Trabajo interdisciplinario en las profesiones de la voz humana: retos, límites y proyecciones

El presente documento resume los principales aportes del conversatorio titulado "Trabajo interdisciplinario en las profesiones de la voz humana: retos, límites y proyecciones", organizado por Vocology Center el 18 de julio de 2023, que reunió a líderes y representantes de diversas agremiaciones relacionadas con la voz humana, incluyendo profesionales del ámbito clínico, artístico, rehabilitación vocal, voz ocupacional, pedagogía vocal y otras disciplinas afines. El propósito de este conversatorio fue promover un debate crítico sobre la naturaleza del trabajo interdisciplinario en el estudio de la voz humana. Se exploraron los desafíos que surgen al configurar equipos de trabajo que incluyan profesionales con diferentes enfoques y experticias en el abordaje de la voz, así como los límites inherentes a los diversos roles y funciones desempeñados por los profesionales especializados en este campo, junto con las cuestiones éticas emergentes en este proceso. Con un enfoque encaminado a fortalecer alianzas interdisciplinarias, el evento se centró en la búsqueda de una comunicación y colaboración más efectiva. Este documento marca un avance significativo en la comprensión y colaboración interdisciplinar en el cuidado de la voz humana.

This document summarizes the main contributions of the panel discussion titled "Interdisciplinary work in the human voice professions: challenges, limits and projections" organized by the Vocology Center on July 18, 2023. The event brought together leaders and representatives from various associations related to the human voice, including professionals from the clinical, artistic, vocal rehabilitation, occupational voice, vocal pedagogy, and other related disciplines. The purpose of this panel discussion was to promote a critical debate on the nature of interdisciplinary work in the study of the human voice. The discussion explored the challenges that emerge when teams that include professionals with different approaches and expertise address voice production, as well as the inherent boundaries of the various roles and functions performed by specialized professionals in this field, along with the emerging ethical issues in this process. With a focus on strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations, the event centered on seeking more effective communication and collaboration. This document represents a significant step forward in understanding and fostering interdisciplinary cooperation in the care of the human voice.

Voice Disorder, Job Stress, and COVID-19 in Teachers: Impacts in Times of Pandemic

Introduction: The conditions of teachers' work during the COVID-19 pandemic affected teachers' lives regarding voice disorder and stress, even in emergency remote classroom situation. Objective: To analyze the relationship between the presence of voice disorder, job stress, and COVID-19 in teachers when in emergency remote classroom teaching situation at the time of the pandemic. Method: This is a primary, exploratory, observational cross-sectional study with the use of survey forwarded online during the period of emergency classes after the arrival of COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. The teachers answered the sociodemographic questions about the presence of COVID-19 and the following instruments: Condition of Vocal Production-Teacher [Condição de Produção Vocal - Professor (CPV-P)], Screening Index for Voice Disorder (SIVD), and Job Stress Scale (JSS). Results: Of the 118 teachers analyzed, 94.1% were female; the average age was 44 years. The SIVD recorded the presence of voice disorder in 66.9% of the participants. Regarding the JSS, which are the findings related to stress at work in the demand domain, the teachers showed high levels, a fact which presupposes the existence of pressure of psychological nature to perform their work. Conclusion: The teachers self-reported the presence of voice disorder even in remote class situation, on the occasion of COVID-19, which were more common in older teachers. When comparing the presence of voice disorders, coronavirus symptoms, and stress domains in relation to demand, control, and social support, there was no significance. It is hoped that this study will help to reflect on the need to improve teachers' working conditions, strengthening work-related voice disorder actions and guiding actions for vocal care and well-being.

Introducción: Las condiciones de trabajo de los profesores durante la pandemia de COVID-19 afectaron sus vidas en lo que respecta al trastorno de la voz y el estrés, incluso en situaciones de emergencia en aulas remotas. Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre la presencia de trastorno de la voz, estrés laboral y COVID-19 en profesores cuando se encontraban en situación de emergencia de enseñanza en aulas remotas en la época de la pandemia. Método: Se trata de un estudio primario, exploratorio, observacional de tipo transversal, con el uso de encuesta remitida online durante el periodo de clases de emergencia tras la llegada de la pandemia de COVID-19 en Brasil. Los profesores respondieron a las preguntas sociodemográficas sobre la presencia de COVID-19 y a los siguientes instrumentos: Condición de Producción Vocal-Profesor (CPV-P), Índice de Detección de los Trastornos de la Voz (SIVD) y Escala de Estrés Laboral (JSS). Resultados: De los 118 profesores analizados, el 94,1% eran mujeres; la mediana de edad era de 44 años. El (SIVD) registró la presencia de trastorno de la voz en el 66,9% de los participantes. En cuanto a la JSS, que son los hallazgos relacionados con el estrés laboral en el dominio de la demanda, los profesores mostraron niveles elevados, hecho que presupone la existencia de presiones de naturaleza psicológica para realizar su trabajo. Conclusión: Los profesores autoinformaron de la presencia de trastornos de la voz incluso en situación de clase a distancia, con ocasión del COVID-19, que fueron más frecuentes en los profesores de más edad. Al comparar la presencia de trastornos de la voz, los síntomas del coronavirus y los dominios de estrés en relación con la demanda, el control y el apoyo social, no hubo resultados significativos. Se espera que este estudio ayude a reflexionar sobre la necesidad de mejorar las condiciones de trabajo de los docentes, fortaleciendo las acciones de Trastorno de la voz relacionado con el trabajo (WRVD) y orientando acciones para el cuidado y bienestar vocal.

