Effects of the Voiced Tongue Trill Technique in Glissandos on the Voice Range Profile of Choir Members: A Preliminary Study.

The objective of this study was to verify the immediate effect of the voiced tongue trill technique in ascending and descending glissandos on the voice range profile of choir members. A total of 25 sopranos, mezzo-sopranos, contraltos, tenors, and baritones participated in the study. They were choir members, aged 20 to 45 years, with no voice symptoms, and able to perform the voiced tongue trill technique. Their voice range profile was analyzed before and after performing the ascending and descending technique for 2 and 5 minutes. The maximum fundamental frequency values in the study groups increased after performing the ascending and descending technique for 2 minutes (P = 0.001) and 5 minutes (P = 0.003). The range in Hz increased after 2 minutes (P = 0.010) and 5 minutes (P = 0.050) of the ascending technique and after 2 minutes (P = 0.001) of the descending technique, and the minimum fundamental frequency mean value suffered interference from the type of technique (ascending/descending). The immediate effects of VTTT in glissandos on the VRP of choir members' considering the two factors: condition and time, in ascending and descending glissandos for 2 and 5 minutes increased the maximum frequency and the range in Hz of choristers. Regarding volume levels results, no difference was found in intensity after applying the technique.

Prosodic Differences in the Voices of Transgender and Cisgender Women: Self-Perception of Voice - An Auditory and Acoustic Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The voice is an important parameter for identifying the speaker's gender. Transgender people seek to adapt their bodies to gender identity, and transgender women have greater difficulties in achieving vocal acceptance. In this context, the evaluation of the various parameters of the voice of transgender and cisgender women is essential to make it possible to propose appropriate intervention measures. OBJECTIVES: To identify the differences in vocal characteristics of transgender and cisgender women. METHODS: An sectional study was conducted. The sample comprised 20 transgender women and 20 cisgender women who underwent evaluation of acoustic parameters, emotional prosody, self-perception, and perception of gender by lay listeners. RESULTS: The vocal characteristics of transgender and cisgender women differ in terms of the following parameters: f0, glottal noise excitation (GNE), vocal intensity, speech range profile (SRP), the first three formants of the vowel /a/, and in terms of emotional prosody, including duration and melodic contour. Higher values ​​were mostly found in the cisgender population, except for noise level and vocal intensity. In addition, in most cases lay listeners identified the voices of transgender women as belonging to the male gender. There was a negative correlation between vocal dissatisfaction and f0 among transgender women. CONCLUSIONS: Even though they perform vocal adjustments, the voices of transgender women are different from cisgender women in terms of acoustic parameters, vocal extension, and emotional prosody including duration and melodic contour. These differences have repercussions on the perception of gender by listeners.

Characterization of care provided at a Speech Therapy School Clinic affiliated with the Brazilian public healthcare system / Caracterização dos atendimentos realizados numa Clínica Escola de Fonoaudiologia conveniada à rede Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS

ABSTRACT Objective: to characterize the care provided at a Speech Therapy School Clinic affiliated with the Brazilian public healthcare system, in 2016. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with data from screening, discharge, discontinuation and medical records. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were assessed, by measuring waiting time and specialty. The reasons for treatment discontinuation were also investigated. The data were presented in tables and expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. Results: one hundred-seven individuals were screened, among whom 53.3% were children, 58.9% were males, 41.1% had language complaints and 35.5% had complaints regarding orofacial motor function. The mean waiting time to begin treatment was 6.6 months. Among all individuals screened, 80.3% began treatment. The treatment, more frequently, addressed orofacial motor function (39.1%) and language (37.9%). Discharge from treatment occurred in 28.6% of cases. Among the 37 individuals whose treatment was discontinued prior to completion, the main reason was abandonment/absences on the part of the patient (71.4%). Conclusion: the speech therapy care profile revealed a greater frequency of children, males and needs regarding language and orofacial motor function. The mean waiting time was 6.6 months and 20% of the individuals screened did not initiate treatment. A high frequency of discontinuation prior to completing treatment was found, due, mainly, to failure on the part of the patients to attend the sessions.

