Reducing the GAP between science and clinic: lessons from academia and professional practice - part A: perceptual-auditory judgment of vocal quality, acoustic vocal signal analysis and voice self-assessment. / Reduzindo o GAP entre a ciência e a clínica: lições da academia e da prática profissional ­ parte A: julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da qualidade vocal, análise acústica do sinal vocal e autoavaliação em voz.

During the XXVIII Brazilian Congress of SBFa, 24 specialists met and, from a leading position on scientific research as a tool for connecting laboratory and clinic, five fronts of knowledge of the voice specialty were discussed as following: Perceptual-auditory judgment of vocal quality; 2. Acoustic analysis of the vocal signal; 3. Voice self-assessment; 4. Traditional techniques of therapy; 5. Modern techniques of electrostimulation and photobiomodulation (PBMT) in voice. Part "a" of this publication was associated with the consolidation of the analyses of the first three aspects. The trend in the perceptual-auditory judgment of vocal quality was related to the use of standard protocols. The acoustic evaluation of the vocal signal is accessible and can be done descriptively or by extraction of parameters, thus preferring multiparametric measures. Finally, the analysis of the individual himself closes this triad of voice documentation, which will be the basis for the conclusion of the evaluation, reference for monitoring progress, and evaluation of treatment results.

No XXVIII Congresso Brasileiro da SBFa, 24 especialistas reuniram-se e, a partir de um posicionamento condutor sobre pesquisa científica como ferramenta de conexão entre laboratório e clínica, cinco frentes de conhecimento da especialidade de voz foram discutidas: 1. Julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da qualidade vocal; 2. Análise acústica do sinal vocal; 3. Autoavaliação em voz; 4. Técnicas tradicionais de terapia; 5. Técnicas modernas de eletroestimulação e fotobiomodulação em voz. A parte "a" desta publicação é a consolidação das análises dos três primeiros aspectos. A tendência no julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da qualidade vocal é o uso de protocolos padrão. A avaliação acústica do sinal vocal é acessível e pode ser feita de modo descritivo ou por extração de parâmetros, preferindo-se medidas multiparamétricas. Finalmente, a análise do próprio indivíduo fecha essa tríade de documentação fonoaudiológica, que será base para a conclusão da avaliação, referência para monitoramento do progresso e avaliação de resultado de tratamento.

O uso da voz nos rituais indígenas Pankararu / The use of voice in Pankararu indigenous rituals / El uso de la voz en los rituales indígenas Pankararu

Introdução: a voz é essencial para preservação e manutenção da cultura de grupos sociais. O povo Pankararu, vincula sua língua-mãe aos rituais religiosos. A principal forma de transmitir a tradição oral é através dos cantos nos rituais dos Praiás. Objetivo: resgatar o uso de voz pelos cantadores Pankararu no ritual dos Praiás, à luz do saber tradicional e científico. Método: estudo qualitativo, do tipo história de vida, autobiográfica, no qual foram acessadas memórias individuais e coletivas da comunidade Pankararu, considerando a caracterização do povo, do ambiente e o uso de voz nos rituais. Resultados: os cantadores utilizam a voz de maneira intensa e contínua, sem hidratação, e fumam cachimbo durante o ritual. O local onde cantam é um terreiro, espaço aberto, exposto às intempéries da natureza, com presença de poeira. Para cuidar da voz, baseiam-se no saber tradicional, apresentando uma visão distinta do conhecimento científico, no qual a voz representa sua cultura e identidade. Nesta perspectiva, hábitos descritos pela literatura como deletérios, são considerados saudáveis, demonstrando uma concepção singular de saúde. Conclusão: o conhecimento científico, paralelamente ao tradicional, poderá contribuir para estabelecimento de cuidados que visem à saúde vocal dos Pankararus.  Poderei oferecer ao meu povo, o qual apresenta demandas de saúde, conhecimentos científicos proporcionando uma melhor qualidade de voz e vida.

Introduction: The voice is essential for the preservation and maintenance of the culture of social groups. The Pankararu people link their mother language to religious rituals. The main way of transmitting the oral tradition is through singing in the rituals of Praiás. Objective: To rescue the use of voice by Pankararu singers in the Praiás ritual, considering the traditional and scientific knowledges. Method: Qualitative study, history life, autobiography design, which individual and collective memories of the Pankararu community were accessed, considering the characterization of the people, environment, and voice use in the rituals. Results: The singers use their voices intensely and continuously, without hydration, and smoking pipes during the ritual. The "terreiro" is the place where they sing, an open space, exposed to wuthering and dust. They are based on traditional knowledge for taking care of their voices, in a different view of scientific knowledge, in which voice represents their culture and identity. In this perspective, habits described in the literature as harmful are considered healthy, demonstrating a unique conception of health. Conclusion: Scientific knowledge, in parallel with the traditional one, can contribute to establish care aimed at the vocal health of the Pankararus. I will be able to offer to my people, who have health demands, scientific knowledge providing a better quality of voice and life.