Auditory-Perceptual Assessment and Acoustic Analysis of Gender Expression in the Voice.

OBJECTIVE: Determine if acoustic measurements exist that are predictive of Auditory-Perceptual Assessment (APA) of gender expression in the voice of transgender, nonbinary, and cisgender Brazilian speakers by transgender, nonbinary, and cisgender judges, as well as speech-language pathologists in the area of voice studies. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Clips of speech (automatic speech and expressive reading of poetry) and sustained vowel emission of people of different genders were recorded and underwent APA for gender expression in the voice using a visual analog scale across 100 points, ranging from very masculine to very feminine. Sixteen acoustic measurements were extracted (noise, perturbation, spectral, and cepstral measurements). A descriptive and inferential analysis was performed using interclass coefficients of correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression, considering P < 0.05 for statistical significance. RESULTS: Forty-seven people of different genders had their voices recorded. The perceived gender of these voices was judged by 236 people (65 speech-language pathologists, 101 cisgender people, and 70 transgender and nonbinary people). The perceptions and measurements that were predictive of gender perception in the voice differed according to the task (vowel or speech) and the group of judges. The predictive acoustic measurements that were common in all groups were: speech-median F0, harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR), F0 standard deviation (F0sd), average width between F0 peaks, and spectral emphasis (Emph); vowels-median F0, HNR, F0sd, and average width between F0 peaks. Divergent measurements between groups were: speech-coefficient of variation of intensity, speech rate (Sr), minimum and maximum F0, jitter, and shimmer; vowels-coefficient of variation of intensity, Emph, Sr, and minimum and maximum F0. CONCLUSION: There are acoustic measures that may predict APA; however, each group of judges considers different measures to evaluate gender, revealing an important influence of context on the evaluator in gender assessment through the voice.

Social distancing and choral singing during the Covid-19 pandemic: challenges and vocal symptoms of chorists. / Distanciamento social e canto coral durante a pandemia do Covid-19: desafios e sintomas vocais de coristas.

PURPOSE: To analyze the perception of choristers who perform online rehearsals about symptoms, vocal disadvantages, adaptations in the singing routine and difficulties in rehearsals during social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Application of an online questionnaire investigating perceptions about the voice and singing routine and rehearsal of 141 choristers who did not have COVID-19 disease and continued in remote activity until April 2021. Participants were divided in two groups according to the age: G1 (18 to 54 years old) and G2 (55 years old or more). The data underwent descriptive and inferential analysis, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: During distancing, both groups reported a decrease in singing time and felt more difficult to sing alone. Choir singers reported fewer throat infections during this period. Choir singers from G1 noticed a huskier voice, reported difficulty concentrating via videoconferencing, felt nervous to singing alone in virtual rehearsals and stressed recording the same song several times. G2 choristers reported more physical vocal symptoms such as: tired voice, varying throughout the day, and a weaker and more breathy voice. CONCLUSION: In social distancing, the choristers found it more difficult to sing by videoconference and had reduced singing practice time. Younger choir singers reported more emotional symptoms and older choir singers reported more vocal symptoms.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a percepção de coristas que realizam ensaios virtuais, quanto a sintomas, desvantagens vocais, adaptações na rotina de canto e dificuldades nos ensaios durante o distanciamento social devido a pandemia do COVID-19. MÉTODO: Aplicação de questionário online investigando percepções sobre a voz e rotina de canto e ensaio de 141 coristas que não tiveram a doença do COVID-19 e continuaram em atividade remota até abril de 2021. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com a faixa etária: G1 (18 a 54 anos) e G2 (55 anos ou mais). Os dados passaram por análise descritiva e inferencial, considerando-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Durante o distanciamento, ambos os grupos referiram diminuição do tempo de canto e acharam mais difícil cantar sozinhos. Os coristas referiram menor número de infecções de garganta nesse período. Coristas do G1 perceberam voz mais rouca, relataram dificuldade para se concentrar por videoconferência, sentiam-se nervosos ao cantarem sozinhos nos ensaios virtuais e estressados gravando várias vezes a mesma música. Coristas do G2 referiram mais sintomas vocais como: voz cansada, variando ao longo do dia, voz fraca e com mais ar. CONCLUSÃO: No distanciamento social, os coristas acharam mais difícil cantar por videoconferência e tiveram o tempo de prática de canto diminuído. Coristas mais jovens referiram mais sintomas emocionais e coristas com mais idade relataram mais sintomas vocais.

