Vocal fold electromyography in patients with endoscopic features of unilateral laryngeal paralysis.

<b><br>Introduction:</b> Electromyography (EMG) of the larynx provides information on the electrophysiological condition of laryngeal muscles and innervation. Integration of information obtained from the EMG exams with the clinical parameters as obtained by other methods for laryngeal assessment (endoscopy, perceptual and acoustic analysis, voice self-assessment) provides a multidimensional picture of dysphonia, which is of particular importance in patients with vocal fold (VF) mobility disorders accompanied by glottic insufficiency.</br> <b><br>Aim:</b> The aim of this study was to evaluate laryngeal EMG records acquired in subjects with unilateral vocal fold immobilization with signs of atrophy and glottic insufficiency.</br> <b><br>Material and methods:</b> From the available material of 74 EMG records of patients referred for the exam due to unilateral laryngeal paralysis, records of 17 patients with endoscopic features suggestive of complete laryngeal muscle denervation were selected. The EMG study of thyroarytenoid muscles of mobile and immobile VFs was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively at rest and during volitional activity involving free phonation of vowel /e/ [ε].</br> <b><br>Results:</b> In all patients, the EMG records from mobile VFs were significantly different from those from immobile VFs. Despite endoscopic features of paralysis, no VF activity whatsoever was observed in as few as 2 patients so as to meet the neurophysiological definition of paralysis. In 88% of cases, electromyographic activity of the thyroarytenoid muscle was observed despite immobilization and atrophy of the vocal fold. In these patients, neurogenic type of record was observed with numerous high- -amplitude mobility units. On the basis of the results, quantitative features of EMG records indicative of paralysis and residual activity of the thyroarytenoid muscle were determined.</br> <b><br>Conclusions:</b> Qualitative and quantitative analysis of laryngeal EMG records provides detailed information on the condition of vocal fold muscles and innervation. EMG records of mobile vs immobile VFs differ significantly from each other. Endoscopic evaluation does not provide sufficient basis for the diagnosis of complete laryngeal muscle denervation.</br>.

Analysis of the relationship between emotion intensity and electrophysiology parameters during a voice examination of opera singers.

OBJECTIVES: Emotions and stress affect voice production. There are only a few reports in the literature on how changes in the autonomic nervous system affect voice production. The aim of this study was to examine emotions and measure stress reactions during a voice examination procedure, particularly changes in the muscles surrounding the larynx. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study material included 50 healthy volunteers (26 voice workers - opera singers, 24 control subjects), all without vocal complaints. All subjects had good voice quality in a perceptual assessment. The research procedure consisted of 4 parts: an ear, nose, and throat (ENT)­phoniatric examination, surface electromyography, recording physiological indicators (heart rate and skin resistance) using a wearable wristband, and a psychological profile based on questionnaires. RESULTS: The results of the study demonstrated that there was a relationship between positive and negative emotions and stress reactions related to the voice examination procedure, as well as to the tone of the vocal tract muscles. There were significant correlations between measures describing the intensity of experienced emotions and vocal tract muscle maximum amplitude of the cricothyroid (CT) and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles during phonation and non-phonation tasks. Subjects experiencing eustress (favorable stress response) had increased amplitude of submandibular and CT at rest and phonation. Subjects with high levels of negative emotions, revealed positive correlations with SCMmax during the glissando. The perception of positive and negative emotions caused different responses not only in the vocal tract but also in the vegetative system. Correlations were found between emotions and physiological parameters, most markedly in heart rate variability. A higher incidence of extreme emotions was observed in the professional group. CONCLUSIONS: The activity of the vocal tract muscles depends on the type and intensity of the emotions and stress reactions. The perception of positive and negative emotions causes different responses in the vegetative system and the vocal tract. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(1):84-97.

Electromyographic Evaluation of Vocal Folds in Patients With Laryngeal Paralysis Referred for Injection Laryngoplasty.