Introducción: la voz es fundamental para la preservación y mantenimiento de la cultura de los grupos sociales. La gente de Pankararu, vincula su lengua materna a los rituales religiosos. La principal forma de transmitir la tradición oral es a través del canto en los rituales de Praiás. Objetivo: rescatar el uso de la voz de los cantantes de Pankararu en el ritual Praiás, a la luz de los conocimientos tradicionales y científicos. Método: estudio cualitativo, del tipo de historia de vida; Se accedió a las memorias individuales y colectivas de la comunidad Pankararu, considerando la caracterización de las personas, el entorno y el uso de la voz en los rituales. Resultados: los cantantes utilizan sus voces de forma intensa y continua, sin hidratarse, pipas de humo durante el ritual. El lugar donde canta el terreiro, un espacio abierto, expuesto a la intemperie de la naturaleza, con presencia de polvo. Para cuidar la voz, se basan en los conocimientos tradicionales, presentan una visión diferente del conocimiento científico, donde la voz representa la cultura y la identidad. En esta perspectiva, los hábitos descritos en la literatura como nocivos, se consideran saludables, demostrando una concepción única de la salud. Conclusión: El conocimiento científico, además del conocimiento tradicional, puede contribuir al establecimiento de cuidados dirigidos a la salud vocal de los Pankararus. Podré ofrecer a mi gente, que tiene demandas de salud, conocimientos científicos que brinden una mejor calidad de vida.

Functional Electrical Stimulation for Presbyphonia: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective study was to examine the effects of transcutaneous functional electrical stimulation (FES) in a group of elderly women with presbyphonia. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. METHODS: Fourteen participants were enrolled prospectively and attributed randomly to two different treatment groups, where one group (n = 7) received 8 weeks of training (5 days a week), whereas the other group (n = 7) received 4 weeks of ineffective stimulation, followed by 4 weeks of effective training. Stimulation protocols were established during baseline examination and confirmed with endoscopy to ensure a glottal reaction. Numerous acoustical, vocal, patient-centered, and respiratory parameters were obtained at several time points. RESULTS: Neither 4 weeks nor 8 weeks of functional electrical transcutaneous stimulation led to changes of vocal, acoustical, or respiratory parameters, apart from patient-centered items (Voice Handicap Index 12, Voice-Related Quality of Life), which improved over time. However, there were no differences between the two arms for both items. CONCLUSIONS: Transcutaneous FES over 4 weeks and 8 weeks did not lead to significantly improved objective voice and acoustical parameters, which could be caused by the fact that the muscles of interest cannot be targeted specifically enough. However, we found a significant improvement of subjective voice perception and voice-related quality of life in both groups. We explain this finding with an observer-expectancy effect secondary to the very time-consuming and elaborate study procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b Laryngoscope, 130:E662-E666, 2020.

Influence of Altered Auditory Feedback on Oral-Nasal Balance in Speakers of Brazilian Portuguese.

Purpose This study explored the role of auditory feedback in the regulation of oral-nasal balance in speakers of Brazilian Portuguese. Method Twenty typical speakers of Brazilian Portuguese (10 male, 10 female) wore a Nasometer headset and headphones while continuously repeating stimuli with oral and nasal sounds. Oral-nasal balance was quantified with nasalance scores. The signals from 2 additional oral and nasal microphones were played back to the participants through the headphones. The relative loudness of the nasal channel in the mix was gradually changed, so that the speakers heard themselves as more or less nasal. Results A repeated-measures analysis of variance of the mean nasalance scores of the stimuli at baseline, minimum, and maximum nasal feedback conditions demonstrated significant effects of nasal feedback condition (p < .0001) and stimuli (p < .0001). Post hoc analyses demonstrated that the mean nasalance scores were lowest for the maximum nasal feedback condition. The scores of the minimum nasal feedback condition were significantly higher than 2 of 3 baseline feedback conditions. The speaking amplitude of the participants did not change between the nasal feedback conditions. Conclusions Increased nasal signal level feedback led to a compensatory adjustment in the opposite direction, confirming that oral-nasal balance is regulated by auditory feedback. However, reduced nasal signal level feedback resulted in a compensatory response that was lower in magnitude. This suggests that, even in Brazilian Portuguese, a language with phonetic and phonological vowel nasalization, decreased nasality was not perceived as critically as increased nasality by the speakers.