The Relationship Between the Stomatognathic System and Voice in Classical Singers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate stomatognathic system's structures and functions in classical singers, relating them to the auditory-perceptual judgment of voice quality and voice self-perception. METHODS: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted to evaluate the Stomatognathic System (SS) using orofacial myofunctional evaluation (MBGR Protocol). Voice handicap self-perception was assessed by the Classical Singing Handicap Index (CSHI) and the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10). Voice samples, recorded according to the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) protocol, underwent auditory-perceptual judgment by two voice experts. All statistical analyses adopted a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The study included 15 classical singers (nine women and six men). Adequate assessments of lip and tongue functionality and mobility, upper and lower lip, mentum, and tongue tone were higher compared with altered assessments (P < 0.001). Nasal and oronasal breathing showed similar proportions among singers (P = 0.273). Participants reported greater pain in the masseter muscle (P ≤ 0.001), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (P ≤ 0.001), and sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), especially on the left side (P ≤ 0.001). MBGR score showed no association with singers' voice handicap and voice quality self-perception. CONCLUSION: MBGR-evaluated SS items were not related to auditory-perceptual judgment of voice quality and voice self-perception. Singers reported more pain with palpation in the SCM, masseter muscle, and TMJ. Preference for a chewing side was higher than bilateral chewing. Assessing SS is paramount for the multidimensional evaluation of classical singers' voice.

Microphone and Audio Compression Effects on Acoustic Voice Analysis: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the effects of microphone and audio compression variables on voice and speech parameters acquisition. METHOD: Acoustic measures were recorded and compared using a high-quality reference microphone and three testing microphones. The tested microphones displayed differences in specifications and acoustic properties. Furthermore, the impact of the audio compression was assessed by resampling the original uncompressed audio files into the MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer 3 (mp3) format at three different compression rates (128 kbps, 64 kbps, 32 kbps). Eight speakers were recruited in each recording session and asked to produce four sustained vowels: two [a] segments and two [ɛ] segments. The audio was captured simultaneously by the reference and tested microphones. The recordings were synchronized and analyzed using the Praat software. RESULTS: From a set of eight acoustic parameters assessed (f0, F1, F2, jitter%, shimmer%, HNR, H1-H2, and CPP), three (f0, F2, and jitter%) were suggested as resistant regarding the microphone and audio compression variables. In contrast, some parameters seemed to be significantly affected by both factors: HNR, H1-H2, and CPP; while shimmer% was found sensitive only concerning the latter factor. Moreover, higher compression rates appeared to yield more frequent acoustic distortions than lower rates. CONCLUSION: Overall, the outcomes suggest that acoustic parameters are influenced by both the microphone selection and the audio compression usage, which may reflect the practical implications of these components on the acoustic analysis reliability.

Distanciamento social e canto coral durante a pandemia do Covid-19: desafios e sintomas vocais de coristas / Social distancing and choral singing during the Covid-19 pandemic: challenges and vocal symptoms of chorists

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a percepção de coristas que realizam ensaios virtuais, quanto a sintomas, desvantagens vocais, adaptações na rotina de canto e dificuldades nos ensaios durante o distanciamento social devido a pandemia do COVID-19. Método Aplicação de questionário online investigando percepções sobre a voz e rotina de canto e ensaio de 141 coristas que não tiveram a doença do COVID-19 e continuaram em atividade remota até abril de 2021. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com a faixa etária: G1 (18 a 54 anos) e G2 (55 anos ou mais). Os dados passaram por análise descritiva e inferencial, considerando-se nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Durante o distanciamento, ambos os grupos referiram diminuição do tempo de canto e acharam mais difícil cantar sozinhos. Os coristas referiram menor número de infecções de garganta nesse período. Coristas do G1 perceberam voz mais rouca, relataram dificuldade para se concentrar por videoconferência, sentiam-se nervosos ao cantarem sozinhos nos ensaios virtuais e estressados gravando várias vezes a mesma música. Coristas do G2 referiram mais sintomas vocais como: voz cansada, variando ao longo do dia, voz fraca e com mais ar. Conclusão No distanciamento social, os coristas acharam mais difícil cantar por videoconferência e tiveram o tempo de prática de canto diminuído. Coristas mais jovens referiram mais sintomas emocionais e coristas com mais idade relataram mais sintomas vocais.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the perception of choristers who perform online rehearsals about symptoms, vocal disadvantages, adaptations in the singing routine and difficulties in rehearsals during social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Method Application of an online questionnaire investigating perceptions about the voice and singing routine and rehearsal of 141 choristers who did not have COVID-19 disease and continued in remote activity until April 2021. Participants were divided in two groups according to the age: G1 (18 to 54 years old) and G2 (55 years old or more). The data underwent descriptive and inferential analysis, considering a significance level of 5%. Results During distancing, both groups reported a decrease in singing time and felt more difficult to sing alone. Choir singers reported fewer throat infections during this period. Choir singers from G1 noticed a huskier voice, reported difficulty concentrating via videoconferencing, felt nervous to singing alone in virtual rehearsals and stressed recording the same song several times. G2 choristers reported more physical vocal symptoms such as: tired voice, varying throughout the day, and a weaker and more breathy voice. Conclusion In social distancing, the choristers found it more difficult to sing by videoconference and had reduced singing practice time. Younger choir singers reported more emotional symptoms and older choir singers reported more vocal symptoms.

