Effect of perceptive-auditory training on the classification of speech hypernasality. / Efeito do treinamento perceptivo-auditivo na classificação da hipernasalidade de fala.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of auditory-perceptual training by inexperienced speech-language pathologists in the classification of hypernasality in individuals with cleft lip and palate and compare their classification of hypernasality individually, with the gold standard evaluation, before and after this training. METHODS: Three inexperienced speech-language pathologists used a four-point scale to assess 24 high-pressure speech samples from individuals with cleft lip and palate, before and after auditory-perceptual training. The speech samples corresponded to six samples of each degree of hypernasality. The speech-language pathologists received auditory-perceptual training during the assessments. They had access to anchor samples and immediate feedback of correct answers regarding the degree of hypernasality in training. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the overall percentage of correct answers when comparing before and after the auditory-perceptual training. There was a significant association and agreement of the three evaluators with a gold standard evaluation after training, with an increase in agreement for a single evaluator for absent and mild degrees of hypernasality. The dichotomous analysis of the data showed an increase in the Kappa Index of Agreement of this evaluator. Although there was an increase in the Index of Agreement between evaluators for absent, mild, and severe hypernasality, this increase did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The auditory-perceptual training provided did not result in a significant improvement in the hypernasality classification for the inexperienced speech-language pathologists, even though the individual data analysis showed that the training favored one of the evaluators. Further studies involving gradual and more extensive auditory-perceptual training may favor the classification of hypernasality by inexperienced SLPs.

OBJETIVO: Analisar o efeito de um treinamento perceptivo-auditivo de fonoaudiólogas sem experiência na classificação da hipernasalidade de fala de indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina e comparar a classificação da presença e grau de hipernasalidade realizadas dessas fonoaudiólogas (com a avaliação padrão-ouro), antes e depois do treinamento perceptivo-auditivo. MÉTODO: Três fonoaudiólogas sem experiência analisaram 24 amostras de fala de alta pressão de indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina, antes e depois de treinamento perceptivo-auditivo, usando escala de quatro pontos. As amostras de fala correspondiam a seis amostras de cada grau de hipernasalidade. Entre as análises, as fonoaudiólogas receberam treinamento perceptivo-auditivo. Houve acesso às amostras de referência e feedback de respostas corretas quanto ao grau de hipernasalidade no treinamento. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa na porcentagem geral de acertos entre os momentos antes e depois do treinamento perceptivo-auditivo. Houve associação e concordância significativa das três avaliadoras com avaliação padrão ouro após treinamento, com aumento da concordância para uma avaliadora (aumento de respostas corretas para os graus ausente e leve). A análise dicotômica dos dados mostrou aumento do índice de concordância Kappa dessa avaliadora. Houve aumento do índice concordância inter-avaliadores para hipernasalidade ausente, leve, e grave, porém sem significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO: O treinamento perceptivo-auditivo não resultou em melhora significativa da classificação da hipernasalidade de fala pelas fonoaudiólogas sem experiência, embora a análise individual dos dados tenha mostrado que o treinamento favoreceu uma dessas avaliadoras. Novos estudos envolvendo treinamento perceptivo-auditivo gradual e mais extenso poderão favorecer a classificação da hipernasalidade de fala por fonoaudiólogos sem experiência.

Application of data mining to extract knowledge about the occurrence of fistulas after palatoplasty / Aplicação de mineração de dados para extração de conhecimento sobre ocorrência de fístulas após palatoplastia

Introduction: Data mining techniques expand access to important information for the decision-making process during health care. The objective the study proposes using data mining techniques to identify variables (surgical treatment protocols, patient characteristics, post-surgical complications) associated with fistulas after primary palatoplasty in patients with unilateral transforamen incisor cleft (UTIC). Method: A data set of 222 patients with UTIC without syndromes, operated by four surgeons with Furlow's or von Langenbeck's primary palatoplasty techniques, was analyzed for this study. Two models for detecting the outcome of surgery were induced using data mining techniques (Decision Tree and Apriori). Results: Five rules were selected from a decision tree pointing to some variables as predictors of fistulas associated with primary palatoplasty: infection, cough, hypernasality, and surgeon. Analysis of the model indicates that it correctly classifies 95.9% of occurrences between the absence and presence of fistulas. The second model indicates that the absence of post-surgical complications (infection and fever) and normal speech results (absent hypernasality, without suggestive of velopharyngeal dysfunction) are related to the absence of fistulas. Regarding surgical procedures, the Furlow technique and the Vomer flap were more frequent in patients with fistulas. Conclusion: Data mining techniques, as applied in the present study, pointed to infection and cough, hypernasality, and surgeon and surgical techniques as predictors of fistulas related to primary palatoplasty.