Patient-defined duration of benefit from juvederm (hyaluronic acid) used in injection laryngoplasty.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Injection laryngoplasty has become valuable in treating laryngologic disorders including vocal cord atrophy, paralysis, and paresis. Although materials such as carboxymethylcellulose and calcium hydroxylapatite are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, they are not without limitations. Juvederm (hyaluronic acid) is an alternative treatment that is not FDA approved. Although studies have examined Juvederm's longevity in cutaneous injections, there are limited data examining durability of Juvederm used in laryngoplasty. We aimed to determine the longevity and effectiveness of Juvederm used in injection laryngoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Subjects who underwent injection laryngoplasty using Juvederm were reviewed. Longevity was defined as the time between injection and the date that a patient first noted subjective deterioration of their voice. All subjects were subsequently followed using videostroboscopy to evaluate for Juvederm resorption. Longevity was analyzed using a Kaplan-Meier survival model, and effectiveness of laryngoplasty was determined using the Voice-Related Quality of Life index scores and analyzed using a Wilcoxon signed ranks test. RESULTS: Fifty-nine subjects met inclusion criteria and underwent Juvederm injection laryngoplasty. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a mean longevity of 10.6 months (95% confidence interval: 9.1-12.0 months). Wilcoxon signed ranks analysis of the pre- and postinjection Voice Related Quality of Life (VRQOL) scores revealed improvement, with a mean preinjection VRQOL of 49.2 (standard deviation [SD] = 25.8) and mean postinjection VRQOL of 68.2 (SD = 27.5) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Injection laryngoplasty using Juvederm is an effective treatment for vocal cord atrophy, paralysis, and paresis. Knowledge of the patient-defined duration of benefit following laryngoplasty using Juvederm plays an important role in counseling patients as well as in the planning of future interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:2744-2747, 2019.

Cross-language differences in how voice quality and f 0 contours map to affect.

The relationship between prosody and perceived affect involves multiple variables. This paper explores the interplay of three: voice quality, f 0 contour, and the hearer's language background. Perception tests were conducted with speakers of Irish English, Russian, Spanish, and Japanese using three types of synthetic stimuli: (1) stimuli varied in voice quality, (2) stimuli of uniform (modal) voice quality incorporating affect-related f 0 contours, and (3) stimuli combining specific non-modal voice qualities with the affect-related f 0 contours of (2). The participants rated the stimuli for the presence/strength of affective colouring on six bipolar scales, e.g., happy-sad. The results suggest that stimuli incorporating non-modal voice qualities, with or without f 0 variation, are generally more effective in affect cueing than stimuli varying only in f 0. Along with similarities in the affective responses across these languages, many points of divergence were found, both in terms of the range and strength of affective responses overall and in terms of specific stimulus-to-affect associations. The f 0 contour may play a more important role, and tense voice a lesser role in affect signalling in Japanese and Spanish than in Irish English and Russian. The greatest cross-language differences emerged for the affects intimate, formal, stressed, and relaxed.

Efeito da terapia vocal associada ao biofeedback eletromiográfico em mulheres com disfonia comportamental: ensaio clínico randomizado, controlado e cego / Effect of vocal therapy associated with electromyographic biofeedback in women with behavioral dysphonia: randomized controlled blinded clinical trial

Introdução: as disfonias podem acometer o nível respiratório, glótico e ressonantal/articulatório, limitar a eficiência da comunicação e gerar prejuízos na qualidade de vida. Quando a etiologia da disfonia está relacionada ao uso vocal incorreto, elas são classificadas como comportamentais. Apesar da literatura mostrar a efetividade de alguns métodos e programas de reabilitação vocal, poucos exploram a autopercepção corporal e a participação da musculatura corporal no quadro da disfonia. A fim de melhorar essas questões, a literatura propôs o biofeedback eletromiográfico. Estudos que analisaram esse método são antigos e apresentam heterogeneidade metodológica, o que dificulta sua reprodução. Dessa forma, é necessário analisar o efeito do método por meio de um ensaio clínico para se obter evidências científicas sobre a intervenção para respaldar a prática clínica baseada em evidências. Objetivo: analisar a efetividade e a duração dos efeitos da terapia vocal associada ao biofeedback eletromiográfico em mulheres com disfonia comportamental. Delineamento do estudo: ensaio clínico, randomizado, controlado e cego. Método: participaram do estudo 22 mulheres (idades entre 18 e 45 anos) com diagnóstico de disfonia comportamental, alocadas de forma randomizada em dois grupos: Grupo Experimental (GE) ­ 11 mulheres que realizaram terapia vocal associada a aplicação do biofeedback eletromiográfico nos músculos esternocleidomastoideo e supra-hioideos; Grupo Placebo (GP) ­ 11 mulheres que realizaram terapia vocal associada a aplicação do biofeedback eletromiográfico placebo. Ambos os grupos realizaram 8 sessões de terapia, duas vezes por semana, com duração de 30 minutos. A terapia vocal de ambos os grupos foi composta por exercícios de trato vocal semiocluído (vibração, humming e fricativo). As avaliações foram realizadas em três momentos: antes, imediatamente após, depois de um e três meses da intervenção fonoaudiológica, e constaram de: avaliação vocal (perceptivo-auditiva e acústica), avaliação eletromiográfica de superfície, autoavaliação vocal, de sintomas vocais e laríngeos, da dor musculoesquelética e da qualidade de vida em voz. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente, comparando-se os grupos e os momentos de avaliação (p=0,05). Resultados: A terapia vocal proposta promoveu resultados positivos na qualidade vocal, nos sintomas vocais, na qualidade de vida relacionada à voz e na atividade elétrica muscular durante o repouso em mulheres com disfonia comportamental, com ênfase nos aspectos fonatórios e comportamento vocal em nível glótico. Já o biofeedback eletromiográfico promoveu resultados positivos na atividade elétrica muscular durante as tarefas fonatórias e na dor musculoesquelética em mulheres com disfonia comportamental, com base nos aspectos comportamentais e musculares da região extrínseca da laringe, cintura escapular e cervical. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a terapia vocal associada ao biofeedback eletromiográfico tem efetividade equivalente e efeitos que se mantém pelo mesmo tempo na laringe, na voz e na autopercepção de sintomas e da qualidade de vida em voz, e é mais efetiva e tem efeitos que se mantêm por mais tempo na atividade elétrica muscular e na autopercepção da dor musculoesquelética de mulheres com disfonia comportamental do que a terapia vocal realizada de forma tradicional.(AU)