Habilidades de processamento auditivo central e exame pericial de comparação de locutor / Central auditory processing skills and speaker comparison in forensic analysis

RESUMO Objetivo descrever quais são as habilidades auditivas do processamento auditivo central mais frequentes, relatadas por um grupo de especialistas para a realização do exame de Comparação de Locutor, tradicionalmente realizado por peritos forenses. Métodos estudo prospectivo, descritivo, com análise quantitativa e qualitativa. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de um consenso de especialistas. Participaram da reunião cinco fonoaudiólogos, sendo dois especialistas em audiologia, dois especialistas em voz e uma fonoaudióloga perita. A reunião foi realizada de forma virtual e síncrona, com duração de uma hora e 30 minutos. As tarefas realizadas durante o exame de Comparação de Locutor foram consideradas a partir de um protocolo disponível na literatura. As especialistas em fonoaudiologia receberam explicações a respeito de cada uma das tarefas e foram solicitadas a discutir sobre quais as habilidades do processamento auditivo central estariam envolvidas na execução de cada uma delas. Resultados sete habilidades foram consideradas na reunião dos especialistas como imprescindíveis para as tarefas realizadas no exame de Comparação de Locutor. A ordenação temporal foi a habilidade mais citada, podendo estar presente em seis tarefas, e a tarefa de transcrição do material de fala foi mencionada como sendo a que necessita de mais habilidades do processamento auditivo central. Conclusão Sete habilidades foram consideradas na reunião dos especialistas como imprescindíveis para as tarefas realizadas no exame de Comparação de Locutor. A ordenação temporal foi a habilidade mais citada, podendo estar presente em seis tarefas e a tarefa de transcrição do material de fala foi mencionada como sendo a que necessita de mais habilidades do processamento auditivo central

ABSTRACT Purpose to describe which abilities of central auditory processing are more frequently related for the group of specialists to the performance of the speaker comparison test (CL), traditionally performed by forensic experts. Methods a prospective, descriptive study with quantitative and qualitative analysis and data were obtained through a consensus of experts. Five speech therapists participated in the meeting, two specialists in audiology (EA), two specialists in voice (VS), and an expert speech therapist (FP). The meeting was held virtually and synchronously, lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. The tasks performed during the Speaker Comparison (LC) exam were considered from a protocol available in the literature. The AEs received explanations about each of the tasks and were asked to discuss which auditory processing skills (ACP) would be involved in the performance of each of them. Results seven PAC skills were considered in the experts' meeting as essential for the tasks performed in the CL exam. Temporal ordering was the most cited skill, being present in six tasks, and the speech material transcription task is the one that requires more skills from the PAC. Conclusion Seven PAC skills were considered in the experts' meeting as essential for the tasks performed in the CL exam. Temporal ordering was the most cited skill, being present in six tasks, and the speech material transcription task is the one that requires more skills from the PAC.

Voice Disorder Classifications: A Scoping Review - Part A.

Voice is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon of interest to different disciplines. Divergent terminologies and, consequently, classification systems constitute, historically, a difficulty in this field of knowledge, which limits communication between professionals from different countries, backgrounds, and clinical experiences, and well as limiting clinical management and discussion of scientific research findings. This article aims to map and analyze the different diagnostic classifications in voice by describing the findings of a scoping review, consisting of both electronic and manual searches. The results are presented in two parts. In Part A of this article, we explore propositions for comprehensive diagnostic classifications, which involve theoretical frameworks for the constitution of each proposal. The included studies were classified as either articles with theoretical propositions, called G1, or articles using automated computerized classification systems called G2. A total of 44 articles were included: 27 in G1 and 17 in G2. In G1, we found studies from 1947 to 2021, most of which were from the USA, the authors having created theoretical propositions on the subject, considering mainly the etiology of vocal disorder. In G2, we found studies from 2009 onwards, emphasizing automated extraction of acoustic measurements and machine learning to create classification systems. G1 shows the propositions of classifications ranging from two to 11 main groups, each with possible subgroups. In G2, the classifications ranged from four to seven groups, showing preference to distinguish them by descriptions of laryngeal conditions. Conclusion: There is limited convergence between the different theoretical classifications, which is highlighted by the need to create different subgroups, or categories, to include different vocal disorders. The studies with a computerized approach reduce this variability to a certain extent; however, although promising, they should consider theoretical foundations in the proposition of classifications to be applicable to clinical setting.

Prevalence of Work-Related Voice Disorders in Voice Professionals: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of work-related voice disorders (WRVD) among the voice professionals. METHODS: The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021250121). The search was performed in the Embase, Lilacs, Medline, SCOPUS, and Web of Sciences databases. There were no limitations to the year of publication and the search included observational studies which reported data on the prevalence of dysphonia in voice professionals measured through vocal complaints, vocal self-assessment, the auditory-perceptual judgment of the voice, and laryngoscopy examinations. The critical appraisal instrument for studies reporting prevalence data was used to analyze the risk of bias of the studies. Data analysis was performed using Jamovi and R software with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The initial search identified 561 articles, 73 of which were finally included and analyzed. The total number of participants was 63,126. Dysphonia was diagnosed in 45,996 participants based on a vocal complaint, 12,843 using vocal self-assessment, 1,254 using the auditory-perceptual judgment, and 1,683 using laryngoscopies. The prevalence of total dysphonia was 44.0 (95% CI 38.47; 49.69). The prevalence of vocal complaints was 43.9% (95% CI 37.37; 50.52), 42.5% (95% CI 28.57; 57.08) for self-assessment, 53.0% (95% CI 29.87; 77.19) for auditory-perceptual judgment, and 36.9% (95% CI 18.62; 57.08) for laryngoscopic examination. In the auditory-perceptual judgment, voice professionals in class 3 (moderate quality, high demand) had a higher prevalence of dysphonia than those in class 4 (moderate quality, moderate demand) (P = 0.04). In the auditory-perceptual judgment (P = 0.04), there was a higher prevalence of dysphonia in teachers than among other voice professionals non-teachers, and in the laryngeal evaluation, no differences were found between professionals (P = 0.8). CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of dysphonia in voice professionals, especially in the detection by auditory-perceptual judgment. High vocal demand and being a teacher influenced the increase in the prevalence of WRVD.