BACKGROUND: According to the literature, almost 80% of the patients diagnosed with permanent unilateral laryngeal paralysis experience vocal disability. Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) provides information on the characteristics and progression of the disease process, allowing for optimal treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate LEMG recordings in patients with unilateral vocal fold (VF) immobility referred for injection laryngoplasty (IL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 17 patients with unilateral laryngeal immobilisation as an iatrogenic complication after neck surgery. The patients were referred for IL surgery due to glottic insufficiency. All patients underwent a preoperative otolaryngologic-phoniatric evaluation with perceptual and acoustic voice assessment and LEMG. RESULTS: Patients with unilateral VF immobilisation referred for injection laryngoplasty for glottal insufficiency show significant differences on LEMG between the mobile and immobile folds. In these patients, electromyography (EMG) features of the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle correlate with the severity of breathiness in the voice and pathological variation in the fundamental frequency. Despite the lack of mobility and features of VF atrophy, only 12% meet the electromyographic criterion for vocal fold paralysis. The immobile VF has a poorer recording from the TA muscle, the more material needs to be injected to surgically model the glottis during IL. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that LEMG is a valuable criterion for qualifying patients for injection laryngoplasty in unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Laryngeal sensory neuropathy caused by COVID-19: findings using laryngeal electromyography.

PURPOSE: Laryngeal sensory neuropathy (LSN) is caused by a disorder of the superior laryngeal nerve or the recurrent laryngeal nerve. A diagnosis of LSN should include laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) and laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS). The aim of this study was to characterize the physical and subjective symptoms of neuropathy in patients diagnosed with LSN following COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, 6 patients who had recovered from the disease presented to us with LSN symptoms. All patients underwent laryngological and phoniatric examination, objective and subjective voice assessment, and LEMG. RESULTS: The most common LSN symptom reported by patients was periodic hoarseness of varying severity. Other common symptoms were the sensation of a foreign body in the throat and voice fatigue. Endoscopy often showed functional abnormalities. The LSN patients could be characterized by LEMG recordings, and all showed abnormal activity of the cricothyroid (CT) muscle. The degree of EMG changes in the CT correlated moderately with the severity of dysphonia. CONCLUSIONS: Sensory neuropathy of the larynx may be a long-lasting complication of SARS-COV-2 infection. The severity of EMG neuropathic changes in the CT muscle broadly corresponds to the severity of dysphonia.

Electrophysiological predictors of hyperfunctional dysphonia.

BACKGROUND: The relation between the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and muscles of the vocal tract is of particular importance when considering the pathomechanism of a functional voice disorder. AIMS: The aim of this study was to record electrophysiological indicators from the ANS as well as the tone of the external laryngeal muscle and test whether together they could point to an enhanced risk of primary functional voice disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study material consisted of 81 people, 27 of whom were professional opera singers. None reported any voice complaints. The research comprised ENT and phoniatric examination, superficial electromyography (SEMG), and recording of physiological indicators (pulse rate, skin resistance). RESULTS: All subjects had a clear voice with no sign of vocal disability. Endoscopy revealed laryngeal hyperfunction in 26 people. SEMG revealed that the 26 had increased external laryngeal muscle tone during phonation, and this finding correlated with a change in certain electrophysiological indicators HRV, BVP, EDA. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that anomalies in electrophysiological parameters in individuals with subclinical symptoms of functional voice disorder may be at risk of developing fully symptomatic hyperfunctional dysphonia in the future. Vocal training, which differentiates singers and non-singers, is known to have an effect on subclinical hyperfunctional dysphonia. SIGNIFICANCE: By measuring indicators of hyperfunctional dysphonia, it may be possible to take remedial action before symptomatic dysphonia develops.

Polish Translation and Validation of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30).

