Presbyphonia as an Individual Process of Voice Change.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the individual variability of the severity of dysphonia in the population of older women and men using the initial perceptual voice assessment (GRBAS) and objective diagnosis of the clinical form of Presbyphonia with laryngeal visualization technique (High-Speed Digital Imaging [HSDI]) and acoustic voice analysis (Diagnoscope Specjalista). METHODS: The study included 302 elderly women and men. Application of perceptual GRBAS scale allowed to extract 230 subjects with voice disorders (Group I). Remaining 72 elderly subjects without the symptoms of dysphonia consisted Group II. Group III included 50 subjects with euphonic voice. In the assessment of dysphonia, visualization technique (HSDI) as well as acoustic method (Diagnoscope Specjalista). The observation of real vibration of vocal folds using HSDI technique and HS camera allowed to examine symmetricity (Shaw-Deliyski scale), periodicity and amplitude of vibration, Mucosal Wave (MW) morphology, Glottal Closure Type, and value of Open Quotient (OQ). Acoustic analysis allowed to assess value of Fundamental Frequency (F0), Maximum Phonation Time (MPT) as well as Jitter, Shimmer, Noise-to-Harmonics Ratio (NHR) parameters. Narrowband Spectrography was performed. RESULTS: HSDI technique allowed to register in elderly women with voice disorders a mild asymmetry and aperiodicity of vibrations, MW reduction, amplitude increase and glottal insufficiency in the posterior segment of glottis which indicated edematous changes in the larynx. In 90% of men in this group, moderate asymmetry and aperiodicity were observed as well as amplitude decrease, significant limitation of MW and glottal insufficiency in the middle segment of the glottis which indicated atrophic changes in the larynx. In remaining 10% of men, amplitude of vibration was increased which indicated the existence of hypofunctional dysphonia. Objective confirmation of glottal insufficiency in women with edematous changes was high value of OQ in posterior segment of the glottis registered with HSDI technique. In men with larynx atrophy, the value of OQ was the highest in the middle segment of the glottis. Glottal insufficiency, especially in the middle segment, coexisted with the increase of NHR parameter observed in acoustic examination and with numerous nonharmonic components in the scope of high frequencies revealed in narrowband spectrography, especially in men with larynx atrophy. What is more, in men, the increase of F0 and reduction of MPT was registered. In women with edematous changes of the larynx, acoustic analysis revealed decrease of F0 value, increase of Jitter, Shimmer, NHR as well as reduction of MPT. Narrowband sopectrography revealed not only harmonic components but also nonharmonics in the range of low, medium, and high frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: The course of Presbyphonia varies individually in the elderly. In many subjects, the process of aging does not influence the quality of voice. Crucial importance in the diagnosis of Presbyphonia is assigned to High-Speed Digital Imaging technique which confirms the existence of edematous changes in the larynx in women as well as atrophy and hypofunctional dysphonia in men. The acoustic examination of voice confirmed the individual variability of the severity of Presbyphonia in the elderly depending on the clinical form of dysphonia determined by the gender of the diagnosed person.

Multidimentional assessment of voice quality in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.

<b><br>Introduction:</b> Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common disorder in world population. As a result of the regurgitation of acid content from the stomach to laryngopharynx and larynx, secondary damage of laryngeal mucosa occur, which is highly sensitive to hydrochloric acid, and morphological changes are observed. Symptomatology of laryngopharyngeal reflux is varied which makes differential diagnosis difficult.</br> <b><br>Aim:</b> The aim of the study was the assessment of voice quality, morphological changes in larynx as well as etiology of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease.</br> <b><br>Material and method:</b> The severity of dysphonia was classified using perceptual and acoustic methods as well as RSI. Morphological control was performed using HSDI technique and RFS. Etiological factors were examined basing on barofunction of upper esophageal sphincter and 24-hour pH-metry of air exhaled expressed in Ryan score.</br> <b><br>Results:</b> In the majority of patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, dysphonia was recognized, intensified especially in women (G3R2B0A0S3), which was confirmed in Yanagihara classification (type III) and parameters of acoustic analysis. Voice disorders were the most frequently the result of edema and congestion of interarytenoid area, aytenoids and vocal folds. Those symptoms were caused by the decrease of upper esophageal sphincter tension and acidity of exhaled air which was confirmed in 24-hour pHmetry.</br> <b><br>Conclusions:</b> It is important to educate physicians and patients about the possibilty of negative impact of reflux disease on the occurrence of voice quality disorders. Current diagnostic methods for dysphonia guarantee accurate recognition and therapeutic success improving the prognoses of patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.</br>.