Mulheres transgênero: suas narrativas sobre saúde, voz e disforia / Transgender women: their narrative on health, voice, and dysphoria / Mujeres trangénero: sus narrativas sobre salúd, voz y disforia

Introdução: a mulher transgênero, pessoa que se identifica e performa na feminilidade, tem buscado cada vez mais a terapia vocal em razão da incongruência de gênero. Objetivo: conhecer as vivências e percepções dessas mulheres sobre saúde, disforia de gênero, voz e sociedade, identificar possíveis fatores desencadeadores de seus desconfortos e refletir sobre a atuação fonoaudiológica nesse contexto, visto que a saúde em visão ampla é biopsicossocial e a voz, uma construção subjetiva. Método: abordagem qualitativa transversal, com entrevista semiestruturada. Participantes encontradas pela técnica bola de neve e avaliação dos dados obtidos por análise de conteúdo. Resultados: participantes do Estado de São Paulo, sua maioria estuda e/ou trabalha. Hormônios são usados sem supervisão pela urgência de se alinhar com sua identidade de gênero. Experiências sociais negativas geram desconforto e insegurança, mostrando que o ponto de vista do outro prejudica a autopercepção. Assim, buscam a passabilidade para evitar o assédio. A voz foi vista como estopim para terem seus corpos e gênero questionados e a terapia vocal é vista como positiva, por trabalhar as potencialidades vocais, autopercepção e auto aceitação. Ter apoio de pares e referências transgênero positivas propiciam maior autoconfiança, aceitação e tranquilidade na confirmação de gênero. Considerações finais: aspectos psicossociais, cisheteronormatividade e demandas das pessoas transgênero devem ser considerados na atenção em saúde da pessoa transgênero, incluindo a terapia vocal, assim como a discussão sobre as demandas desse público deve ser proposta em sociedade a fim de promover saúde e inclusão a essa população.

Introduction: the transgender woman, a person who identifies and performs in femininity, has increasingly looked for vocal therapy due to gender incongruence. Objective: to know the experiences and perceptions of these women about health, gender dysphoria, voice and society, to identify possible triggering factors of their discomforts and reflect on the speech therapy performance in this context, since health, in a broad view, is biopsychosocial, while voice, is a subjective construction. Method: Cross-sectional qualitative approach, with semi-structured interviews. Participants were found by the snowball technique and evaluation of the data was obtained by content analysis. Results: participants from the State of São Paulo, most of them study and/or work. They use hormones unsupervised due to the urgency of aligning with their gender identity. Negative social experiences generate discomfort and insecurity, showing that the other's point of view impairs self-perception. Thus, they seek passability to avoid harassment. The voice was seen as a trigger to have their bodies and gender questioned, and vocal therapy is seen as positive, for working on vocal potentialities, self-perception, and self-acceptance. Having peer support and positive transgender references provide greater self-confidence, acceptance, and reassurance in gender confirmation. Final considerations: psychosocial aspects, cisheteronormativity and demands of transgender people should be considered in transgender health care, including vocal therapy, as well as discussion about the demands of this public should be proposed in society in order to promote health and inclusion to this population.

Introducción: la mujer transexual, persona que se identifica y se desenvuelve en la feminidad, ha buscado cada vez más la terapia vocal debido a la incongruencia de género. Objetivo: conocer sus experiencias y percepciones sobre la salud, disforia de género, voz y sociedad, identificar posibles factores desencadenantes de sus malestares y reflexionar sobre la actuación fonoaudiológica en este contexto, ya que la salud en sentido amplio es biopsicosocial y la voz, una construcción subjetiva. Método: Enfoque cualitativo transversal, con entrevista semiestructurada. Participantes encontradas mediante la técnica snow ball y la evaluación de los datos obtenidos mediante el análisis de contenido. Resultados: participantes del Estado de São Paulo, la mayoría de ellas estudian y/o trabajan. Utilizan hormonas sin supervisión por la urgencia para alinearse con su identidad de género. Las experiencias sociales negativas generan malestar e inseguridad, lo que demuestra que el punto de vista del otro perjudica la autopercepción. Buscan la pasabilidad para evitar el acoso. La voz fue vista como un detonante para que se cuestionen sus cuerpos y género y la terapia vocal es vista como positiva, para trabajar las potencialidades vocales, autopercepción y autoaceptación. El apoyo de las compañeras y referencias transgénero positivas proporciona una mayor confianza, aceptación y seguridad en la confirmación del género. Consideraciones finales: los aspectos psicosociales, la cisheteronormatividad y las demandas de las personas transgénero deben ser consideradas en la atención a sus salud, así como la discusión sobre sus demandas debe ser propuesta para promover la salud y la inclusión a esta población.

Reducing the gap between science and clinic: lessons from academia and professional practice - part B: traditional vocal therapy techniques and modern electrostimulation and photobiomodulation techniques applied to vocal rehabilitation. / Reduzindo o gap entre a ciência e a clínica: lições da academia e da prática profissional ­ parte B: técnicas tradicionais de terapia vocal e técnicas modernas de eletroestimulação e fotobiomodulação aplicadas à reabilitação vocal.

