadiga vocal, principalmente em relação aos domínios restrição vocal e desconforto físico do IFV. Além disso, apresentaram maior número de sintomas e pior autoavaliação vocal em relação àqueles que não procuraram o atendimento, apesar de ambos os grupos apresentarem vozes desviadas.

ABSTRACT Purpose to verify the self-perception of vocal fatigue of dysphonic teachers in school year activity who sought speech-language pathology assistance. Methods Sixty teachers with voice complaints participated in the study, 30 of whom sought treatment in the Programa de Saúde Vocal do Sindicato dos Professores de São Paulo (SinproSP), and 30 volunteers' teachers who did not seek treatment (G2). All the participants answered a personal identification protocol and work characterization, vocal self-assessment, vocal signs and symptoms checklist, Vocal Fatigue Index protocol (VFI). In addition, a number counting from 1 to 10 and sustained vowel "e" were registered for the definition of the mean vocal deviation using perceptual-auditory judgment. Results Teachers who sought treatment (G1) obtained worst scores in the VFI, more numbers of signs and symptoms, and worst self-evaluation of the voice when compared with those who did not seek treatment (G2). In addition, teachers in both groups had light to moderate vocal deviation. Conclusion Dysphonic teachers who sought vocal treatment presented greater sensation of vocal fatigue, especially in the factors of tiredness of voice and voice avoidance and related to physical discomfort associated with voicing of the VFI. In addition, they reported greater number of symptoms and worse vocal self-assessment in relation to those who did not seek treatment, although both groups present deviated voices.

Perfil e reabilitação fonoaudiológica de pacientes com câncer de laringe / Profile and speech-language rehabilitation of patients with laryngeal cancer

RESUMO Objetivo descrever o perfil clínico e sociodemográfico e o desfecho da reabilitação fonoaudiológica de pacientes com câncer de laringe. Método estudo transversal com 204 pessoas atendidas entre 1989 e 2015. A associação entre desfecho da fonoterapia e variáveis de caracterização sociodemográfica e clínicas foi verificada por técnicas univariadas e multivariadas. Resultados prevalência do gênero masculino (95,10%), 60 anos ou mais (53,43%), ensino fundamental (77,37%), setor de serviços (44,12), tabagistas e etilistas (81,63%); estágio T3 (30,4%), ausência de nódulos (72,00%) e de metástase (85,6%). O procedimento terapêutico mais frequente foi a laringectomia total ou parcial (69,61%). Houve associação da escolaridade, estágio da doença, hábitos e procedimento terapêutico com desfecho da fonoterapia (p<0,001). Conclusão fatores sociodemográficos e clínicos podem interferir no prognóstico da reabilitação vocal de pessoas com câncer de laringe. A otimização e diversificação de novos procedimentos terapêuticos são desafios na reabilitação fonoaudiológica destas pessoas.

ABSTRACT Purpose to describe the clinical and sociodemographic profile and analyze the voice rehabilitation outcomes of patients with laryngeal cancer. Methods cross-sectional study with 204 individuals with laryngeal cancer treated between 1989 and 2015. The variables describing the patients' profile were presented in absolute values (n) and percentage (%). The association between the speech-language therapy outcome and the sociodemographic and clinical characterization variables was verified by means of uni- and multivariate techniques. Results 95.1% of the patients are male; 53.43% are aged 60 or more; 77.37% have elementary education; 44.12% are in the service industry; 81.63% smoke and consume alcohol; 30.4% are stage T3. Absence of nodules was found in 72.00%, and of metastasis, in 85.6% of patients. The most frequent therapeutic procedure was complete or partial laryngectomy (69.61%). There was an association among education, disease stage, habits, and therapeutic outcome with speech-language therapy (p<0.001). Conclusion Several causes can affect the prognosis of vocal rehabilitation in patients with laryngeal cancer. Optimization and diversification of new therapeutic procedures are challenges for these patients' speech-language rehabilitation.

State of the art: Rehabilitation of speech and swallowing after total laryngectomy.

Despite the development and expansion of non-surgical organ preservation therapy, total laryngectomy continues to be the optimal therapy for far-advanced local disease and the only curative option for radiotherapy failures not amenable to partial laryngeal procedures. Laryngectomy, however, remains a life-altering operation with profound effects on swallowing and speech. In the nearly 150 years since the first total laryngectomy was performed, few ablative aspects have changed, but reconstructive techniques have undergone radical evolution. This review will trace the origins of laryngeal rehabilitation for voice and swallowing, the current state of the art with attention to pre-treatment considerations and post-operative management, current surgical management techniques, and the future of functional laryngeal reconstruction.