Application of the HRES 5562 Camera Using the HSDI Technique in the Diagnosis of Glottal Insufficiencies in Teachers.

OBJECTIVE: Teachers are the largest group of professional voice users with predispositions to functional or organic changes in the larynx. The dysfunction of intrinsic muscles of the larynx frequently occurs which leads to changes in parameters of quality of voice (dysphonia). The aim of the study is the assessment of parameters of vocal folds vibrations, Mucosal Wave morphology, Glottal Closure Type and Open Quotient (OQ) using High Speed (HS) camera and High Speed Digital Imaging (HSDI) technique in teachers with disorders of voice quality classified in GRBAS scale in glottal insufficiencies. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study included group of 50 teachers of both genders, working in primary and secondary education units for 15 years, without systemic diseases with disorders of quality of voice confirmed by the results in GRBAS scale assessment. Vocal folds vibrations were assessed with HS camera by R. Wolf and HSDI technique. Rigid endoscope with 90o optics by the same company was used in the study. Vocal folds vibrations were registered with the speed of 4000 frames/sec. Regularity, symmetry of vibrations, Mucosal Wave (MW) morphology as well as Glottal Closure Type were assessed. Numerical value of OQ was determined in anterior, middle and posterior segment of the glottis during phonation. RESULTS: Assessment of real vibrations of vocal folds revealed irregularity, mean asymmetry of vibrations, MW reduction as well as glottal insufficiency, the most frequently (96%), in the middle segment - type E according to European Laryngological Society, less frequently (4%) - type E+C. The highest value of OQ (average 0.98) was registered in the middle segment of the glottis. In GRBAS scale, significant dysphonia has been registered, classified as G3R3B3A3 without the features of voice strain - S0. CONCLUSION: In group of teachers with extensive professional experience, glottal insufficiency in the middle segment was registered the most frequently which was confirmed by high values of OQ in this region obtained with HSDI technique. What is more, irregularity, mean asymmetry and asynchrony of vibrations with MW reduction were registered which confirmed the existence of glottal insufficiency in this group. GRBAS scale was useful in preliminary evaluation of dysphonia and its severity, however, the diagnosis of its clinical form was possible only with visualization of the larynx and objective parameters obtained with HSDI.

Phoniatric, Audiological, Orodental and Speech Problems in a Boy with Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous Syndrome Type 3 (CFC 3) Due to a Pathogenic Variant in MAP2K1 - Case Study.

Cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome 3 (CFC3) due to variants in MAP2K1 is a rare genetic disorder manifested mainly by short stature, facial dysmorphism, abnormalities of the cardiovascular system, skin changes, and intellectual disability. The aim of the study is the evaluation of the occurrence of pathological changes in the upper respiratory tract, orthodontic disorders, as well as voice, speech and hearing abnormalities in an 11-year-old boy with CFC3 syndrome. The lack of detailed diagnostics of speech, voice and hearing disorders, as well as the degree of their severity was an inspiration to undertake research in this field. Pathological changes in face, oral cavity, upper respiratory tract (nose, nasopharynx, larynx), and hearing organ, as well as voice and speech quality, were assessed in an 11-year-old boy with CFC3 syndrome. Pathologies of the upper respiratory tract (adenoid hypertrophy, narrowing of the nasal passages) and laryngeal asymmetry were found without significant changes in voice quality in the acoustic examination, except for the voice timbre change confirmed in narrowband spectrography. Complex audiological assessment confirmed the existence of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Speech pathology assessment revealed abnormalities in the structure of articulation organ, its decreased motor efficiency, imprecision, reduced coordination, as well as the presence of autistic features. Exome sequencing showed the heterozygous variant c.371C>T (p.Pro124Leu) in the MAP2K1 gene, previously described as pathogenic, thus supporting a causative relevance. Phoniatric, audiological, orodental and speech problems should be considered as features of cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome type 3 (CFC 3) phenotype due to a pathogenic variant in MAP2K1.