RESUMO Objetivo: caracterizar o perfil dos atendimentos realizados numa Clinica Escola de Fonoaudiologia conveniada à rede Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), no ano de 2016. Métodos: estudo transversal cujas fontes de dados foram as fichas de triagem, altas e desligamentos, e os prontuários. Foram estudadas as variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas, mensurando o tempo de espera e especialidade para atendimento e, nos casos de desligamento, o motivo. Resultados: foram acolhidas 107 pessoas na triagem, das quais 53,3% eram crianças, 58,9% do sexo masculino, 41,1% com queixas de Linguagem e 35.5% de Motricidade Orofacial. A média de tempo de espera para iniciar o tratamento foi de 6,6 meses. Do total de pessoas triadas, 80,3% começaram o tratamento, com maior ocorrência nas áreas de Motricidade Orofacial (39.1%) e Linguagem (37,9 %). A alta fonoaudiológica foi obtida em 28,6% dos casos. Dentre as 37 pessoas que foram desligadas do tratamento, o principal motivo foi abandono ou falta (71,4%). Conclusão: evidenciou-se maior frequência de crianças, do sexo masculino, com maiores demandas para as áreas de Linguagem e Motricidade Orofacial. O tempo médio de espera para início do tratamento foi de 6,6 meses, sendo que 20% das pessoas triadas não o iniciaram. Destaca-se a alta frequência de desligamentos por falta.

Self-perception of voice in transgender people / Autopercepção vocal de pessoas transexuais

ABSTRACT Purpose: to describe the transgender people's self-perception of voice. Methods: a total of 60 people participated in this cross-sectional study. They attended a reference outpatient center for the health of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people. The data collection consisted of self-administered questionnaires, a participant's profile questionnaire, and a voice self-assessment questionnaire. Results: most of the interviewees were young people who had never visited a speech-language-hearing therapist with the Public Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde); in general, they expressed interest in having such attention. The answers revealed an impact in the axes assessed, namely: "use of the voice in social life", "mischaracterization of gender, due to the voice", and "indication of dysphonia". Voice symptom characteristic of dysphonia was also identified in some people. Conclusion: transgender people are unsatisfied with their voices, which is an element that hinders the perception of the identified gender. It also has repercussions in their social, emotional, labor, and interpersonal lives. Hence, it is important to include speech-language-hearing therapy in the transgendering process, which is desired by most of the transgender people.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever a autopercepção vocal de transsexuais. Métodos: participaram do estudo transversal 60 pessoas transexuais, que frequentaram um ambulatório de referência a saúde de Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais e Transexuais. A coleta de dados consistiu em aplicação de questionários autodirigidos, um questionário para o levantamento de perfil dos participantes e questionários de autoavaliação vocal. Resultados: a maioria dos entrevistados eram jovens, que nunca tiveram atendimento no Sistema Único de Saúde por fonoaudiólogos e, de forma generalizada, apresentaram interesse nesse atendimento. As respostas mostraram impacto nos três eixos avaliados, que foram, "uso da voz na vida social", "descaracterização de gênero causada pela voz" e "indicativo de alguma disfonia". Também foi possível identificar em algumas pessoas a presença de sintomas vocais característicos de disfonias. Conclusão: pessoas transexuais têm insatisfações com relação a suas vozes, sendo a voz como elemento que prejudica a percepção de gênero identificado, havendo, também, repercussões em sua vida social, emocional, laboral e interpessoal. Sendo assim, é importante a inclusão do fonoaudiólogo no processo transexualizador, sendo esse atendimento pretendido pela maioria das pessoas transexuais.