Introduction: dysphonia can affect the respiratory, glottic and ressonantal/articulatory levels, this limits the efficiency of communication and can cause quality of life damages. When the etiology of dysphonia is related to incorrect vocal use, it is classified as behavioral. Although the literature shows the effectiveness of several methods and programs of vocal rehabilitation, few investigate the self-perception and the participation of the body musculature in the dysphonia. In order to improve these issues, the literature proposed the electromyographic biofeedback. The studies that analyzed this method are remote and have methodological heterogeneity which makes it difficult to reproduce. Thus, it is necessary to analyze the effect of the method through a clinical trial to obtain scientific evidence on the intervention to support evidence-based clinical practice. Purpose: to analyze the effectiveness and duration of the effects of vocal therapy associated with electromyographic biofeedback in women with behavioral dysphonia. Study design: randomized controlled blinded clinical trial. Methods: Twenty-two women (18 to 45 years) with a diagnosis of behavioral dysphonia were randomly divided into two groups: Experimental Group (EG) - 11 women participated in vocal therapy associated with the application of electromyographic biofeedback of the sternocleidomastoid and supra-hyoids muscles; Placebo Group (GP) - 11 women participated in vocal therapy associated with the application of placebo electromyographic biofeedback. Both groups performed eight therapy sessions, twice a week, lasting 30 minutes. The vocal therapy of both groups was composed of semioccluded vocal tract exercises (trill, humming and fricative sounds). The evaluations were performed at four time points: before, after, one and three months after the vocal therapy and will consist of the assessments: vocal (auditory-perceptual and acoustic evaluation), surface electromyographic, vocal self-assessment, vocal and laryngeal symptoms, musculoskeletal pain and quality of life in voice. The data were analyzed statistically comparing the groups and the time of evaluation (p0.05). Results: The proposed vocal therapy promoted positive results in vocal quality, laryngeal and vocal symptoms, voice-related quality of life and muscular electrical activity during rest in women with behavioral dysphonia for both groups. Electromyographic biofeedback promoted additional positive results in muscle electrical activity during phonatory tasks and musculoskeletal pain in women with behavioral dysphonia. These results are based on the behavioral and muscular aspects of the extrinsic region of the larynx, scapular and cervical muscles. Conclusion: in this study, the vocal therapy associated with electromyographic biofeedback had equivalent efficacy to traditional therapy in the larynx, voice and self-assessment of symptoms and quality of life. The biofeedback was more effective than traditional therapy on muscular electrical activity and self-perception of musculoskeletal pain and had effects that remained for a longer time in women with behavioral dysphonia.(AU)

The effects of physiological adjustments on the perceptual and acoustical characteristics of simulated laryngeal vocal tremor.

The purpose of this study was to determine if adjustments to the voice source [i.e., fundamental frequency (F0), degree of vocal fold adduction] or vocal tract filter (i.e., vocal tract shape for vowels) reduce the perception of simulated laryngeal vocal tremor and to determine if listener perception could be explained by characteristics of the acoustical modulations. This research was carried out using a computational model of speech production that allowed for precise control and manipulation of the glottal and vocal tract configurations. Forty-two healthy adults participated in a perceptual study involving pair-comparisons of the magnitude of "shakiness" with simulated samples of laryngeal vocal tremor. Results revealed that listeners perceived a higher magnitude of voice modulation when simulated samples had a higher mean F0, greater degree of vocal fold adduction, and vocal tract shape for /i/ vs /ɑ/. However, the effect of F0 was significant only when glottal noise was not present in the acoustic signal. Acoustical analyses were performed with the simulated samples to determine the features that affected listeners' judgments. Based on regression analyses, listeners' judgments were predicted to some extent by modulation information present in both low and high frequency bands.

