ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to determine if phonatory air flow characteristics differed among women with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD), muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), and normal phonation. Phonatory air flow signals were gathered during [pa] syllable repetitions. Mean phonatory air flow, coefficients of variation, and the presence of large air flow perturbations (75 ml/s or more) were examined for the three groups of speakers. There was no significant difference in mean phonatory air flow across groups, and very large intersubject variation in mean phonatory air flow occurred for both the AdSD and MTD groups. Coefficients of variation were similar for the groups of women with MTD and normal phonation but were significantly larger for the group with AdSD. Air flow perturbations were common with AdSD and rare with MTD. Relatively large coefficients of variation and air flow perturbations of at least 75 ml/s did occur for some women with normal voices who were 70 years of age or older. It appears that intrasubject variability in phonatory air flow may aid in the differentiation of AdSD and MTD when used in conjunction with other elements of a thorough voice evaluation. However, the potential contribution of aging to increased intrasubject variability in phonatory air flow must be considered when interpreting findings.
Subject(s)
Air , Laryngeal Muscles/physiopathology , Spasm/complications , Spasm/physiopathology , Speech/physiology , Voice Disorders , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Severity of Illness Index , Speech Production Measurement , Voice Disorders/complications , Voice Disorders/diagnosis , Voice Disorders/physiopathologyABSTRACT
An 8-year retrospective analysis of aerodynamic and nasoendoscopic examinations of children with a variety of speech and voice disorders shows that these examinations can be completed with a high rate of success. Moreover, the examinations were achieved with relative ease in children as young as 2 years old. Several clinicians were involved in the examinations, illustrating the viability of the methods. It is suspected that the failures to complete the examinations relate more to the examiners' methods and skills than to the child's tolerance of the instrumentation.
Subject(s)
Endoscopy , Nasal Cavity/pathology , Speech Disorders/diagnosis , Voice Disorders/diagnosis , Adolescent , Air Pressure , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Larynx/physiopathology , Male , Retrospective Studies , Velopharyngeal Insufficiency/diagnosisSubject(s)
Endoscopy/methods , Laryngoscopy/methods , Nose , Palate, Soft , Pediatrics , Pharynx , Child , Humans , Speech Disorders/diagnosis , Voice Disorders/diagnosisABSTRACT
A 9-year-old boy with a long history of impaired communication resulting from hyperfunctional dysphonia and vocal nodules had proven to be unresponsive to traditional voice therapy. In this study, he engaged in biweekly visual EMG biofeedback training to reduce laryngeal muscle tension. In a multiple baseline design across two responses with changing criteria, results demonstrated sequential stepwise reductions in muscle tension with each new criterion. Concomitant improvements were found in laryngeal aerodynamic functioning and in voice quality. The treatment also resulted in the elimination of the vocal nodules without surgical intervention. These effects were maintained at 6 month follow-up.