Traditional voice evaluations, including imaging techniques, auditory-perceptual ratings, and acoustic and aerodynamic analyses, fail to assess the global handicap that a patient experiences as a result of a voice disorder. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) is currently one of the most widely used and psychometrically robust instruments for measuring voice disability. The aim of the study is to translate and validate a Polish version of the VHI. The original English-language version of VHI-30 was translated into Polish. We enrolled 188 subjects-123 patients (91 women and 32 men) with voice disorders and 65 controls (53 women and 12 men) without voice disorders. Results obtained by the patients were significantly higher than those obtained by the controls on the Emotional subscale (U = 519.0; p < 0.001), Functional (U = 829.0; p < 0.001), Physical (U = 331.0; p < 0.001), and the global score (U = 390.0; p < 0.001). There were statistically significant negative correlations between maximum phonation time and global score (rho = -0.31; p < 0.01) as well as all three subscales. Shimmer and Smoothed Amplitude Perturbation Quotient were correlated positively with the global score (rho = 0.22; p < 0.05; rho = 0.25; p < 0.01, respectively) and with all three subscales. There were also statistically significant correlations between VHI scores and auditory perceptual evaluation. In the patient group, there was excellent internal consistency (α = 0.97) and strong test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation = 0.94). The cut-off value equal to 17 points was estimated. The Polish VHI showed excellent internal consistency, good test-retest reproducibility, and clinical validity. It is a useful tool for evaluating the voice disability perceived by a patient.

Laryngeal Electromyography in the Therapeutic Process of Patients with Vocal Fold Immobility or Dysmobility.

(1) Background: Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) plays a key role in classifying the severity of nerve damage and determining the prognosis of the nerve recovery. LEMG is primarily a qualitative study, without a standardized approach to interpretation. The development of qualitative and quantitative analysis would situate LEMG in the gold standard of modern neurolaryngologic diagnostics. The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate laryngeal electromyography recorded in patients with vocal fold immobility or dysmobility. (2) Methods: The electromyographic material comprised 84 thyroarytenoid muscles recordings of 42 patients. (3) Results: In our study, we observed significant differences between EMG characteristics of healthy and paralyzed VF. Our study showed that recording laryngeal muscle activity during successive phases of breathing provides additional valuable information. We noticed that the frequency and amplitude of motor unit potentials correlates with the return of vocal fold functionality. (4) Conclusions: Laryngeal EMG guides the clinician on the best course of treatment for the patient. It is therefore important to develop an effective methodology and consensus on the quantitative interpretation of the record. Amplitude and frequency parameters are valuable in predicting neural recovery and in the return of vocal fold mobility.

Assessment of auditory processing in childhood dysphonia.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical experience shows that children with functional dysphonia often present disorders that are associated with abnormal auditory and emotional development. These children also struggle with voice therapy, perhaps because of difficulties with auditory control during speech. It has been hypothesized that difficulties in auditory processing in children may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of childhood dysphonia. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess selected auditory functions in children with hyperfunctional dysphonia. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study group consisted of 331 children aged from 7 to 12 years suffering from hyperfunctional dysphonia. The control group consisted of 213 children aged 7-12 years. All patients underwent ENT and phoniatric examination. All children underwent two standardized psychoacoustic tests: the Frequency Pattern Test (FPT) and the Duration Pattern Test (DPT). RESULTS: In the examined material, 223 children had edematous vocal fold nodules. The largest statistically significant differences were seen in the acoustic parameters describing relative frequency changes. FPT and DPT showed statistically significant differences in children with hyperfunctional dysphonia compared to the control group. At all ages the percentage of correctly identified tone sequences was significantly lower in children with dysphonia. CONCLUSION: Children with hyperfunctional dysphonia have difficulties in judging the pitch and duration of auditory stimuli. Difficulties in auditory processing appear to be important in the pathomechanism of functional voice disorders. Impaired hearing processes in children with hyperfunctional dysphonia can make it difficult to obtain positive and lasting effects from voice therapy.

Electromyographic Assessment of the External Laryngeal Muscles of Opera Singers During Phonation and Non-Phonation Tasks.