Application of High Speed Digital Imaging (HSDI) technique in the diagnosis of dysphonia in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR).

Introduction Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause extra-esophageal complications, including laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR). It is caused by morphological changes in the laryngeal mucosa due to the regurgitation of gastric contents. Laryngopharyngeal reflux has a wide symptomatology. There is no pathognomonic image of the larynx for LPR. In the diagnosis of LPR, the subjective RSI scale is commonly used, which assesses symptoms in conjunction with the laryngoscopic assessment of the larynx on the RFS scale. The aim of the study was to diagnose the clinical form of dysphonia in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) using the HS camera and HSDI technique. Material and methods The study included a group of 72 patients of both genders, age 20 to 65, who obtained more than 13 points in the RSI scale and more than 7 points in the RFS scale. Results Application of HSDI technique with camera in the high speed (HS) and high resolution (HR) mode allowed precise objective diagnosis of organic and functional disorders of a hyperfunctional dysphonia.

Specifics and diagnostic procedure in reflux-related dysphonia.

Voice is a work tool for many professional groups. Currently, cases of dysphonia of multiple origin consist a growing issue. Voice disorders may result from disturbed voice production process, congenital defects, post-traumatic conditions, chronic diseases or hormonal disorders. Chronic diseases causing voice disorders include laryngopharyngeal reflux disease and esophageal reflux disease.The chronic character of reflux causes the formation of numerous morphological changes of the larynx, including: hyperemia of the mucosa limited to arytenoid and intraarytenoid area, edema of the vocal folds, edema of the larynx mucosa. These changes contribute to voice disorders. Among the pathological changes of voice organ etiologically associated with reflux, the following disease units may be distinguished: reflux laryngitis, subglottic edema, contact ulceration, larynx granuloma, larynx and pharynx cancer. Many of disorders in the upper respiratory tract are etiologically related to reflux, e.g. dysphonia, grunting, coughing and dyspnoea.

Perceptual and acoustic voice analysis in patients with glottis cancer after endoscopic laser cordectomy.

<b>Introduction:</b> Treatment of glottis cancer, despite oncological safety, should consider postoperative voice quality. CO₂ laser endoscopic cordectomy allows radical removal of the tumor while maintaining respiratory, defensive and phonatory functions. <br><b>The aim:</b> The aim of the study is perceptual and acoustic evaluation of voice in patients after endoscopic CO2 III-Va laser cordectomy due to glottis cancer. <br><b>Material and method:</b> The study included 30 men after CO₂ cordectomy. 13 (43%) patients underwent type III cordectomy, 6 (20%) - type IV; 11 (37%) - type Va. Voice quality has been assessed 6 months after the surgery. Control group included 30 healthy men of the same age. GRBAS scale has been used in perceptual evaluation of voice. Acoustic analysis has been performed using DiagnoScope Specjalista software. Narrowband spectrography and Maximum Phonation Time (MPT) measure has been performed. <br><b>Results:</b> In study group, voice has been classified as G₁R₁B₀A₀S₀ after type III cordectomy; as G₁R₁B₁A₁S₂ in type IV and as G₂R₁B₁A₀S₃ in type Va. Acoustic evaluation revealed the highest values of F0, Jitter, Shimmer and NHR after Va cordectomy as well as non-harmonic components in narrowband spectrography and reduction of MPT. <br><b>Conclusions:</b> Postoperative voice quality depends on the type of cordectomy. Perceptual assessment indicates that type IV and Va cordectomy cause intensification of voice disorders. Parameters of acoustic evaluation increase with the extent of the procedure. The presence of non-harmonic components in narrowband spectrography increases with the extent of cordectomy, such as the reduction of MPT. Preservation of anterior commissure influences good voice quality in perceptual and acoustic assessment.

Application of High Speed Digital Imaging (HSDI) technique and voice acoustic analysis in the diagnosis of the clinical form of Presbyphonia in women.