Introdução: As técnicas de mineração de dados ampliam o acesso a informações importantes para o processo de tomada de decisão durante os cuidados com a saúde. O objetivo do estudo propõe a utilização de técnicas de mineração de dados para identificar variáveis (protocolos de tratamento cirúrgico, características do paciente, intercorrências pós-cirúrgicas) associadas à ocorrência de fístulas após palatoplastia primária em pacientes com fissura transforame incisivo unilateral (FTIU). Método: Um conjunto de dados de 222 pacientes com FTIU sem síndromes, operados por quatro cirurgiões com as técnicas de palatoplastia primária de Furlow ou von Langenbeck, foi analisado para este estudo. Dois modelos para detecção do resultado da cirurgia foram induzidos usando técnicas de mineração de dados (Árvore de Decisão e Apriori). Resultados: Cinco regras foram selecionadas de uma árvore de decisão apontando para algumas variáveis como preditivas de fístulas associadas à palatoplastia primária: infecção, tosse, hipernasalidade, cirurgião. A análise do modelo indica que ele classifica corretamente 95,9% das ocorrências entre ausência e presença de fístulas. O segundo modelo indica que a ausência de intercorrências pós-cirúrgicas (infecção e febre) e resultado de fala normal (hipernasalidade ausente, sem sugestivo de disfunção velofaríngea) estão relacionados à ausência de fístulas. Em relação aos procedimentos cirúrgicos, o uso da técnica de Furlow e retalho de Vomer foram mais frequentes nos pacientes com fístulas. Conclusão: Técnicas de mineração de dados, conforme aplicadas no presente estudo, apontaram para infecção e tosse, presença de hipernasalidade, cirurgião e técnica cirúrgica como preditores de fístulas relacionadas à palatoplastia primária.

Influence of an Intensive Speech Therapy Program on the Speech of Individuals with Cleft Lip and Palate

Abstract Introduction Compensatory articulations are speech disorders due to the attempt of the individual with cleft palate/velopharyngeal dysfunction to generate intraoral pressure to produce high-pressure consonants. Speech therapy is the indicated intervention for their correction, and an intensive speech therapy meets the facilitating conditions for the correction of glottal stop articulation, which is the most common compensatory articulation. Objective To investigate the influence of an intensive speech therapy program (ISTP) to correct glottal stop articulation in the speech of individuals with cleft palate. Methods Speech recordings of 37 operated cleft palate participants of both genders (mean age = 19 years old) were rated by 3 experienced speech/language pathologists. Their task was to rate the presence and absence of glottal stops in the 6 Brazilian Portuguese occlusive consonants (p, b, t, d, k, g) distributed within several places in 6 sentences. Results Out of the 325 pretherapy target consonants rated with glottal stop, 197 (61%) remained with this error, and 128 (39%) no longer presented it. The comparison of the pre- and posttherapy results showed: a) a statical significance for the p1, p2, p3, p4, t1, k1, k2 and d6 consonants (McNemar test; p < 0.05); b) a statistical significance for the p consonant in relation to the k, b, d, g consonants and for the t consonant in relation to the b, d, and g consonants (chi-squared test; p < 0.05) in the comparison of the proportion improvement among the 6 occlusive consonants. Conclusion The ISTP influenced the correction of glottal stops in the speech of individuals with cleft palate.

Influence of an Intensive Speech Therapy Program on the Speech of Individuals with Cleft Lip and Palate.

Introduction Compensatory articulations are speech disorders due to the attempt of the individual with cleft palate/velopharyngeal dysfunction to generate intraoral pressure to produce high-pressure consonants. Speech therapy is the indicated intervention for their correction, and an intensive speech therapy meets the facilitating conditions for the correction of glottal stop articulation, which is the most common compensatory articulation. Objective To investigate the influence of an intensive speech therapy program (ISTP) to correct glottal stop articulation in the speech of individuals with cleft palate. Methods Speech recordings of 37 operated cleft palate participants of both genders (mean age = 19 years old) were rated by 3 experienced speech/language pathologists. Their task was to rate the presence and absence of glottal stops in the 6 Brazilian Portuguese occlusive consonants (p, b, t, d, k, g) distributed within several places in 6 sentences. Results Out of the 325 pretherapy target consonants rated with glottal stop, 197 (61%) remained with this error, and 128 (39%) no longer presented it. The comparison of the pre- and posttherapy results showed: a) a statical significance for the p1, p2, p3, p4, t1, k1, k2 and d6 consonants (McNemar test; p < 0.05); b) a statistical significance for the p consonant in relation to the k, b, d, g consonants and for the t consonant in relation to the b, d, and g consonants (chi-squared test; p < 0.05) in the comparison of the proportion improvement among the 6 occlusive consonants. Conclusion The ISTP influenced the correction of glottal stops in the speech of individuals with cleft palate.

Auditory-perceptual training for the assessment of hypernasality in cleft palate speakers: an integrative literature review / Treinamento perceptivo-auditivo para a avaliação da hipernasalidade de fala em indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina: uma revisão integrativa da literatura