Laryngeal and Vocal Characterization of Asymptomatic Adults With Sulcus Vocalis

Abstract Introduction Sulcus vocalis is defined as a longitudinal depression on the vocal cord, parallel to its free border. Its most marked characteristic is breathlessness, caused by incomplete glottal closure, in addition to roughness, due to the decrease in mucosal wave amplitude of the vocal cords. Vocal acoustic aspects, such as fundamental voice frequency, jitter, and shimmer, may also be altered in individuals with this type of laryngeal disorder. To assess the voice of individuals with sulcus vocalis, studies generally include a sample of subjects with vocal symptoms, excluding asymptomatic persons. To better characterize the vocal characteristics of individuals with sulcus vocalis, their asymptomatic counterparts must also be included. Objective Characterize the larynx and voice of asymptomatic adults with sulcus vocalis. Method A total of 26 adults, 13 with sulcus vocalis (experimental group) and 13 without (control group) were assessed. All the participants were submitted to suspension microlaryngoscopy, voice self-assessment, auditory perception and acoustic evaluation of the voice. Results Among the individuals with sulcus vocalis, 78% of the sulci were type I and 22% type II. Auditory perception assessment obtained statistically significant lower scores in individuals with sulcus vocalis compared with the control group, and a slight difference in the overall degree of hoarseness and roughness. No statistically significant intergroup diferences were found in self-reported voice or acoustic assessment. Conclusion Type I was the predominant sulcus vocalis observed in individuals without voice complaints, who may also exhibit slight changes in vocal quality and roughness.

Laryngeal and Vocal Characterization of Asymptomatic Adults With Sulcus Vocalis.

Introduction Sulcus vocalis is defined as a longitudinal depression on the vocal cord, parallel to its free border. Its most marked characteristic is breathlessness, caused by incomplete glottal closure, in addition to roughness, due to the decrease in mucosal wave amplitude of the vocal cords. Vocal acoustic aspects, such as fundamental voice frequency, jitter, and shimmer, may also be altered in individuals with this type of laryngeal disorder. To assess the voice of individuals with sulcus vocalis, studies generally include a sample of subjects with vocal symptoms, excluding asymptomatic persons. To better characterize the vocal characteristics of individuals with sulcus vocalis, their asymptomatic counterparts must also be included. Objective Characterize the larynx and voice of asymptomatic adults with sulcus vocalis. Method A total of 26 adults, 13 with sulcus vocalis (experimental group) and 13 without (control group) were assessed. All the participants were submitted to suspension microlaryngoscopy, voice self-assessment, auditory perception and acoustic evaluation of the voice. Results Among the individuals with sulcus vocalis, 78% of the sulci were type I and 22% type II. Auditory perception assessment obtained statistically significant lower scores in individuals with sulcus vocalis compared with the control group, and a slight difference in the overall degree of hoarseness and roughness. No statistically significant intergroup diferences were found in self-reported voice or acoustic assessment. Conclusion Type I was the predominant sulcus vocalis observed in individuals without voice complaints, who may also exhibit slight changes in vocal quality and roughness.

The voice use of street artists. / O uso da voz em artistas de rua.

PURPOSE: To investigate the voice use of street artists from their vocal complaints, vocal disadvantage related to their profession, the perception of the conditions and the environment in which they use their voice, in addition to the role of the voice in their profession. METHODS: Twenty-four street artists participated in this study. They all responded to two protocols: Vocal Symptoms Scale (VSS) and Vocal Disadvantage Index (VDI-10), and to two questionnaires: one with objective questions related to their working conditions and environment, and the other containing open questions regarding the meaning of the voice. Mean values of responses to both protocols were calculated. Frequency description and percentiles present the results of the questionnaire with closed questions. Analysis of the data from the questionnaire with open questions was done using the content analysis method. RESULTS: Mean values of the VSS were above normal limits, while the mean values of the VDI-10 were within normal limits. Some risk factors for vocal disorders were found, as the lack of use of the microphone and a dusty, smoky, and noisy working environment. Regarding the importance of the voice, two categories were identified: the need to care for their voice and the impact their voice has on people. CONCLUSION: There are vocal complaints among street artists, but no vocal disadvantage was found. The working conditions and environment are a risk to the artists' voice. The importance of the voice to the group is related to their professional activities, relation with the public, and professional and personal satisfaction.