<b>Introduction:</b> The aging process of voice begins after the age of 60 and has an individually variable course. Voice quality disorders at this age are called senile voice (Presbyphonia or Vox Senium). Voice pathology is particularly severe in women. The aim of the study was to diagnose the clinical form of Presbyphonia in elderly women using High Speed Digital Imaging (HSDI) and acoustic voice analysis. <br><b>Material and methods:</b> Study included 50 elderly women (average age 69) with dysphonia (Group I). Control group (Group II) included 30 women (average age 71) without voice quality disorders. Visualization assessment has been conducted with High Speed Digital Imaging (HSDI) with High Speed camera (HS). Acoustic evaluation of voice included analysis isolated vowel "a" and continuous linguistic text with Diagnoscope Specialista software. Maximum Phonation Time (MPT) has been determined. <br><b>Results:</b> In Group I, 78% of women revealed vocal folds vibrations asymmetry, vibration amplitude increase, Mucousal Wave (MW) limitation and Type D glottal insufficiency (GTs). Acoustic voice analysis proved decrease in F0, increase in Jitter, Shimmer, NHR. In 22% of women, next to vibrations asymmetry, vibration amplitude reduction and MW limitation, Type E glottal insufficiency (GTs) have been found. Acoustic voice analysis revealed slight decrease in F0 and the presence of numerous non-harmonic components in the glottis region. <br><b>Conclusions:</b> Vocal folds visualization with HSDI showed edema, less often atrophy in elderly women. Both forms of dysphonia were caused abnormal values of F0, Jitter, Shimmer, NHR in the acoustic voice evaluation and significant reduction of MPT.

The application of High-Speed camera (HS), acoustic analysis and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) questionnaire in diagnosis of voice disorders in elderly men.

OBJECTIVE: The process of ageing begins after 60 years of age and is referred to as presbyphonia (Vox senium). The causes include functional or organic voice disorders, often coexisting with dry upper respiratory tract infection. INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is the use of high-speed camera and acoustic voice analysis in diagnostics of the clinical form of presbyphonia. M aterials and methods: The study included a group of 50 men, non-smokers, age from 51 to 72, who do not use their voice professionally. High-Speed Digital Imaging and HS camera have been used, allowing evaluation of real vibrations of vocal folds, along with acoustic voice analysis using a software by DiagNova Technologies. RESULTS: VHI questionnaire has been used for self-assessment of voice disability. Visualizations of the larynx enabled recognition of hypofunctional dysphonia or atrophy of vocal folds that cause voice disorders. This was confirmed by parameters of voice acoustic evaluation: F0, NHR, narrowband spectrography. The pathological value of NHR and the presence of nonharmonic components in the range of high frequency levels indicated glottal insufficiency, recorded with the visualization technique of the larynx by HS camera. A significant shortening of maximum phonation time in relation to the control group has also been recorded. DISCUSSION: The objective examination of voice pathology is crucial in diagnosis and rehabilitation, however, subjective assessment of the patient is important in the scope of the procedure used. The patient's subjective self-rating assessment (VHI) confirmed the sense of voice disorders in elderly men, indicating the need for rapid and accurate clinical diagnosis.

Verbal communication disorders in psychogenic dysphonia.

Psychogenic dysphonia is defined as disturbances in voice and speech quality with emotional background with lack of organic changes in the larynx. Mental condition has significant impact on the process of producing voice, functioning of respiratoryphonatory- articulation mechanism and speech prosody. The aim of the study was visual, acoustic, perceptual assessment as well as self-assessment of voice and speech quality using subjective and objective methods in patients with psychogenic dysphonia. The study included 50 patients with psychogenic dysphonia diagnosed in the Department of Clinical Fonoaudiology and Logopedics, Medical University of Bialystok and treated at the Foniatric Outpatient Clinic, University Hospital in Bialystok in 2017-2018. The control group consisted of 30 subjects with euphonic voice. All patients underwent subjective and objective assessment of voice and speech quality. The GRBAS scale, breathing pathway assessment, respiratory-phonatory-articulation analysis, voice and speech intensity evaluation have been performed. Speech prosody has also been examined. Patient selfassessment of voice has been conducted using Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Objective evaluation of larynx included vibrations of vocal folds visualization using High Speed Digital Imaging (HSDI). Acoustic analysis of voice quality has been performed using DiagNova Technologies. The maximum phonation time (MPT) has been determined. Hyperfunctional dysphonia is the most common clinical form of psychogenic dysphonia. Abnormal breathing pathway influence the reduction of MPT and disturbance of respiratory-phonatory-articulation coordination in patients with psychogenic dysphonia. In psychogenic dysphonia intonation and speech rate disorders are observed. Results of voice self-assessment in the majority of examined patients indicates a mild voice disability.