ABSTRACT Purpose: to describe the auditory-perceptual training for the assessment of hypernasality in individuals with cleft lip and palate. Methods: an integrative literature review in the databases Virtual Health Library, SciELO, and PubMed, aimed to answer the following guiding question: 1) What are the characteristics of auditory-perceptual training to assess hypernasality in individuals with cleft lip and palate? Articles in Portuguese and English, available in full access, without the restriction of the publication date, which presented programs of training for speech hypernasality, unprecedented, adapted, or replicated, were included. The pursuit of descriptors, selection, extraction, and synthesis of data was performed by three independent evaluators. Literature Review: 10 articles were included in this study, based on established criteria. Five articles investigated the effectiveness of training on speech analysis by listeners, regardless of experience level. Another five articles pertained to training when validating speech assessment protocols. Consensus analyses and reference samples were the most used training reported. Perceptual rating of phrases, using the equal appearance scale and in person training, was the most reported one. Conclusions: the auditory-perceptual training of listeners to identify hypernasality showed variability in the proposed strategies, particularly when proposed for non-experienced listeners. The difficulty in maintaining acquired skills in the long term is pointed out.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever as características dos treinamentos perceptivo-auditivos para a avaliação da hipernasalidade em indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina. Métodos: revisão integrativa de literatura nas bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde, SciELO e PubMed que visou responder a seguinte pergunta norteadora "Quais são as características dos treinamentos perceptivos-auditivos para avaliação da hipernasalidade em indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina?". Foram incluídos artigos em português e inglês, disponíveis na íntegra, sem restrição de data de publicação, que apresentassem programas de treinamento para hipernasalidade, inéditos, adaptados ou replicados. A busca dos descritores, seleção, extração e síntese dos dados foram feitas por três avaliadores independentes. Revisão da Literatura: foram incluídos dez artigos com base nos critérios estabelecidos. Cinco artigos investigaram o efeito do treinamento na análise perceptiva de ouvintes, com ou sem experiência. Outros cinco utilizaram treinamentos de fonoaudiólogos, ao validar protocolos de avaliação da fala. Análises consensuais e amostras de referências foram os treinamentos mais empregados. Julgamentos perceptivos de frases, usando escala de intervalos iguais, em modalidade presencial foram os mais descritos. Conclusão: treinamentos perceptivo-auditivos para identificação da hipernasalidade variaram, particularmente, em sua duração e ouvintes incluídos. A dificuldade em manter habilidades adquiridas a longo prazo é apontada.

Efeito do treinamento perceptivo-auditivo na classificação da hipernasalidade de fala / Effect of perceptive-auditory training on the classification of speech hypernasality

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar o efeito de um treinamento perceptivo-auditivo de fonoaudiólogas sem experiência na classificação da hipernasalidade de fala de indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina e comparar a classificação da presença e grau de hipernasalidade realizadas dessas fonoaudiólogas (com a avaliação padrão-ouro), antes e depois do treinamento perceptivo-auditivo. Método Três fonoaudiólogas sem experiência analisaram 24 amostras de fala de alta pressão de indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina, antes e depois de treinamento perceptivo-auditivo, usando escala de quatro pontos. As amostras de fala correspondiam a seis amostras de cada grau de hipernasalidade. Entre as análises, as fonoaudiólogas receberam treinamento perceptivo-auditivo. Houve acesso às amostras de referência e feedback de respostas corretas quanto ao grau de hipernasalidade no treinamento. Resultados Não houve diferença significativa na porcentagem geral de acertos entre os momentos antes e depois do treinamento perceptivo-auditivo. Houve associação e concordância significativa das três avaliadoras com avaliação padrão ouro após treinamento, com aumento da concordância para uma avaliadora (aumento de respostas corretas para os graus ausente e leve). A análise dicotômica dos dados mostrou aumento do índice de concordância Kappa dessa avaliadora. Houve aumento do índice concordância inter-avaliadores para hipernasalidade ausente, leve, e grave, porém sem significância estatística. Conclusão O treinamento perceptivo-auditivo não resultou em melhora significativa da classificação da hipernasalidade de fala pelas fonoaudiólogas sem experiência, embora a análise individual dos dados tenha mostrado que o treinamento favoreceu uma dessas avaliadoras. Novos estudos envolvendo treinamento perceptivo-auditivo gradual e mais extenso poderão favorecer a classificação da hipernasalidade de fala por fonoaudiólogos sem experiência.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the effect of auditory-perceptual training by inexperienced speech-language pathologists in the classification of hypernasality in individuals with cleft lip and palate and compare their classification of hypernasality individually, with the gold standard evaluation, before and after this training. Methods Three inexperienced speech-language pathologists used a four-point scale to assess 24 high-pressure speech samples from individuals with cleft lip and palate, before and after auditory-perceptual training. The speech samples corresponded to six samples of each degree of hypernasality. The speech-language pathologists received auditory-perceptual training during the assessments. They had access to anchor samples and immediate feedback of correct answers regarding the degree of hypernasality in training. Results There was no significant difference in the overall percentage of correct answers when comparing before and after the auditory-perceptual training. There was a significant association and agreement of the three evaluators with a gold standard evaluation after training, with an increase in agreement for a single evaluator for absent and mild degrees of hypernasality. The dichotomous analysis of the data showed an increase in the Kappa Index of Agreement of this evaluator. Although there was an increase in the Index of Agreement between evaluators for absent, mild, and severe hypernasality, this increase did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion The auditory-perceptual training provided did not result in a significant improvement in the hypernasality classification for the inexperienced speech-language pathologists, even though the individual data analysis showed that the training favored one of the evaluators. Further studies involving gradual and more extensive auditory-perceptual training may favor the classification of hypernasality by inexperienced SLPs.