INTRODUCTION: The surface EMG technique (sEMG) gives valuable assessment of vocal tract as well as diagnosis or outcome assessment in dysphonia. There are very few papers on the use of sEMG in vocal professionalists. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the electromyographic characteristics of selected external laryngeal and neck muscles in professional opera singers. MATERIAL: The study material consisted of 50 subjects. Twenty-six opera professional singers and 24 healthy non-singers. METHOD: Each person underwent otolaryngologic and phoniatric examination, laryngeal videostroboscopy, hearing testing, multiparametric acoustic voice analysis (multidimensional voice program) and sEMG of submentalis, cricothyroid and sternocleidomastoid muscles. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the values of the amplitudes of the submentalis and the cricothyroid muscles showed significant differences between the vocalists and the control group. Moreover, during vowel phonation and glissando, significantly greater differences in the asymmetry of sternocleidomastoid muscles amplitudes were observed in singers compared to the control group. In most subjects, the studied muscles did not show asymmetry during saliva swallowing. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal muscle function should be assessed during different phonation and non-phonation tasks. Singers have different SEMG characteristics than non-singers. Knowledge of the patient's history and endoscopic studies is needed to interpret EMG recordings.

Can preoperative results predict the need for future reintervention following injection laryngoplasty for unilateral vocal fold paralysis?

PURPOSE: The objective was to investigate whether a patient's preoperative test results can predict the need for future reoperation in unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). METHODS: A single-centre retrospective study was performed. The study group consisted of 18 patients with UVFP who had been treated with injection laryngoplasty but who required further treatment and were augmentated again within 36 months. The control group consisted of 33 injected patients who had not required reintervention up to 36 months later. RESULTS: Only glottal gap was associated with a relative risk for reinjection. Glottal gap was found to be severe in 77.8% of the patients from the study group compared to 42.4% of the controls, and the difference was statistically significant. The kind of injected material (calcium hydroxylapatite or hyaluronic acid), age, and voice assessment (perceptual, objective, or subjective) did not seem to affect the likelihood of reoperation being needed. There were no between-group statistically significant differences in individual aspects of the GRBAS scale. The global score was slightly higher in the study group, but it did not reach statistical significance (U = 198.5; p = 0.09). A comparison of VHI scores did not yield statistically significant differences between the study and control groups. No significant differences in objective acoustic voice parameters were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: Only glottal gap occurred to be associated with a relative risk for reinjection. A kind of injected material (CaHA or HA), age, perceptual, objective and subjective voice assessment do not seem to impact the likelihood of reoperation in patients with UVFP.

Clinical and Electromyographic Assessment of Swallowing in Individuals with Functional Dysphonia Associated with Dysphagia Due to Muscle Tension or Atypical Swallowing.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past few years, attention has been paid to the coexistence of dysphonia with dysphagia, in the context of functional disorders. The aim of this work was to objectify logopaedic examination of dysphonic patients with coexisting swallowing difficulties by surface electromyography. METHODS: The material of the work included 58 patients with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD). Each patient underwent otolaryngologic, phoniatric and logopaedic examination. We collected information about medical history and asked patients to fill out Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI) and Swallowing Disorder Scale (SDS). The algorithm of dysphagia diagnostics in our clinic assumes parallel surface electromyography (SEMG) during Functional Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing. RESULTS: In comparison to patients suffering from atypical swallowing, patients with muscle tension dysphagia (MTDg) obtained higher values from almost all questionnaires. Logopaedic evaluation revealed abnormalities in the structure and efficiency of the articulatory organs and in the assessment of primary functions. Patients with more abnormalities in logopaedic examination had significantly higher infrahyoid muscle activity during swallowing observed in EMG. Patients with non-normative swallowing pattern had significantly greater asymmetry of the average and maximum amplitude of masseters, as well as submental muscles. Patients with higher percent of muscles asymmetry gained higher scores in questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: Surface electromyography objectifies logopaedic examination of patients with swallowing difficulties. The results of this work showed that, apart from longer swallows, patients with MTDg differ from patients with non-normative swallowing patterns in the muscle activity measured by SEMG, abnormalities in logopaedic evaluation and the severity of complaints reported by patients.