Analysis of voice quality parameters in patients with vestibular voice.

Vestibular voice includes participation of larynx structures which are absent in physiological process. Vestibular phonation may be desired when vocal folds are damaged as in paralytic dysphonia, or undesired in marginal hyperfunction. Vestibular voice may result from psychogenic dysphonia - phononeurosis. The aim of the study is perceptive evaluation of vestibular voice, objective larynx visualization, acoustic and aerodynamic examination. The study included 40 patients: 20 with vestibular voice, 20 with euphonic voice. Voice quality has been evaluated using perceptual GRBAS scale. Endoscopic and stroboscopic larynx examination used Endo-STROB-EL-Xion GmbH with visual tract. High-Speed Digital Imaging (HSDI) and High Speed (HS) camera registered true vocal folds vibrations. Acoustic evaluation of voice with DiagnoScope Specjalista, DiagNova Technologies included analysis of F0, Jitter, Shimmer, NHR, nonharmonic components. MPT has been analyzed. In examined group, hoarseness (95%), roughness (75%) and voice strain (55%) have been recorded. Endoscopy revealed edema of vestibular folds with dilation of vessels covering glottis. Stroboscopy and HSDI confirmed coexistence of hyperfunctional (95%) or paralytic (5%) dysphonia. Acoustic assessment revealed increase in Jitter, Shimmer, NHR and decrease in F0 and MPT. The vestibular voice is observed most frequently in women with hyperfunctional dysphonia (phononeuroses) or in paralytic dysphonia. Visualization techniques confirm the coexistence of vestibular folds hypertrophy and edema with vibration disorders. In the perceptual assessment, vestibular voice was hoarse, rough and strained. Acoustic examination showed increase of Jitter, Shimmer, NHR, presence of nonharmonic components and decrease of F0 and MPT.

Phonatory compensation in patients with larynx cancer after CO2 laser cordectomy.

INTRODUCTION: CO2 laser endoscopic cordectomy is the method of laryngeal cancer treatment. The type of cordectomy (I-VI) depends on the extent of the tumor. Endoscopic laser surgery provides more satisfactory phonation conditions in comparison to open surgical procedures. THE AIM: The aim of the study was to classify phonatory compensation mechanisms after CO2 laser cordectomy using the HSDI. M aterial and methods: The study included 30 men treated and diagnosed at the Department of Otolaryngology and Department of Clinical Phonoaudiology and Logopedics, Medical University of Bialystok. The control included 30 men with no pathological changes in the larynx. Type III, IV and Va CO2 laser cordectomy have been for glottis cancer treatment. Postoperative evaluation has been conducted 6 months after the surgery. HSDI has been used in larynx visualization. R esults: Type I compensation occurs most frequently in patients after type III cordectomy. Advanced glottis cancer, as an indication for type IV and V cordectomy, leads to epiglottic hyperfunction and phonation involving vestibular folds - type II and III compensation. Type IV compensation is most frequent in type IV cordectomy. C onclusions: The type compensation is connected with the extent of glottis resection. In cordectomy including anterior commissure and the part of opposite fold (type Va), supraglottic hyperfunction with the participation of vestibular folds (type II and III compensation) has been recorded. Transmuscular cordectomy (type III) most often resulted in type I compensation. Type III-Va cordectomy caused reduction or absence of MW, decrease in amplitude and aperiodicity of vibrations in HSDI.

Psychogenic voice disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Voice express the psyche and personality of a person. Psychogenic dysphonia is called Phononeurosis. Neurosis, depression or family, occupational and social conflicts are the cause of voice disturbances. The most frequent type of dysphonia is hyperfunctional dysphonia, rarer - hypofunctional type. AIM: The aim of this study is an analysis of voice quality and diagnosis of clinical type of psychogenic dysphonia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analyzed group consisted of 50 patients with voice disorders treated in 2017 and the control group - 30 people with physiological voice. In the diagnosed group 60% of patients were treated for neurosis, 12% due to depression, the others reported conflict situations. In the diagnosis of clinical type of psychogenic dysphonia GRBAS scale was used, maximum phonation time (MPT) and type of breathing were assessed. The visualisation of the larynx was performed using High Speed Digital Imaging (HSDI) technique. The parametric acoustic evaluation of voice was conducted. RESULTS: The most often clinical type of psychogenic dysphonia was hyperfunctional dysphonia, rarer hypofunctional type and vestibular voice. Dysphonia occurred the most often in women during the highest professional activity period. In the diagnosis of clinical type HSDI technique was especially useful allowing to visualization of the real vocal fold vibration and objective differentiation of hyper- and hypofunctional dysphonia. The acoustic analysis of the voice objectively confirmed the presence non-harmonic components - noise generated in the glottis in hypofunctional dysphonia. Disturbances in the way and breathing type caused irregularities in respiratory-phonic and articulation coordination.