Could speech disorders in children with cleft lip and palate be justified by impaired central auditory skills?

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify the association between central auditory skills and speech disorders related to velopharyngeal dysfunction. Methods: forty-five children, with repaired non-syndromic cleft lip and palate or cleft lip only, aged 7-11 years old, were divided into three groups: G1 (n=15), children with hypernasality, nasal air emission, and compensatory articulations; G2 (n=15), children with hypernasality and nasal air emission, but without compensatory articulations; and G3 (n=15), children without hypernasality, nasal air emission, and compensatory articulations. The medical records of all participants were analyzed to verify the eligibility criteria and obtain speech assessments, and then, they were submitted to an assessment of central auditory skills. Statistical analysis comprised descriptive and chi-square test with a significance level of 5%. Results: G1 presented a higher occurrence of impairment in central auditory skills differing from the other groups, particularly in the temporal ordering and binaural integration skills. A significant difference was observed among groups in temporal ordering ability. No significant association was found between the use of specific types of compensatory articulations and impaired auditory skills. Conclusion: there was an association between changes in temporal ordering auditory skills and binaural integration in children with velopharyngeal dysfunction, regardless of the presence or type of compensatory articulation found.

Can a pharyngeal bulb prosthesis eliminate hypernasal speech in individuals with hypodynamic velopharynx?

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the effectiveness of a pharyngeal bulb prosthesis to eliminate hypernasality in patients with operated cleft palate presenting with diagnosis of hypodynamic velopharynx. Methods: twenty patients with cleft palate, ages 11-40 years, presenting hypodynamic velopharynx participated in the study. Patients had their speech audio recorded twice, with and without prosthesis, simultaneously with nasometry. Three speech-pathologists rated the presence and absence of hypernasality. Perceptual and nasometric data without and with prosthesis were compared, using the McNemar Test (p<0.05). Results: three (15%) patients presented hypernasality without prosthesis and normal resonance with prosthesis, 3 (15%), normal resonance without prosthesis and hypernasality with prosthesis, 9 (45%), hypernasality without and with prosthesis, and 5 (25%), normal resonance in both conditions. Nasometry (≤27% cut off): 1 (5%), presented scores >27% without prosthesis and <27% with prosthesis, 2 (10%), scores <27% without prosthesis and >27% with prosthesis, 17 (85%), scores >27% in both conditions, and 1(5%), scores <27% in both conditions. The comparisons between the results were not significant (p=1.000). Conclusion: the pharyngeal bulb prosthesis alone is insufficient to eliminate hypernasality of patients presented with hypodynamic velopharynx. To this purpose, the combination between the prosthesis and speech therapy is required.

Long-Term Outcome With an Active Middle Ear Implant in Patients to Bilateral Aural Atresia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the audiological results and complications following active middle ear implant (AMEI) surgery in users with bilateral ear atresia. STUDY DESIGN: Observational and retrospective longitudinal follow-up. SETTING: A tertiary referral hospital for hearing rehabilitation and craniofacial malformations. PATIENTS: Medical records of 27 patients with bilateral congenital aural atresia (34 ears) who underwent surgery for AMEI were reviewed. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The alpha error was assumed to be 5%. OUTCOME MEASURES: Medical and technical complications and audiological results were observed during follow-up. RESULTS: The median postoperative follow-up was 37.5 months (27.7-75.5 mo). Medical or technical complications occurred in 35.3% (n = 12) of patients during follow-up, 14.7% (n = 5) required surgical revision. The auditory thresholds in the free field improved from 53.75 dB (46.87-56.25) to 25 dB (21.25-32.5) after 6 months using the AMEI (p < 0.001) and remained stable till the last audiological evaluation (22.5: 21.25 26.25). Compared with the preoperative results, all speech perception tests also showed the benefits of AMEI at 6 months postoperatively and in the last audiological evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring the use of AMEI in this sample demonstrated the safety of these implants compared with data available in the literature. The rates of medical and technical complications were consistent with data published by other groups. Finally, the audiological results remained stable during follow-up.

Cephalometric predictors of hypernasality and nasal air emission.

BACKGROUND: During times of increasingly recognized importance of interprofessional practices, professionals in Medicine, Dentistry, and Speech Pathology areas cooperate to optimize treatment of velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), after primary palatoplasty for correction of cleft palate. OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to compare velar length, velar thickness, and depth of the nasopharynx of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) with the presence, or absence, of hypernasality and nasal air emission; and to verify if the depth:length ratio, between nasopharynx and velum, would be predictive of consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (speech signs of VPD). METHODOLOGY: Cephalometric radiographs and outcome of speech assessment were obtained from 429 individuals, between 6 and 9 years of age, with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate. Velar length, velar thickness, depth of the nasopharynx, depth:length ratio, scores of hypernasality, and scores of nasal air emission were studied and compared; grouping the radiographs according to presence or absence of hypernasality and nasal air emission. RESULTS: For the group with speech signs of velopharyngeal dysfunction (those with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission), the velums were shorter and thinner; the nasopharynx was deeper and the depth:length ratio was larger than the group without hypernasality and nasal air emission. Velar length was significantly shorter in individuals with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (p<0.001) and with history of palatal fistula (p=0.032). Depth of nasopharynx was significantly greater in individuals with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (p<0.001). Depthlength ratio was significantly larger in individuals with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (p<0.001). A depth:length ratio larger than 0.93 was always associated with speech signs of VPD. CONCLUSION: Estimated with cephalometric radiographs, a depth:length ratio greater than 0.93, between the nasopharyngeal space and the velum, was 100% accurate in predicting hypernasality and nasal air emission after primary repair of unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Sistema de classificação Brosco-Dutka para fístulas de palato / Brosco-Dutka classification system for palate fistulas