Diagnosis in Muscle Tension Dysphagia.

<b>Introduction:</b> Patient-reported outcome measures have been used within the otorhinolaryngologic disorders' field for many years to compare patient's perception of the severity of symptoms and the effectiveness of a therapeutic approach. Questionnaires that evaluate dysphagia are relatively complex instruments aimed mostly at patients with neurological or malignant diseases. The ICD-10 classification specifies only one broad term - dysphagia (R13). Introduction of Muscle Tension Dysphagia (MTDg) in 2016 by Kang completed the spectrum of the nomenclature. This dysphagia type is defined as a type of laryngeal muscle tension disorder manifesting primarily as swallowing difficulty with or without any accompanying organic cause, laryngeal hyperresponsiveness and/or nonspecific laryngeal inflammation. <br><b>Aim:</b> Since there were no clear diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives on the group of patients with MTDg, the aim of this work was to analyse selected diagnostic tools used for the evaluation of swallowing disorders in the context of finding the most suitable tools for patients with Muscle Tension Dysphagia. <br><b>Material and method:</b> The material of the work included 61 patients. Each patient underwent otolaryngologic, phoniatric and speech therapist's examination, Functional Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) and filled out questionnaires concerning dysphonia and dysphagia symptoms. <br><b>Results:</b> The results of the work showed that patients with MTDg were characterised by correct results of FEES examination, prolonged swallowing, features of inappropriate mucous and oropharyngeal muscle function. <br><b>Conclusions:</b> The Swallowing Disorder Scale (SDS), developed by the authors, correlated best with the cause of dysphagia. The questionnaire corresponded well with the degree of severity. In the diagnostic process of MTDg one of the key tasks is the differentiation with patients with non-normative swallowing patterns. Apart from specialistic consultations with otolaryngologist and speech therapist, while diagnosing MTDg we recommend using objective (FEES, videofluroscopy, SEMG) and subjective (SDS, DHI, EAT-10 surveys) assessment tools. In our opinion, the inclusion of questionnaires to detect reflux syndromes is also important in the causal treatment of ailments.

Mucosal wave measurements in the diagnosis of functional dysphonia.

ntroduction: The publication describes the characteristics of the glottis in FDs objectified by OQ, measured with VSK and EGG. AIM: The aim of the study was to objectify glottal function in different types of FDs. The scope was to use open quotients gained from various mucosal wave imaging techniques for differential diagnosis of FDs. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study included 204 individuals. In the study, each patient underwent otolaryngological and phoniatric examination. LVS, EGG and VSK were conducted, their results were recorded and stored using an EndoSTROB-DX- -Xion GmbH (Berlin) device with DIVAS software. RESULTS: All patients with FDs had abnormalities in LVS. A statistical analysis showed differences in LVS characteristics according to the type of FD. The mean value of OQVSK was 0.521 in the control group and 0.565 in the study group (P < 0.05). Significant differences were found between patients with hypofunctional - 0.584 and hyperfunctional dysphonia - 0.55. The QOQEGG mean value in patients with FDs was 0.581 and in the control group 0.549 (P < 0.01). There were statistically significant differences between groups of patients with hyper- and hypofunctional dysphonias. Medians amounted to 0.574 and 0.604, respectively. Authors observed different relations of OQ with the type of FD. They decided to introduce a new parameter, illustrating the proportion of QOQEGG/OQVSK. CONCLUSIONS: Videostrobokymographic and electroglottographic open quotients differentiate euphony from dysphony. The value of OQVSK and QOQEGG and their proportion varies depending on different types of functional dysphonias. The OQVSK and QOQEGG should be included in the diagnostic algorithm of voice.

Characteristics of swallowing disorders in patients with dysphonia.