This text is the continuation of the XVIII SBFa Congress publication. In part "A" we presented the analyses on clinical vocal evaluation. Part "B" focuses on vocal rehabilitation: 4. Traditional techniques of vocal therapy; 5. Modern techniques of electrostimulation and photobiomodulation applied to vocal rehabilitation. The numerous studies on the various programs, methods, and techniques of traditional rehabilitation techniques, and many with high quality of evidence, allow us to consider such procedures relatively well described, safe, and with known effects, accounting for the treatment of various vocal disorders. The scientific evidence with traditional techniques is recognized worldwide. New fronts of evolution, with electrostimulation or photobiomodulation used to handle voice problems, seem to be promising as coadjutant approaches. There are more studies on electrostimulation in vocal rehabilitation than with photobiomodulation; however, scientific evidence for these two modern techniques is still limited. Knowledge and caution are required for the application of either technique.

O presente texto é a continuação da publicação referente ao XVIII Congresso da SBFa. Na parte "A" apresentamos análises sobre avaliação clínica vocal. O foco da parte "B" são aspectos de reabilitação vocal: 4. Técnicas tradicionais de terapia vocal; 5. Técnicas modernas de eletroestimulação e fotobiomodulação aplicadas à reabilitação. Os inúmeros estudos sobre os diversos programas, métodos ou técnicas tradicionais de reabilitação, muitos de elevada qualidade de evidência, permitem considerar tais procedimentos relativamente bem descritos, seguros e com efeitos conhecidos, dando conta do tratamento de diversos distúrbios vocais. As evidências científicas com as técnicas tradicionais são reconhecidas mundialmente. Novas frentes de evolução, como o uso da eletroestimulação ou fotobiomodulação em voz parecem ser promissoras como abordagens coadjuvantes. Há mais estudos sobre eletroestimulação em voz do que com fotobiomodulação, contudo, evidências científicas para essas duas técnicas modernas são ainda limitadas. Conhecimento e cautela são necessários para a aplicação de quaisquer técnicas.

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.

Evaluation of Voice After Open Airway Surgery in Children: A Systematic Review.

Objective: This review aims to describe the methods used to assess the vocal quality and quality of life of children after airway reconstruction and their limitations. Data Sources: A systematic review was carried out in 10 databases for articles published between 2000 and 2021 following the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). Review Methods: Articles were included that described perceptual voice assessment with or without acoustic measures and/or voice quality impact questionnaires. Articles with no description of a specific voice assessment were excluded. Results: A total of 12 studies were included, yielding 263 patients. The mean age at evaluation was 9 years. Follow-up varied from 5 months to 20 years with most patients being evaluated at least a year after surgery. Methods used to evaluate voice were perceptual, aerodynamic, and acoustic analysis and quality of life questionnaires. CAPE-V (Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation-Voice) was the most used auditory-perceptual instrument (72.7%). Of the acoustic parameters, fundamental frequency and maximum phonation time were the most described (58.3%), and among the quality of life assessment questionnaires, pVHI (Pediatric Voice Handicap Index) was the most used (54.5%). Conclusion: Multidimensional evaluations tailored to the individual child can be recommended after open airway surgery. CAPE-V scale, fundamental frequency, maximum phonation time, and pVHI are the most frequently used methods; therefore, their use may help broaden communication among authors. In the multitude of methods available, cognitive ability and degree of voice disturbance should be considered since they are the most important limiting factors in this population.

Voice outcomes and its impact on quality of life after open airway surgery in children.

INTRODUCTION: Open airway surgery is used to treat severe grades of laryngotracheal stenosis in children. Scarring of the airway following these procedures may lead to voice impairment and impact quality of life. This study was designed to characterize vocal outcome in children submitted reconstructive airway surgery and verify how this correlates to voice related quality of life in this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Children submitted to open airway surgery that had been decannulated for a minimum of 30 days and had functional speech were invited to participate. Pediatric Voice-Related Quality-of-Life survey (PVRQoL) was applied, consensus auditory perceptive of voice (CAPE-V) protocol was used for perceptual voice evaluation and acoustic analysis was performed using Praat software. RESULTS: Twenty children were enrolled in the study with an average age of 4 years and 8 months. Averages for PVRQoL exceeded normative values in 80% of the children. Half of the children had normal voice or mild dysphonia and half had moderate dysphonia, according to perceptual evaluation. Measures of F0, jitter and particularly shimmer were abnormal in most of the children. CONCLUSION: Voice quality varies from normal to moderately impaired in children following reconstructive airway surgery. Voice quality impacts quality of life in the majority of cases and the degree of dysphonia does not always correlate with voice related quality of life scores.