Introdução: A ocorrência de fístula oronasal (FON) póspalatoplastia é uma complicação indesejável, desafiadora e de difícil classificação. O objetivo é apresentar um protocolo de classificação de fístula de palato baseado em critérios morfológicos, embriológicos e sintomatologia da fístula. Métodos: A elaboração da classificação envolveu as seguintes etapas: definição de FON; definição de referências anatômicas; estabelecimento de critérios embriológicos e morfológicos; inclusão da sintomatologia. Discussão: O protocolo estabelecido inclui estratégias para a identificação de referências anatômicas de complexa visualização como forame incisivo (FI) e a área de transição entre o palato duro e mole. Do ponto de vista da embriologia, a fístula pode ser classificada como PREFI (localizada em região anterior ao FI), POSFI (localizada em região posterior ao FI) e PREPO (que acomete tanto a região anterior quanto posterior ao FI). O critério morfológico estabelece como áreas: região-1: pré-alveolar e/ou do arco alveolar; região-2: palato duro anterior ao FI; região-3: palato duro posterior ao FI; região-4: transição entre palato duro e mole; e região-5: palato mole. A identificação de sintomas inclui: hipernasalidade, otites e refluxo nasal, além das fístulas assintomáticas. A obtenção de fotografias intraorais adequadas facilita a aplicabilidade do protocolo, sendo que o posicionamento para imagem fotográfica requer a visualização da face palatina dos dentes incisivos superiores. Conclusão: O protocolo Brosco-Dutka de classificação de fístula de palato, foi elaborado para uso pela equipe craniofacial em consulta presencial ou durante análise de imagens fotográficas. A proposta apresenta ilustrações para nortear o uso adequado dos critérios.

Introduction: The occurrence of post-palatoplasty oronasal fistula (ONF) is undesirable, challenging and difficult to classify complications. The objective is to present a classification protocol for palate fistula based on the fistula's morphological, embryological criteria and symptomatology. Methods: The elaboration of the classification involved the following steps: definition of ONF; definition of anatomical references; establishment of embryological and morphological criteria; inclusion of symptomatology. Discussion: The established protocol includes strategies for identifying anatomical references of complex visualization such as foramen (FI) and the transition area between the hard and soft palate. From the point of view of embryology, the fistula can be classified as PREFI (located in the region before the FI), POSFI (located in the region after the FI) and PREPO (which affects both the region before and after the FI). The morphological criterion establishes as areas: region-1: prealveolar and/or the alveolar arch; region-2: hard palate before FI; region-3: hard palate after FI; region-4: transition between hard and soft palate; and region-5: soft palate. Symptom identification includes hypernasality, ear infections and nasal reflux, in addition to asymptomatic fistulas. Obtaining adequate intraoral photographs facilitates the protocol's applicability, and the positioning for the photographic image requires the visualization of the palatal face of the upper incisor teeth. Conclusion: The Brosco-Dutka protocol for the classification of palate fistula was developed for use by the craniofacial team during a face-to-face consultation or photographic image analysis. The proposal presents illustrations to guide the proper use of the criteria.

Influence of surgical technique and timing of primary repair on interarch relationship in UCLP: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare dental arch relationships in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) between two surgical techniques for repair of cleft lip/palate and two ages of palate repair. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE: Dental models were taken for a group of 448 subjects at a mean age of 7 years and were evaluated by means of the Goslon Yardstick. The patients studied consisted of an initial group of 673 infants with complete UCLP randomized into 8 study groups according to lip repair procedures (Millard versus Spina techniques); palate repair procedures (von Langenbeck versus Furlow techniques); and palate repair timing (early: 9 to 12 months versus late: 15-18 months). METHODS: Four surgeons performed all surgeries. Dependent variables included the following: lip repair technique, palate repair technique, age at time of palate repair and surgeon; with sex as an independent variable. The data were analysed using a general linear model (P < .05). RESULTS: There were no significant differences for occlusal index scores as a function of lip or palate surgical technique, palatal repair timing and sex. Significant differences were found for occlusal index scores as a function of the surgeon. CONCLUSION: Dental arch relationships were not influenced by lip and palatal repair techniques or patient age at palatal repair. The surgeon was the major factor that influenced the dental arch relationship outcome.