A clinical demonstration of the application of audiovisual biofeedback in the treatment of puberphonia.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effect of vocal audiovisual biofeedback in the treatment of puberphonia. METHOD: This is a report of a single subject research study encompassing intervention and observation of results, involving three phases: baseline, treatment, and follow-up. Therefore, this study applied an A-B case study experimental design with follow-up for observation of treatment outcomes. Self-reported complementary data regarding feelings of voice usage included comparisons between pre and post intervention scores of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) survey. RESULTS: In this study, acoustic voice parameters measured revealed changes in vocal performance in the desired direction, as demonstrated by visual inspection and estimation of effect size of the data; changes were maintained during the follow-up phase. Examination of VHI results suggested post intervention improvement in functional and psychosocial aspects related to voice use. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, audiovisual feedback approaches are effective in the treatment of puberphonia. Results will apply to future considerations in the application of technology support for treatment of puberphonia and other voice related disorders.

Evolución en la calidad de la voz en pacientes disfónicos del Hospital de La Serena tratados con terapia vocal / Changes in the quality of voice in dysphonic patients in the La Serena Hospital Treated with vocal therapy

Introducción: La terapia fonoaudiológica de la disfonía contempla un conjunto de recursos subjetivos cuya eficacia debe ser cuantificada. Objetivo: En el presente trabajo se pretende cuantificar objetivamente la evolución en la calidad de la voz de pacientes disfónicos usando como referencia los índices de perturbación de la frecuencia fundamental (Jitter) e intensidad (Shimmer), y determinar si la evolución es coherente con la evaluación subjetiva del fonoaudiólogo. Material y método: Se seleccionaron 27pacientes disfónicos que completaron la terapia vocal entre 2009y 2011 y que corresponden al 38% de las consultas fonoaudiológicas por disfonía, en el Hospital de La Serena. Cada paciente, además de la evaluación subjetiva, contó con una aplicación de análisis acústico inicial y final con el programa PRAAT. Se contrastaron los resultados aplicando análisis estadístico con el software SPSS. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que se reducen las perturbaciones de la frecuencia e intensidad registradas con el análisis acústico en la misma proporción que el grado subjetivo de la disfonía y que dichas variaciones son independientes a otras variables como la edad, sexo y tipo de disfonía. Conclusión: Se destaca la importancia de la intervención fonoaudiológica en el tratamiento de la disfonía y la relevancia de la aplicación del análisis acústico como medio de evaluación y seguimiento objetivo.

Introduction: Phonoaudiological dysphonia therapy provides a set of subjective resources whose effectiveness must be quantified. Aim: In the present work is to objectively quantify changes in voice quality of dysphonic patients using as reference indices disturbance of the fundamental frequency (Jitter) and intensity (Shimmer), and determine whether the development is consistent with the subjective evaluation phonoaudiologist. Material and method: 27 patients who completed dysphonic voice therapy between 2009 and 2011, corresponding to 38% of consultations phonoaudiological dysphonia, at the Hospital of La Serena were selected. Each patient in addition to the subjective evaluation, had initial and final application of the PRAAT acoustic analysis program. Results using the SPSS statistical analysis software were compared. Results: The results show that disturbances in the frequency and intensity recorded with acoustic analysis in the same proportion will reduce the perceived degree of hoarseness and that these variations are independent of other variables such as age, sex and type of dysphonia. Conclusion: The importance of speech therapy intervention in the treatment of dysphonia and the relevance of the application of acoustic analysis as a means of objective evaluation and monitoring is emphasized.

Analysis of Potassium Titanyl Phosphate Laser Settings and Voice Outcomes in the Treatment of Reinke's Edema.

OBJECTIVE: Despite increased clinical utility of the 532-nm potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser, no studies have examined outcomes for Reinke's edema (RE) as a function of laser parameters and initial treatment effects. Variability in delivery parameters, fiber-to-tissue distance, and immediate end-tissue effects limits universal application of existing study outcomes. We examine voice outcomes using standardized treatment classification, providing justification for laser parameter selection and immediate tissue effect in clinical use. METHODS: Retrospective review of 9 patients who underwent KTP laser treatment for RE. Demographics, RE severity, laser settings, total laser energy, and immediate tissue effects were correlated with quantified voice outcomes. RESULTS: An average of 157 joules (6-640 J) was delivered over a 0.369-second exposure time (0.1-0.9 seconds). Immediate tissue effects varied from nonablative treatment (type I and type II) to ablation without tissue removal (type III). Overall, Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) decreased by 8.23; improvement was most pronounced with type II treatments (delta VHI-10=12). No complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: Potassium titanyl phosphate laser can be safely and effectively used to improve voice in RE patients regardless of severity. This is the first study to provide detailed information on laser settings, energy delivery, and treatment effect in RE management; these results may guide clinical use of this modality, especially for novice laser surgeons.