OBJETIVO: Investigar o uso da voz em artistas de rua, a partir da autorreferência de queixas vocais, desvantagem vocal associada à profissão, percepção do ambiente e condições de uso da voz na atividade, e representação da voz para a atividade profissional. MÉTODO: Participaram 24 artistas de rua, que preencheram os protocolos ESV (Escala de sintomas vocais), IDV-10 (Índice de Desvantagem Vocal), além de dois questionários, um composto por questões objetivas relacionadas ao ambiente e condições de trabalho e um segundo com perguntas abertas sobre representação da voz. Para análise quantitativa, foi realizada uma estatística simples verificando a média do ESV e IDV-10 e para o questionário de perguntas fechadas, a frequência e a porcentagem dos resultados. Na análise qualitativa, foi utilizado o método de análise do conteúdo. RESULTADOS: A média do resultado da ESV foi acima do ponto de corte da normalidade e do IDV-10 dentro da normalidade. Surge como fator de risco vocal o não uso do microfone, o ambiente de trabalho com poeira e fumaça e o local de trabalho ser ruidoso incomodativo. Sobre a representação da voz, foram identificadas três categorias: importância da voz para os artistas de rua, cuidados com a voz e o impacto da voz sobre as pessoas. CONCLUSÃO: Existem queixas vocais, porém não há impacto na qualidade de vida. O ambiente e condições de trabalho trazem riscos a distúrbios da voz. A representação da voz para o grupo se relaciona à sua atividade profissional, relação com público, satisfação pessoal e profissional.

O uso da voz em artistas de rua / The voice use of street artists

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar o uso da voz em artistas de rua, a partir da autorreferência de queixas vocais, desvantagem vocal associada à profissão, percepção do ambiente e condições de uso da voz na atividade, e representação da voz para a atividade profissional. Método Participaram 24 artistas de rua, que preencheram os protocolos ESV (Escala de sintomas vocais), IDV-10 (Índice de Desvantagem Vocal), além de dois questionários, um composto por questões objetivas relacionadas ao ambiente e condições de trabalho e um segundo com perguntas abertas sobre representação da voz. Para análise quantitativa, foi realizada uma estatística simples verificando a média do ESV e IDV-10 e para o questionário de perguntas fechadas, a frequência e a porcentagem dos resultados. Na análise qualitativa, foi utilizado o método de análise do conteúdo. Resultados A média do resultado da ESV foi acima do ponto de corte da normalidade e do IDV-10 dentro da normalidade. Surge como fator de risco vocal o não uso do microfone, o ambiente de trabalho com poeira e fumaça e o local de trabalho ser ruidoso incomodativo. Sobre a representação da voz, foram identificadas três categorias: importância da voz para os artistas de rua, cuidados com a voz e o impacto da voz sobre as pessoas. Conclusão Existem queixas vocais, porém não há impacto na qualidade de vida. O ambiente e condições de trabalho trazem riscos a distúrbios da voz. A representação da voz para o grupo se relaciona à sua atividade profissional, relação com público, satisfação pessoal e profissional.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the voice use of street artists from their vocal complaints, vocal disadvantage related to their profession, the perception of the conditions and the environment in which they use their voice, in addition to the role of the voice in their profession. Methods Twenty-four street artists participated in this study. They all responded to two protocols: Vocal Symptoms Scale (VSS) and Vocal Disadvantage Index (VDI-10), and to two questionnaires: one with objective questions related to their working conditions and environment, and the other containing open questions regarding the meaning of the voice. Mean values of responses to both protocols were calculated. Frequency description and percentiles present the results of the questionnaire with closed questions. Analysis of the data from the questionnaire with open questions was done using the content analysis method. Results Mean values of the VSS were above normal limits, while the mean values of the VDI-10 were within normal limits. Some risk factors for vocal disorders were found, as the lack of use of the microphone and a dusty, smoky, and noisy working environment. Regarding the importance of the voice, two categories were identified: the need to care for their voice and the impact their voice has on people. Conclusion There are vocal complaints among street artists, but no vocal disadvantage was found. The working conditions and environment are a risk to the artists' voice. The importance of the voice to the group is related to their professional activities, relation with the public, and professional and personal satisfaction.