Cephalometric predictors of hypernasality and nasal air emission

Abstract During times of increasingly recognized importance of interprofessional practices, professionals in Medicine, Dentistry, and Speech Pathology areas cooperate to optimize treatment of velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), after primary palatoplasty for correction of cleft palate. Objective Our study aims to compare velar length, velar thickness, and depth of the nasopharynx of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) with the presence, or absence, of hypernasality and nasal air emission; and to verify if the depth:length ratio, between nasopharynx and velum, would be predictive of consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (speech signs of VPD). Methodology Cephalometric radiographs and outcome of speech assessment were obtained from 429 individuals, between 6 and 9 years of age, with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate. Velar length, velar thickness, depth of the nasopharynx, depth:length ratio, scores of hypernasality, and scores of nasal air emission were studied and compared; grouping the radiographs according to presence or absence of hypernasality and nasal air emission. Results For the group with speech signs of velopharyngeal dysfunction (those with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission), the velums were shorter and thinner; the nasopharynx was deeper and the depth:length ratio was larger than the group without hypernasality and nasal air emission. Velar length was significantly shorter in individuals with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (p<0.001) and with history of palatal fistula (p=0.032). Depth of nasopharynx was significantly greater in individuals with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (p<0.001). Depthlength ratio was significantly larger in individuals with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (p<0.001). A depth:length ratio larger than 0.93 was always associated with speech signs of VPD. Conclusion Estimated with cephalometric radiographs, a depth:length ratio greater than 0.93, between the nasopharyngeal space and the velum, was 100% accurate in predicting hypernasality and nasal air emission after primary repair of unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Influence of speech stimuli in the auditory perceptual identification of hypernasality in individuals with cleft lip and palate. / Influência de estímulos de fala na identificação perceptivo-auditiva da hipernasalidade em indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of speech stimuli in the auditory perceptual identification of hypernasality in individuals with Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP). METHODS: Speech samples from 80 individuals with operated unilateral CLP, ages ranged from nine to 17 years (the mean age of: 12y7m), both genders, were edited for this study. Samples were recorded over the production of nine different speech stimuli, including counting and short sentences characterized by oral sounds, one loaded with low pressure consonants and seven loaded with high pressure consonants. Three speech-language pathologists rated the presence or absence of hypernasality while analyzing 864 recordings (80 individuals X 9 stimuli + 144 repeated recordings, for measuring the intra-rater agreement). Intra-rater and inter-rater indexes of agreement were established for all nine stimulus conditions. The indexes of inter-rater agreement were compared using the Z test (p<0.005), with samples comprising significant indexes of agreement interpreted as better stimuli for identifying the hypernasality in these individuals. RESULTS: Intra-rater agreement for high pressure stimuli with voiced consonants were significantly lower than indexes for other stimuli. Inter-rater agreement between each pair of SLPs ranged from 0.11 (plosive voicing stimuli) to 0.57 (12 short sentences, one of each high pressure consonant). The values of mean inter-rater agreement between all SLPs was 0.47 indicating moderate agreement for identifying hypernasal speech. CONCLUSION: Speech recordings obtained over the production of longer speech samples including 12 short sentences, for instance one for each high pressure consonant, may favor inter-rater agreement for identifying hypernasality.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a influência de estímulos de fala distintos na identificação perceptivo-auditiva da hipernasalidade em indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina operada (FLP). MÉTODO: Foram editadas amostras de fala gravadas em áudio de 80 indivíduos com FLP unilateral operada, de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 9 e 17 anos (média=12 anos e 7 meses). As amostras foram gravadas durante a produção de 9 estímulos de fala distintos: contagem de números e conjuntos de frase orais, sendo 1 constituído por consoantes de baixa pressão e 7 constituídos por consoantes de alta pressão. Três fonoaudiólogas identificaram a presença ou ausência da hipernasalidade ao analisarem 864 gravações (80 indivíduos X 9 estímulos + 144 gravações repetidas para análise de concordância intra-avaliador). Os índices de concordância intra e interavaliadores foram estabelecidos para todos os 9 estímulos de fala e comparados entre si por meio do Teste Z, com nível de significância de 5%, com maiores índices de concordância interpretados como melhores estímulos para identificação da hipernasalidade. RESULTADOS: Índices de concordância intra-avaliadores de estímulos de fala vozeados foram significativamente menores do que outros estímulos. Índices de concordância entre os pares de fonoaudiólogas variaram de 0,11 (concordância estímulos plosivos vozeados) a 0,57 (12 frases, uma com cada consoante de alta pressão), com média de 0,47 entre as três avaliadoras, indicando concordância moderada para identificação da hipernasalidade. CONCLUSÃO: Gravações de fala obtidas durante a produção de estímulos mais longos, incluindo 12 frases, uma com cada consoante de pressão, podem favorecer a concordância interavaliador na identificação da hipernasalidade.