Event related potentials study of aberrations in voice control mechanisms in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to test for neural signs of impulsivity related to voice motor control in young adults with ADHD using EEG recordings in a voice pitch perturbation paradigm. METHODS: Two age-matched groups of young adults were presented with brief pitch shifts of auditory feedback during vocalization. Compensatory behavioral and corresponding bioelectrical brain responses were elicited by the pitch-shifted voice feedback. RESULTS: The analysis of bioelectrical responses showed that the ADHD group had shorter peak latency and onset time of motor-related bioelectrical brain responses as compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: These results were interpreted to suggest differences in executive functions between ADHD and control participants. SIGNIFICANCE: We hypothesize that more rapid motor-related bioelectrical responses found in the present study may be a manifestation of impulsiveness in adults with ADHD at the involuntary level of voice control.

Laryngeal manual therapy as a treatment for impaired production of tahrir vibrato in traditional Iranian singers.

BACKGROUND: Iranian vibrato (tahrir) is a common feature of traditional Iranian singing. A unique feature of tahrir is a modulated voice quality perceived as a rhythmic falsetto voice break associated with upward pitch inflections. Laryngeal discomfort and impaired voice quality can occur in singers when they perform Iranian tahrir using an improper technique. AIM: A case series research design was used to explore voice treatment outcomes using laryngeal manual therapy (LMT) for treating voice problems associated with tahrir singing. METHOD: Four professional Iranian singers of the traditional style (3 men and 1 woman) were studied. All subjects reported difficulty executing tahrir during performances. They were assessed by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) specializing in the administration of LMT for voice disorders. Multidimensional assessments were made of the participants' vocal function using acoustic and auditory-perceptual evaluation, self-reports of the singers, and LMT assessments by the SLP before and after treatment. The therapeutic program implemented LMT techniques to release laryngeal joints and reduce muscular tension. RESULTS: Pretreatment examination of the larynx and anterior neck musculature using palpation showed that the difficulties in producing tahrir vibrato were associated with a decreased thyrohyoid space and tension in the submental complex and sternocleidomastoid. Posttreatment examination showed an increased thyrohyoid space and reduced tension in the submental complex and sternocleidomastoid, associated with the singers' perception of reduced effort producing tahrir vibrato during singing. CONCLUSION: Tahrir vibrato requires specific training to prevent excessive tension in laryngeal and neck muscles. In the absence of such training, or in the context of excessive singing associated with fatigue, LMT may facilitate more efficient vocal production in tahrir singers.

Aplicación del protocolo de valoración del rango vocal en cantantes populares del Colegio de Música de Medellín, mediante el módulo Real Time Pitch / Implementation of a protocol to assess pitch range by the Real Time Pitch module in singers of popular music at the Medellin School of Music

Se presenta un estudio que cuantifica la señal acústica de la voz de un glissando cómodo y natural para determinar, con la aplicación del protocolo de valoración del rango vocal, valores de máxima y mínima frecuencia, semitonos correspondientes, frecuencia fundamental más utilizada y rango vocal antes y después de un calentamiento. Se evaluaron 35 cantantes populares de la ciudad de Medellín con una encuesta que permitió establecer 25 personas sin lesión laríngea manifiesta y con impresión diagnóstica de normalidad mediante laringoscopia indirecta. Se utilizó un diseño cuasiexperimental empleando pretest y postest en un solo grupo y comparando los resultados encontrados. Se evaluó la aplicación del protocolo y el comportamiento del rango vocal frente a la variable de calentamiento. Los resultados encontrados evidencian en forma cuantitativa que el 72% de los sujetos mejoran la cifra de rango vocal, así como la calidad y la comodidad de la producción del glissando, según los valores hallados en el postest. Finalmente se concluye que el rango vocal y los extremos mejoran después del calentamiento, ya que las medias presentan mejores resultados. En general se encuentra que el protocolo de valoración que ofrece el módulo Real Time Pitch del Visi-Pitch IV es una herramienta que complementa en forma notoria la valoración de la voz(AU)

We present a study that quantified acoustic voice signals over a comfortable and natural glissando to determine maximum and minimum frequencies, the corresponding semitones, the most used frequency, and vocal range before and after warm-up exercises. The assessment was carried out with a protocol for pitch range. Thirty-five singers of popular music in the city of Medellin were evaluated through a survey. Twenty-five persons with no evident laryngeal injuries and no abnormalities on indirect laryngoscopy were identified. The study design was quasi-experimental with pretest and posttest evaluations in a single group and comparison of the results. The application of the protocol and vocal range behavior were evaluated with respect to the variable of warm-up. The results showed quantitatively that vocal range and the quality and comfort of glissando production were increased in 72% of the subjects, according to the values found in the posttest. We conclude that vocal range and maximum and minimum frequencies improved after a warm-up since the means for these frequencies showed improved results. In general we found that the assessment protocol provided by the Real-Time Pitch of the Visi-Pitch IV module notably complemented voice evaluation(AU)

Acercamiento a la voz humana, su fisiología y rehabilitación / An aproach to the human voice, its physiology and rehabilitation