Subjective and objective assessment of voice quality in pregnancy.

During pregnancy, voice quality disorders may occur in form of: edema, dryness, nervousness. The aim of the study is subjective and objective evaluation of voice quality in pregnant women. The study included 20 women in the third trimester of pregnancy, age of 20-31 diagnosed at the Department of Clinical Phonoaudiology and Logopedics, Medical University of Bialystok. Subjective assessment has been based on the GRBAS scale. Objective assessment of the vocal organ used the HSDI technique (High Speed Digital Imaging). In the laryngeal visualization, high-speed camera (HS) using rigid endoscope with 90 ° optics has been used. Vibration of vocal folds has been recorded during phonation of vowel "e" at 4000 frames / sec. The glottal closure (GTs), symmetry, regularity and synchronization of vocal folds vibration have been assessed. In estimating the degree of glottal insufficiency, kymography of the larynx has been performed by analyzing the value of Open Quotient (OQ). Objective acoustic evaluation of voice has been also conducted using DiagnoScope Specjalista Program. Hoarseness has been observed in 15 pregnant women, whereas voice fatigability in 20 patients. Using HSDI, the edema of vocal folds in part of the group has been observed. Decreased MPT has been found in all examined women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Hoarseness and fatigability of voice are the most frequent subjective symptoms of voice organ in the third trimester of pregnancy. Decreased MPT is recorded objectively, as well as edema and insufficiency of vocal folds using HSDI technique.

Impact of the anatomy of laryngeal nerves on intraoperative neuromonitoring results in surgery of thyroid gland and functional results after partial laryngectomies.

The aim of this work was to describe, interpret and highlight the impact of neuroanatomy in the region of the larynx on intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) during thyroidectomy. A rich network of anastomoses of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) may have impact on the results of thyroidectomy and partial laryngectomy. Intraoperative neuromonitoring is a useful tool in the armamentarium of a head and neck surgeon but it will never replace profound knowledge of surgical anatomy and good surgical technique.

Usefulness of high-speed digital imaging (HSDI) in the diagnosis of oedematous - hypertrophic changes of the larynx in people using voice occupationally.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is the evaluation of the usefulness of High-Speed Digital Imaging (HSDI) in the diagnosis of organic dysphonia in a form of oedematous-hypertrophic changes of vocal fold mucosa, morphologically confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) method in patients working with voice occupationally. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The group consisted of 30 patients working with voice occupationally with oedematous-hypertrophic changes of vocal fold mucosa. Parameters of vocal folds vibrations were evaluated using HSDI technique with a digital HS camera, HRES Endocam Richard Wolf GmbH. The image of vocal folds was recorded with a rate of 4000 frames per second. Postoperative material of the larynx was prepared in a routine way and observed in transmission electron microscope OPTON 900-PC. RESULTS: HSDI technique allows to assess the real vibrations of vocal folds and determine many parameters. The results of TEM in the postoperative material showed destruction of epithelial cells with severe vacuolar degeneration, the enlargement of intercellular spaces and a large number of blood vessels in the stroma, which indicates the presence of oedematous-hypertrophic changes of the larynx. DISCUSSION: The ultrastructural assessment confirm the particular usefulness of HSDI method in the diagnosis of organic dysphonia in a form of oedematous-hypertrophic changes. Key words: High-Speed Digital Imaging, oedematous-hypertrophic changes, vocal fold mucosa, larynx.

[Application of Brain-Boy Universal Professional in preliminary assessment of auditory processing disorder]. / Zastosowanie Brain-Boy Universal Professional we wstepnej ocenie zaburzen przetwarzania sluchowego.