Fístula após palatoplastia primária: consenso entre profissionais da cirurgia plástica e da fonoaudiologia / Fistula after primary palatoplasty: consensus among plastic surgery and Speech-Language Pathology

Introdução: A identificação de complicações da palatoplastia primária pode variar entre profissionais de diferentes áreas da saúde, devido à falta de padronização da classificação de fístula. Este estudo teve o objetivo de verificar o consenso entre profissionais da cirurgia plástica (CP) e da fonoaudiologia (FGA), quanto à ocorrência de fístula, conforme reportado em um mesmo serviço craniofacial. Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise dos registros das áreas da CP e FGA quanto à presença e localização de fístulas, conforme reportado em 466 prontuários de pacientes com história de fissura transforame incisivo unilateral. Para comparar os achados entre ambas as áreas uma verificação padrão ouro da ocorrência de fístula (POF) foi estabelecida por um cirurgião plástico experiente. Resultados: A área da CP reportou que 25% dos 466 pacientes apresentaram fístula comparado à 37% reportado pela FGA, enquanto o POF indicou fístula em 35% dos casos. Estatística Kappa revela concordância regular entre POF e CP (r=0,32) e concordância substancial entre POF e FGA (r=0,63). Conclusão: Observou-se discordância entre as áreas da fonoaudiologia e da cirurgia plástica quanto à ocorrência e localização da fístula após a palatoplastia primária, em um mesmo centro craniofacial. Os dados apontam para a necessidade da criação e da implementação de um sistema de classificação de fístula padronizado, que possa ser utilizado de forma efetiva por equipes craniofaciais favorecendo evidências científicas dos resultados do tratamento da fissura labiopalatina.

Introduction: The identification of complications of primary palatoplasty may vary among professionals from different areas of health due to the lack of standardization of the fistula classification. This study aimed to verify the consensus among professionals of plastic surgery (PC) and Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), regarding the occurrence of fistula, according to what was reported in the same craniofacial service. Methods: Analysis of the chart's records of the areas of the PC and SLP of 466 patients with cleft lip and palate was performed about the presence and location of fistula about the presence and location of fistulas, as reported in 466 medical records of patients with a history of unilateral cleft lip and palate. To compare the findings between both areas, a gold standard classification for the occurrence of fistula (GSF) was established by an experienced plastic surgeon. Results: The PC area reported that 25% of the 466 patients had a fistula compared to the 37% reported by the SLP, while the GSF indicated fistula in 35% of the cases. The Kappa statistic reveals regular agreement between GSF and PC (r = 0.32) and substantial agreement between GSF and SLP (r = 0.63). Conclusion: There was a discrepancy between the areas of Speech-Language Pathology and plastic surgery regarding the occurrence and location of the fistula after primary palatoplasty in the same craniofacial center. The data indicates the need to create and implement a standardized fistula classification system. In this way, craniofacial teams can use it effectively, taking advantage of the scientific evidence that emerges from the results of cleft lip and palate treatment.

Is the early mixed dentition dental arch relationship related to the anteroposterior alignment of the maxillary segments in infants with CUCLP?

OBJECTIVE: Midface retrusion is a concern in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CUCLP). Maxillary segment alignment may influence the prognosis after corrective surgery. This study assessed the association between maxillary segment alignment and interarch relationship observed in the early mixed dentition. The null hypothesis was that there is no relation between the initial alignment of cleft segments and the width of the cleft in the infant, and the early mixed dentition interarch relationship. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: The sample consists of 352 children with CUCLP treated at the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies/USP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dental models were obtained before lip repair at three months and at the age of six. Based on the first, the sample was then divided into two groups: anteroposterior aligned and anteroposterior misaligned maxillary segments. They were also divided into 4 groups according to the cleft width (Narrow, Medium, Wide and Very Wide). Interarch relationship was graded using the 5-year-old index. The statistical association was evaluated using the chi-squared test (P < .05). RESULTS: Cleft width was inversely related to interarch relationship in the early mixed dentition phase. Interarch relationship at the age of six was more favourable in children with misaligned maxillary segments than in children with aligned segments (P = .048). CONCLUSION: Five-year interarch relationship in patients with CUCLP is related to the anteroposterior relationship of infant maxillary segments and initial cleft width before primary surgeries. Wide alveolar clefts and sagittally aligned maxillary segments showed a worse interarch relationship in the early mixed dentition.

Nasalance-Based Preclassification of Oral-Nasal Balance Disorders Results in Higher Agreement of Expert Listeners' Auditory-Perceptual Assessments: Results of a Retrospective Listening Study.

OBJECTIVE: Reliable perceptual and instrumental assessment of oral-nasal balance disorders is a persistent problem in speech-language pathology. The goal of the study was to evaluate whether nasalance-based preclassification of oral-nasal balance disorders improves listener agreement. DESIGN: Retrospective listening study. SETTING: Tertiary university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-four randomly selected recordings of patients with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Three experienced speech-language pathologists participated as expert listeners. INTERVENTIONS: Two listening experiments were based on nasalance scores and audio recordings of speakers with repaired UCLP. The speakers were preclassified as normal, hypernasal, hyponasal, or mixed based on their nasalance scores. Initially, the listeners determined the diagnostic category of the oral-nasal balance for 62 audio recordings (8 repeats). Six months later, they listened to 38 of the recordings (6 repeats) along with a spreadsheet indicating the nasalance-based categories for the oral-nasal balance. The listeners confirmed, or rejected and corrected, the nasalance-based preclassification. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intralistener, interlistener agreement, and agreement between listener categories and nasalance-based oral-nasal balance categories. RESULTS: In the first study, the agreement between the listeners' diagnostic category and the nasalance-based category was 45.1% and the interlistener agreement was 36.7%. In the second study, the agreement between the listeners' category and the nasalance-based category was 67.1% (75% agreement for the correct nasalance-based categories and 41.7% for the misclassifications), and the interlistener agreement was 85.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Preclassification of oral-nasal balance disorders based on nasalance scores may help listeners achieve better diagnostic accuracy and higher agreement.