El presente estudio supone una aproximación a la voz, su fenomenología y rehabilitación, a través de la investigación de un caso único con diagnóstico de disfonía por presencia de quiste en cuerda vocal (CV) derecha debido a abuso y mal uso vocal en una mujer de 29 años profesora de Educación Primaria con especialidad en música. Lo que aquí se plantea es un tipo de intervención de entre todos los posibles para la rehabilitación de patología vocal. La terapia presentada en este estudio está basada y desarrollada a través de una concepción holística del ser humano, partiendo del propio diseño, para su rehabilitación. Para ello, se han diseñado: un protocolo de observación para el profesional logopeda, compuesto por una serie de ítems relativos a la anatomía y fisiología del cuerpo humano y su influencia en la fonación, y otro protocolo de autopercepción de la voz por parte del paciente y cómo esta afecta a la efectividad de la terapia. Se ha utilizado para este estudio, un diseño A-B-A-B y se han analizado los resultados. Se ha establecido un tratamiento en 2 fases: 1.- Intervención sobre la postura y la respiración, en base al protocolo de observación, y teniendo en cuenta las respuestas del paciente al protocolo de autopercepción de la voz. 2.- Intervención sobre la acústica de la voz, sobre la base de la postura y la respiración. La autopercepción de la voz por parte del paciente ha sido variable control para decidir la eficiencia de la rehabilitación (AU)

The present study focuses on an innovative approach to the human voice, its physiology and rehabilitation. We present a single case study of a 29-year-old woman with a diagnosis of dysphonia, who worked as a music teacher in an elementary school. The patient had a cyst on her right vocal cord due to voice abuse and misuse. In this article, a specific type of procedure is proposed for the rehabilitation of vocal disorders. This procedure is based on and developed by means of a holistic view of human beings for their rehabilitation. An observation protocol for the speech therapist was designed, which included a series of items related to the anatomy and physiology of the human body and their influence on phonation. Another protocol for vocal self-perception by the patient and its impact on the effectiveness of the therapy was designed. An A-B-A-B design methodology was applied and the results were fully analyzed. Two treatment phases were established: (1) posture and breathing rehabilitation therapy based on the observation protocol, and considering the patient's responses to the vocal self-perception protocol, and (2) voice acoustic rehabilitation therapy based on the patient's posture and breathing. Patient scores on the vocal self-perception evaluation were used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention (AU)

Pitch strength of normal and dysphonic voices.

Two sounds with the same pitch may vary from each other based on saliency of their pitch sensation. This perceptual attribute is called "pitch strength." The study of voice pitch strength may be important in quantifying of normal and pathological qualities. The present study investigated how pitch strength varies across normal and dysphonic voices. A set of voices (vowel /a/) selected from the Kay Elemetrics Disordered Voice Database served as the stimuli. These stimuli demonstrated a wide range of voice quality. Ten listeners judged the pitch strength of these stimuli in an anchored magnitude estimation task. On a given trial, listeners heard three different stimuli. The first stimulus represented very low pitch strength (wide-band noise), the second stimulus consisted of the target voice and the third stimulus represented very high pitch strength (pure tone). Listeners estimated pitch strength of the target voice by positioning a continuous slider labeled with values between 0 and 1, reflecting the two anchor stimuli. Results revealed that listeners can judge pitch strength reliably in dysphonic voices. Moderate to high correlations with perceptual judgments of voice quality suggest that pitch strength may contribute to voice quality judgments.

The prioritization of voice fundamental frequency or formants in listeners' assessments of speaker size, masculinity, and attractiveness.

Key features of the voice--fundamental frequency (F(0)) and formant frequencies (Fn)--can vary extensively among individuals. Some of this variation might cue fitness-related, biosocial dimensions of speakers. Three experiments tested the independent, joint and relative effects of F(0) and Fn on listeners' assessments of the body size, masculinity (or femininity), and attractiveness of male and female speakers. Experiment 1 replicated previous findings concerning the joint and independent effects of F(0) and Fn on these assessments. Experiment 2 established frequency discrimination thresholds (or just-noticeable differences, JND's) for both vocal features to use in subsequent tests of their relative salience. JND's for F(0) and Fn were consistent in the range of 5%-6% for each sex. Experiment 3 put the two voice features in conflict by equally discriminable amounts and found that listeners consistently tracked Fn over F(0) in rating all three dimensions. Several non-exclusive possibilities for this outcome are considered, including that voice Fn provides more reliable cues to one or more dimensions and that listeners' assessments of the different dimensions are partially interdependent. Results highlight the value of first establishing JND's for discrimination of specific features of natural voices in future work examining their effects on voice-based social judgments.