Increasing numbers of hearing pathology is auditory processing disorders. Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) are defined as difficulty in using auditory information to communicate and learn in the presence of normal peripheral hearing. It may be recognized as a problem with understanding of speech in noise and perception disorder of distorted speech. APD may accompany to articulation disorders, language problems and difficulties in reading and writing. The diagnosis of auditory processing disorders causes many difficulties primarily due to the lack of common testing procedures, precise criteria for qualification to the group of norm and pathology. The Brain-Boy Universal Professional (BUP) is one of diagnostics tools. It enables to assess the higher auditory functions. AIM: The aim of the study was preliminary assessment of hearing difficulties that may suggest the occurrence of auditory processing disorders in children. The questionnaire of hearing difficulties and BUP was used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study includes 20 participants 2nd grade students of elementary school. The examination of the basic central functions was carried out with BUP. The parents and teacher complete the questionnaire to evaluate the hearing problems. RESULTS: Studies carried out indicate that the 40% schoolchild have hearing difficulties. The high percentage of deficits in auditory functions was confirmed with research results of medical device and the questionnaire for teacher. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the studies conducted may establish that the Warnke Method can serve as preliminary assessment of hearing difficulties that may suggest the occurrence of auditory processing disorders in children.

[High-speed digital imaging in the clinical analysis of voice change as a parameter of premenstrual syndrome]. / Technika szybkiego filmu w sekwencji cyfrowej w analizie zmian glosu w zespole napiecia przedmiesiaczkowego.

Technique of high-speed digital imaging (HSDI) is unique technology, allowing assessment of real vocal fold vibrations. AIM: The aim of the study is to present the usefulness of HSDI in the diagnosis of premenstrual dysphonia as a parameter of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In study conducted by Department of Clinical Phonoaudiology and Logopedics at the Medical University of Bialystok participated 21 women aged between 20-31 years old. HSDI technique with a digital High Speed HS camera was used for visualization of the larynx. The rigid endoscope with 90° optics was used for visualizing the vocal folds vibrations during phonation of "e" vowel, at the rate of 4000 frames per second. Playback of recorded sequence set at 15 frames per second, allowed to assess vocal folds vibrations in slow motion mode. Mucosal wave (MW), glottal closure (GTs), symmetry, regularity and synchrony of vocal fold vibration were analyzed. Kymography of the larynx was made for analyzing the value of the Open Quotient (OQ) in the assessment of degree of glottal insufficiency. Study was conducted in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and then repeated 2-3 days before menstruation. RESULTS: In the analyzed group of patients studied before menstruation only 19% of women complained of hoarseness and fatigue of voice, and 81% reported no problems with his voice but the edematous changes in the larynx was recorded by HSDI technique. No women had premenstrual dysphonia in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS: HSDI allows objective assessment of the degree of severity of insufficiency of glottal closure and edematous changes in the vocal folds in premenstrual dysphonia, what is confirmed by the objective values of the OQ.

[Phonosurgical methods of treatment in unilateral vocal folds paralysis]. / Fonochirurgiczne metody leczenia jednostronnych porazen faldów glosowych.

Glottal insufficiency (GI) is a cause of breathy voice that can profoundly affect quality of voice. Main causes are unilateral vocal fold paralysis or endoscopic cordectomy for the early treatment of laryngeal cancer of the glottis. The main strategy in surgical treatment is type I medialization thyroplasty according to Isshiki with the use of implants e.g. silastic, hydroxyapatite, titanium, Gore-Tex or Montgomery. Other procedures are arytenoid adduction, the injection laryngoplasty via thyrohyoid and cricothyroid approach and laryngeal reinnervation. To predict successful voice outcome and to prevent revision surgery, surgeon must choose appropriate size of the implant on the basis of subjective intraoperative visualization of the glottal closure during phonation in fibroptic laryngoscopy and by objective measurement of peroperative maximal phonation time (MPT) or direct peak subglottic pressure (DPSP) through a catheter inserted into the cricothyroid membrane. Majority of otolaryngologist recommend surgical treatment 12 months after the onset of unilateral vocal fold paralysis, before performing any permanent intervention, because some patients will have full or partial recovery of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) function and others will have adequate compensation from the intact side.