Reduzindo o gap entre a ciência e a clínica: lições da academia e da prática profissional - parte B: técnicas tradicionais de terapia vocal e técnicas modernas de eletroestimulação e fotobiomodulação aplicadas à reabilitação vocal / Reducing the gap between science and clinic: lessons from academia and professional practice - part B: traditional vocal therapy techniques and modern electrostimulation and photobiomodulation techniques applied to vocal rehabilitation

RESUMO O presente texto é a continuação da publicação referente ao XVIII Congresso da SBFa. Na parte "A" apresentamos análises sobre avaliação clínica vocal. O foco da parte "B" são aspectos de reabilitação vocal: 4. Técnicas tradicionais de terapia vocal; 5. Técnicas modernas de eletroestimulação e fotobiomodulação aplicadas à reabilitação. Os inúmeros estudos sobre os diversos programas, métodos ou técnicas tradicionais de reabilitação, muitos de elevada qualidade de evidência, permitem considerar tais procedimentos relativamente bem descritos, seguros e com efeitos conhecidos, dando conta do tratamento de diversos distúrbios vocais. As evidências científicas com as técnicas tradicionais são reconhecidas mundialmente. Novas frentes de evolução, como o uso da eletroestimulação ou fotobiomodulação em voz parecem ser promissoras como abordagens coadjuvantes. Há mais estudos sobre eletroestimulação em voz do que com fotobiomodulação, contudo, evidências científicas para essas duas técnicas modernas são ainda limitadas. Conhecimento e cautela são necessários para a aplicação de quaisquer técnicas.

ABSTRACT This text is the continuation of the XVIII SBFa Congress publication. In part "A" we presented the analyses on clinical vocal evaluation. Part "B" focuses on vocal rehabilitation: 4. Traditional techniques of vocal therapy; 5. Modern techniques of electrostimulation and photobiomodulation applied to vocal rehabilitation. The numerous studies on the various programs, methods, and techniques of traditional rehabilitation techniques, and many with high quality of evidence, allow us to consider such procedures relatively well described, safe, and with known effects, accounting for the treatment of various vocal disorders. The scientific evidence with traditional techniques is recognized worldwide. New fronts of evolution, with electrostimulation or photobiomodulation used to handle voice problems, seem to be promising as coadjutant approaches. There are more studies on electrostimulation in vocal rehabilitation than with photobiomodulation; however, scientific evidence for these two modern techniques is still limited. Knowledge and caution are required for the application of either technique.

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 / 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

RESUMO 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.

ABSTRACT 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.

Benefícios Previdenciários: análise de afastamentos no Brasil decorrentes do distúrbio de voz / Social Security Benefits: analysis of sick leaves in Brazil due to voice disorders / Beneficios de la seguridad social: análisis de la licencia en Brasil, producto de trastornos de la voz

Introdução: o trabalhador brasileiro, quando adoece, pode recorrer a diferentes tipos de auxílios nas previdências pública e privada para garantir recursos para ele e sua família. Objetivo: descrever a concessão de benefícios previdenciários aos segurados que se afastam do trabalho por distúrbio de voz e de laringe no Brasil. Métodos: levantamento de dados secundários (Sistema Único de Informações de Benefícios), referentes aos afastamentos no período de 2009 a 2017. Foram considerados os CID-10: C32 - Neoplasia maligna da laringe; J04 - Laringite e traqueíte agudas; J37 - Laringite e laringotraqueíte crônicas; J38 - Doença das cordas vocais e da laringe não classificadas em outra parte - e R49 - Distúrbios da voz. Benefícios: B31- Auxílio-doença previdenciário, B32- Aposentadoria por invalidez previdenciária, B91- Auxílio-doença acidentário, B92- Aposentadoria por invalidez acidentária. Foram consideradas as variáveis: sexo, faixa etária e CID-10. Resultados: mulheres (59,6%), faixa etária entre 31 a 55 anos (58,4%) e CID C32 e J38 (68,8%) foram mais frequentes. Dentre os benefícios, o B31 (78,7%) e B32 (10,5%) foram os mais concedidos. Conclusão: observou-se predominância da concessão dos benefícios previdenciários (B31) por doença comum, na faixa etária entre 31 a 55 anos. As mulheres afastam-se predominantemente com os CID J38.2 e R49, e homens pelo CID C32.

Introduction: the Brazilian worker, in the presence of illness, can use different types of social security benefits to protect resources for him and his family. Objective: to describe the granting of social security benefits to policyholders who leave work due to voice and laryngeal disorders in Brazil. Methods: survey of secondary data (Single Benefit Information System), referring to sick leave from 2009 to 2017. ICD-10 was considered: C32 - Malignant neoplasm of the larynx; J04 - Acute laryngitis and tracheitis; J37 - Chronic laryngitis and laryngotracheitis; J38 - Disease of the vocal cords and larynx not elsewhere classified - and R49 - Voice disorders. Benefits: B31- Pension sickness benefit, B32- Retirement due to social security disability, B91- Accident sickness allowance, B92- Retirement due to accidental disability. Gender, age groups and ICD-10 variables were considered. Results: Women (59.6%), aged between 31 and 55 years (58.4%) and CID C32 and J38 (68.8%) were more frequent. Among the benefits, B31 (78.7%) and B32 (10.5%) were the most granted. Conclusion: there was a predominance of the granting of social security benefits (B31) due to common illness in the age group between 31 and 55 years old. Women distance themselves predominantly with ICD J38.2 and R49, and men with ICD C32.