Assessment of quality of life after implant-retained prosthetically reconstructed maxillae and mandibles postcancer treatments.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to assess treatment outcome and impact on quality of life with implant-retained prosthesis in reconstructed jaws in head and neck cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients were rehabilitated with implant-retained dental prosthesis following free fibular graft after segmental resection. These subjects were evaluated by standardized questionnaires European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 (version 3) and clinical assessment for quality of life. Objective assessment of speech parameters was done with Dr. Speech Software (Tiger DRS Inc., Seattle, WA). The questionnaire consisting of information on evaluation of deglutition, salivation, status of the mandible and teeth in relation to predisease level was used for subjective judgment of speech. RESULTS: Consumption of solid, semisolid, and overcooked food was considerably better with the prosthesis. Drinking ability was not affected. Patients' voice resonance was improved, and they could sustain phonation for longer duration without difficulty. They were able to speak loudly, and their intonation pattern was also slightly better. Failure of the implants to osseointegrate at the end of 18 months was observed in 37% of the patients. This was attributed to radiation before implant insertions and periimplantitis. Despite the observed improvement in some patients, the statistical analysis of speech, swallowing parameters, and quality of life were not significant because of the paucity of numbers in this pilot study. There was no improvement in the symptoms scale scores. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction and rehabilitation of the jaws affected by tumor restores the patient anatomically, esthetically, and functionally to optimum levels. However, a study with larger numbers of patients is necessary to ascertain the benefits of this treatment modality.

Calentamiento vocal en profesionales de la voz / Vocal warm up in voice professionals

El calentamiento vocal está constituido por una serie de ejercicios corporales, respiratorios y vocales con la finalidad de calentar la musculatura de los pliegues vocales, musculatura respiratoria, articulatoria y resonancial antes de una actividad más intensa para evitar la sobrecarga, el uso inadecuado o un cuadro de fatiga vocal. Dentro de los efectos fisiológicos del calentamiento vocal se describen el aumento de la temperatura muscular, el aumento del flujo sanguíneo, la disminución de la viscosidad y resistencia de los pliegues vocales, un incremento en la entrega de oxígeno, un aumento de la velocidad de evacuación de desechos de reacciones oxidativas y una disminución del riesgo de daño en el trabajo muscular, entre muchos otros. Desde el punto de vista subjetivo, después del calentamiento vocal la cualidad de la voz es mejor, requiere menos esfuerzo, y aumenta el grado de control y de flexibilidad. Se señala, además, que el calentamiento vocal tiene un efecto positivo en personas con alteraciones de la voz de variadas etiologías. Aunque los ejercicios específicos en las rutinas de calentamiento generalmente varían, éstos incluyen principalmente ejercicios de alineamiento corporal, entrenamiento respiratorio, ejercicios de emisión y ejercicios de resonancia. El calentamiento vocal efectivo es altamente individual, ya que cada voz responde en forma diferente a diferentes duraciones de calentamiento y en diferentes etapas de desarrollo vocal. Como objetivo final, el calentamiento vocal contribuye a la salud de la voz evitando el mal uso, disminuyendo el riesgo de fatiga vocal y evitando compensaciones musculares innecesarias, y aumenta la longevidad del órgano fonador en los profesionales de la voz (AU)

Vocal warm up consists of a series of body, breathing, and vocal exercises to heat the vocal folds and the muscles involved in breathing, articulation and resonance before more intense activity to prevent overloading, misuse or vocal fatigue. Some of the many physiological effects of vocal warm up are increased muscle temperature, blood flow and oxygen delivery, decreased viscosity and vocal fold resistance, a faster oxidative reaction disposal rate, and a reduced risk of muscle damage. From a subjective point of view, after a vocal warm up, voice quality is better, requires less effort, and control and flexibility are increased. Vocal warm up also has a positive effect on people with voice disorders of various etiologies. Although specific exercises in vocal warm up routines often vary, they mainly include body alignment exercises, breathing training, and resonance and phonation exercises. Effective vocal warm up is highly individual because each voice responds differently to distinct lengths of warm up exercises and at different stages of voice development. The main goal of vocal warm up is to contribute to vocal health by avoiding voice misuse, decreasing the risk of vocal fatigue, avoiding unnecessary muscle compensation and increasing voice longevity in voice professionals (AU)

Over-injection of autologous fat in the vocal fold: how to remove the excess?

Chordal injection of autologous fat is useful in treating incomplete closure of the glottis on phonation, because it is simple, uses an intraoral approach and is mostly effective. However, when excess fat is injected, the removal of the excess is generally much more difficult than the injection. A 48-year-old man underwent intrachordal injections of autologous fat twice bilaterally for vocal fold atrophy. He came to our hospital because his hoarseness became worse after every operation. Three-dimensional computed tomography revealed that a large amount of fat was injected in the bilateral subglottal and glottic regions. These findings indicated that his dysphonia was due mainly to the excessive injected fat, and removal of the fat was planned. Under local anesthesia, we partially removed the excess fat through a window made in the thyroid cartilage, without touching the vocal folds. The voice and laryngeal findings were monitored during the surgery according to fiber-stroboscopic findings. Postoperatively, a significant improvement was seen in the voice and vibration of the vocal folds, although the results were not completely satisfactory.