Correlação entre a capacidade vital lenta e o tempo máximo de fonação em idosos / Correlation between slow vital capacity and the maximum phonation time in elderly

RESUMO Objetivos: verificar a relação existente entre a capacidade vital lenta e o tempo máximo de fonação em idosos. Método: o estudo foi do tipo analítico e observacional, de corte transversal, realizado na Universidade aberta a Terceira Idade na instituição de origem, no período de junho a outubro de 2014. Participaram 61 idosos do sexo feminino, não tabagistas. Foram excluídos portadores de Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica e/ou doenças respiratórias, indivíduos com problemas neurológicos ou de audição e profissionais da voz. Todos os participantes foram avaliados quanto à capacidade vital lenta e tempo máximo de fonação. Foram coletados ainda os seguintes dados: sexo, peso, estatura, idade e índice de massa corpórea. Resultados: os dados demonstram que os valores de capacidade vital lenta e tempo máximo de fonação estão reduzidos na terceira idade. Além disso, existe uma correlação positiva entre a capacidade vital lenta e o tempo máximo de fonação do /s/ e /z/ no sexo feminino. Conclusões: com o envelhecimento, medidas de respiração e voz podem estar reduzidas. Além disso, existe uma associação entre a capacidade vital lenta e o tempo máximo de fonação em mulheres idosas, sugerindo a influência que a respiração exerce sobre a fonação nesta população específica.

ABSTRACT Purposes: to verify the existing relationship between the slow vital capacity and maximum phonation time in the elderly. Methods: the study was analytical and observational, cross-sectional, conducted at the Open University Senior Citizens at the origin institution, in the period from June to October 2014, with 61 elderly female, nonsmokers. We excluded patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and / or respiratory diseases, individuals with neurological or hearing problems and voice professionals. All participants were assessed for slow vital capacity and maximum phonation time. The following data were also collected: gender, weight, height, age and body mass index. Results: the results showed that the values of slow vital capacity and maximum phonation time are reduced in the elderly. In addition, there is a positive correlation between the slow vital capacity and maximum phonation time of / s / and / z /. Conclusion: with aging, breathing and voice measures may be reduced. In addition, there is an association between the slow vital capacity and maximum phonation time in older women, suggesting the influence that breathing exercises over phonation in this specific population.

Perfil de extensão vocal em coristas após técnica de vibração de língua associada a escalas / Vocal range profile of chorists after the tongue-trill technique associated with scales

RESUMO: Objetivo: identificar o efeito imediato da técnica de vibração sonorizada de língua associada à variação tonal sobre o perfil de extensão vocal de coristas, analisando o tempo de prática de canto, naipe e tempo de execução do exercício. Métodos: estudo transversal quantitativo, com 13 cantores, sendo oito mulheres e cinco homens, com média de idade de 39±20,11 anos, pertencentes a diferentes naipes. O perfil de extensão vocal foi obtido a partir da análise pelo software Vocalgrama da CTS Informática. As amostras foram coletadas em três momentos: antes, após um minuto e após dois minutos de aplicação da técnica de vibração sonorizada de língua associada à variação tonal. Resultados: seis coristas (46,2%) aumentaram o valor do perfil de extensão vocal, após dois minutos de execução da técnica. Os naipes sopranos e tenores apresentaram valores médios maiores do perfil de extensão vocal após dois minutos de exercício. Em relação ao tempo de prática de canto, não houve diferença entre os grupos no valor do perfil de extensão vocal em nenhum dos três momentos considerados. Conclusão: a técnica de vibração sonorizada de língua associada à variação tonal não interferiu no perfil de extensão vocal dos coristas estudados. Entretanto, o tempo de execução do exercício parece influenciar nos resultados.

ABSTRACT: Purpose: to identify the immediate effect of the sonorous tongue-trill technique associated with tonal variation on the vocal range profile of chorists, analyzing time spent on choral singing, voice types and exercises. Methods: quantitative cross-sectional study, with 13 singers, eight women and five men, mean age of 39± 20.11 years, with different voice types. The vocal range profile was obtained using Vocalgrama software (CTS Informática). Samples were collected at three different times: before, after one minute and after two minutes of applying the sonorous tongue-trill technique associated with tonal variation. Results: six chorists (46.2%) showed an increase in vocal range profile after two minutes of the technique. Sopranos and tenors obtained higher mean vocal range profile at any of the three times considered. Conclusion: the sonorous tongue-trill technique associated with tonal variation had no effect on the vocal range profile of the chorists under study. However, time spent on exercises and voice types seemed to have an influence on the results.