Introducción: el trabajador brasileño, en presencia de enfermedad, puede utilizar diferentes tipos de prestaciones de seguridad social para proteger los recursos para él y su família. Objetivo: describir el otorgamiento de prestaciones de seguridad social a asegurados que dejan el trabajo por trastornos de la voz y laringe en Brasil. Métodos: encuesta de datos secundarios (Sistema Único de Información de Beneficio), referido a la baja laboral de 2009 a 2017. Se consideraron CIE-10: C32 - Neoplasia maligna de laringe; J04 - Laringitis y traqueítis agudas; J37 - Laringitis y laringotraqueítis crónica; J38 - Enfermedad de las cuerdas vocales y laringe no clasificada en otra parte - y R49 - Trastornos de la voz. Prestaciones: B31- Pensión por enfermedad, B32- Jubilación por invalidez de la seguridad social, B91- Subsidio por accidente, B92- Jubilación por invalidez accidental. Se consideraron las variables sexo, grupo de edad y CIE-10. Resultados: las mujeres (59,6%), con edades comprendidas entre 31 a 55 años (58,4%) y CID C32 y J38 (68,8%) fueron más frecuentes. Entre los beneficios, B31 (78,7%) y B32 (10,5%) fueron los más otorgados. Conclusión: predominó el otorgamiento de prestaciones de seguridad social (B31) por enfermedad común, en el grupo de edad entre 31 y 55 años. Las mujeres se distancian predominantemente con ICD J38.2 y R49, y los hombres con ICD C32.

Is There an Ideal Performance Time for the Latex Tube Exercise?

PURPOSE: SOVTE has been widely used in voice clinic. Estimates of time to perform the technique with a flexible latex tube are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effect of flexible latex tube immersed in water on amateur singers after 1, 3, 5 and 7 minutes, considering: (a) the singers' self-assessment regarding voice and vocal effort; (b) acoustic parameters; and (c) auditory-perceptual parameters of voice quality. METHODS: Twenty nine amateur singers (14 women and 15 men) performed the exercise with latex tube (35 cm X 0.9 cm) in one 1-minute set and three 2-minute sets. Data collection was conducted before and immediately after each set using sustained emission of vowel [a]. RESULTS: Women and men were considered separately. Vocal self-assessment showed a statistically significant increase in negative sensations after 7 minutes of exercise for women. Auditory-perceptual analysis indicated voices were perceived more often as "equal" comparing pre exercise with first minute set and more often as "better" in the third and fifth minutes comparing with pre exercise only for women. The other parameters showed no significance. CONCLUSIONS: The exercise with flexible latex tube in amateur singers promoted improvement in vocal quality after 3 and 5 minutes for women. Also, the women presented significant negative sensations after 7 minutes. Immediate effect on the analyzed parameters was not observed in men.

Utilização de software para terapia fonoaudiológica com crianças surdas / Use of software for speech therapy with deaf children

RESUMO Na perspectiva de se trabalhar o aprimoramento da fala de crianças com surdez, a atuação fonoaudiológica busca novas ferramentas condizentes com o cenário tecnológico atual, utilizando-se de aplicativos tecnológicos no auxílio de suas intervenções, pois os jogos digitais, além de estimular a percepção visual, favorecem momentos interativos como etapas do processo de aprendizagem. O presente estudo se propôs a analisar estratégias terapêuticas mediadas pelo uso de software na reabilitação das habilidades vocais e articulatórias de fala de crianças com surdez, usuárias de implante coclear. Tratou-se de pesquisa do tipo estudo de caso com três crianças, realizada por meio do levantamento de prontuário; avaliação da voz e da articulação e análise acústica das produções vocais das vogais [a], [i] e [u] e dos sons oclusivos [p] e [b]; aplicação do jogo digital VoxTraining para aprimoramento de aspectos vocais e de fala, realizada em cinco sessões terapêuticas. Observou-se que todas as crianças tiveram diagnóstico de perda auditiva e início de reabilitação tardios, estavam em fase de aquisição da Língua Brasileira de Sinais como língua materna e apresentavam alterações vocais e articulatórias. Os resultados sugerem que os participantes se interessaram pelo software devido às solicitações de repetição dos jogos e estes contribuíram para melhor entendimento sobre o exercício vocal e articulatório realizado, devido ao estímulo do feedback visual. Conclui-se que o trabalho com crianças surdas utilizando jogos digitais facilitam a terapia e proporcionam melhora na qualidade da voz e da fala.

ABSTRACT From the perspective of working on the improving the speech of deaf children, the speech therapy action, when seeking new tools beffitting the current technological scenario, can use technological applications to help its interventions with deaf children, because digital games, besides stimulating visual perception, favors interactive moments as phases of the learning process. The present study aimed to analyze therapeutic strategies mediated by the use of software in the rehabilitation of vocal and articulatory speech skills of deaf children using cochlear implants. It is a case study of three deaf children was carried out through the survey of medical records; evaluation of the voice and articulation and acoustic analysis of the vocal productions of the vowels [a], [i], [u], and of the occlusive sounds [p], [b]; and application of the digital game VoxTraining to improve vocal and speech aspects performed in five therapeutic sessions. It was observed that all children were diagnosed with hearing los and early rehabilitation. The children are also in the process of acquiring the Brazilian Sign Language as their mother tongue and presents vocal and articulatory speech alterations. The results suggest that the participants were interested in the software due to the request for repetition of the games by the children, and this fact contributed to a better understanding of the vocal and articulatory exercise to be performed due to the contribution of visual feedback. It was concluded that bilingual work with deaf children using digital games facilitates therapy and improves voice quality and speech.