Amostras de referência para identificação da oclusiva glotal / Reference speech samples for glotal stop identification / Muestras de referencia para la identificación dela oclusiva glótica

Objetivo: Estabelecer um banco de amostras de referência constituído por gravações de fala de indivíduos com história de fissura labiopalatina, julgadas, por múltiplos avaliadores, como representativas do uso da oclusiva glotal. Método: Três fonoaudiólogas experientes julgaram 480 frases compostas por sons oclusivos e fricativos, quanto à identificação da oclusiva glotal. As frases foram julgadas individualmente e aquelas que não apresentaram consenso inicial foram novamente julgadas de maneira simultânea pelas mesmas avaliadoras. As amostras julgadas com consenso pelas avaliadoras, com relação à presença ou ausência da oclusiva glotal durante a produção dos sons oclusivos e fricativos, foram selecionadas para estabelecer o banco de amostras de referência. Resultados: Os julgamentos realizados evidenciaram consenso das avaliadoras em 352 amostras. Destas, 120 frases eram representativas da produção adequada para os 12 sons de interesse e 232 eram representativas do uso da oclusiva glotal. Conclusão: Um banco de amostras de referência representativas da oclusiva glotal foi estabelecido a partir do consenso de avaliadores múltiplos. As amostras de referência poderão ser usadas em estudos futuros envolvendo treinamento de avaliadores e formação de fonoaudiólogos.

Objective: To establish anchor samples consisting of speech recordings of individuals with history of cleft lip and palate, rated by multiple evaluators as representative of the use of the glottal stop. Methods: A total of 480 phrases with plosive and fricative sounds were rated by three experienced speech language pathologist (SLPs) to identify use of glottal stops. The samples were rated individually and those without consensus regarding the use of glottal stops were rated simultaneously by the same evaluators. The samples rated with consensus by the evaluators, regarding the presence or absence of glottal stops during the production of plosive and fricative sounds, were selected to establish anchor samples representative of use of glottal stops. Results: A total of 352 samples were rated with consensus by all evaluators. Of these, 120 phrases were representative of the adequate place of production of plosive and fricative sounds and 232 were rated as representative of the use of the glottal stops. Conclusion: Anchor samples representative of presence and absence of glottal stops for plosive and fricative sounds were established with consensus between multiple evaluators. These anchor samples can be used in future studies involving training of evaluators and preparation of speech language pathologists.

Objetivo: Establecer un banco de muestras de referencia constituido por grabaciones de habla de individuos con historia de fisura labiopalatina, juzgadas por múltiples jueces, como representativas del uso de la oclusiva glótica. Método: Un total de 480 frases compuestas por sonidos oclusivos y fricativos fueron juzgados a respeto de la identificación de la oclusiva glótica, por tres fonoaudiólogas conexperiencia. Las frases fueron juzgadas individualmente y aquellas que no presentaron un consenso inicial fueron juzgadas nuevamente de manera simultánea por las mismas juezas. Las muestras juzgadas en consenso por las juezas, con relación a la presencia o ausencia del oclusiva glótica durante la producción de sonidos oclusivos y fricativos, fueron seleccionadas para establecer el banco de muestras de referencia. Resultados: Los juzgamientos realizados evidenciaron consenso de las juezas en 352 muestras. De estas, 120 frases eran representativas de la producción adecuada para los 12 sonidos de interés y 232 eran representativas del uso de la oclusiva glótica. Conclusión: Un banco de muestras de referencia representativas de la oclusiva glótica fue establecido a partir del consenso entre jueces múltiplos. Las muestras de referencia podrán ser usadas en futuros estudios envolviendo entrenamiento de jueces y preparo de fonoaudiólogos.

Normative Nasalance Scores for Middle-Aged and Elderly Speakers of Brazilian Portuguese.

OBJECTIVES: This study establishes normative nasalance values for middle-aged and elderly Brazilian Portuguese-speakers and investigates age and gender effects across the life span. METHODS: Nasalance scores were obtained from 62 middle-aged (45-59 years) and 60 elderly (60-79 years) participants with normal speech for 3 nonnasal, 1 phonetically balanced, and 2 nasal-loaded test sentences using the Nasometer II 6400. The data were combined with a published data set of 237 speakers in 4 groups: children (5-9 years), adolescents (10-19 years), young adults (20-24 years), and mature adults (25-35 years). A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to investigate differences between the stimuli by gender and age groups. RESULTS: There were statistically significant effects of stimulus, gender, and age group, as well as a stimulus-age group interaction effect and a gender-age group interaction effect. The females' mean nasalance scores were higher than those of the males. The mean nasalance scores for the child, adolescent, and young and mature adult speakers were significantly lower than those for the elderly speakers, and the children's scores were significantly lower than those of the middle-aged speakers. CONCLUSION: Higher nasalance scores among middle-aged and elderly speakers may indicate physiological changes affecting oral-nasal balance in speech across the life span.