INTRODUCTION: Coexistence of dysphagia with voice disorders is a topic rarely raised in the literature. Particular attention is paid to the aspect of dysfunction of laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles. AIM: The aim of the study was to analyse cases of patients with dysphonia in relation to coexistence of swallowing disorder. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The material of the study included 515 patients hospitalised due to dysphonia in 2018. Patients whose interview indicated swallowing difficulties were subjected to additional diagnosis for dysphagia (FEES, extended speech therapy test, SEMG). R esults: 11.8% of people requiring treatment for voice disorders reported coexistence of swallowing difficulties. Dysphagia was diagnosed in 9.3%. The percentage of respondents diagnosed with swallowing disorder differed depending on the type of underlying disease and was the highest in the group with neurological disorders. Analysis of the correlation between the severity of dysphagia (according to the assessed grade, DHI, EAT-10 results) and the severity of VHI showed a weak correlation between VHI and EAT-10 (p = 0.1), statistically significant correlations (p < 0,05) between the value of VHI and RSI in people with diagnosed neurological disease, between the value of VHI and DHI in people with hyperfunctional dysphonia and the value of VHI and BMI and EAT- 10 in people with chronic laryngitis. Moreover, statistically significant correlations were found between the severity of dysphagia and EAT-10 and DHI (p < 0.05). The speech therapy test indicated the co-existing problem of non-normative swallowing pattern. The electromyographic study showed the largest asymmetries in recording the average and maximum amplitude from masseters. C onclusions: Treatment of patients with voice disorders requires interdisciplinary care. A history of dysphagia in these patients should complement the medical history of voice disorders. The characteristics of swallowing disorders vary depending on the cause of the voice disorder and their co-occurrence affects on average 9.3% of patients. Coexistence of muscle tension dysphagia with voice disorder requires separate diagnostic protocol. Logopaedic procedure ought to be a key element in the interdisciplinary care of patients suffering from muscle tension dysphagia.

Objective measurement of mucosal wave parameters in diagnosing benign lesions of the vocal folds.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnostic procedure of phonation is dominated by subjective assessment tools. It seems reasonable to seek methods of quantitative glottal cycle assessment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was the analysis of open quotients (OQ) of the glottis. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four people were included in the study. Methodology was based on tools available in everyday phoniatrics practice - laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS) and electroglottography (EGG). There were statistically significant differences between control and studied group. Vocal fold polyps, nodules and edema influence glottal function in a different manner, what can be illustrated by objective glottal function parameters. Establishing Videostroboscopic Open Quotient values from three parts of glottis and Electroglottographic Quasi Open Quotient (QOQ) value, can help in dividing patients with benign lesions of vocal folds according to the type of disease. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of the open quotient from three parts of the glottis helps to differentially diagnose and localize glottal vocal fold lesions. Videostroboscopic Open Quotient and Electroglottographic QOQ values can be used to quantify the glottal cycle. Videostroboscopic Open Quotient, Electroglottographic QOQ and their ratio varies depending on the type of organic dysphonia.

Objectification of vocal folds mucosal wave.

The work assessed the clinical utility of open quotients measured during laryngovideostroboscopy and electroglottography. Values of the parameters were analyzed according to clinical diagnosis. An algorithm based on direct and indirect mucosal wave measurement is presented, which allows for differentiation of voice disorders. The method developed for the objectification of glottal functions in various voice pathologies is characterized by high sensitivity and specificity.

Assessment of short-term functional voice therapy in patients with unilateral paralysis of the larynx.

Introduction Laryngeal paralysis deteriorates all laryngeal functions. Therefore the therapeutic process must include restoration of respiratory, defensive and vocal function. Selection of a proper rehabilitation path plays a key role. Appropriate research protocol that includes objective methods of voice evaluation is an important element of monitoring the return of vocal efficiency. Voice efficiency is important for the patient particularly due to psychological and social reasons. Aim The aim of the study was the assessment of short-term functional voice therapy (FVT) in patients with unilateral paralysis of the larynx with the usage of objective parameters describing the glottis and voice quality. Material and Method During the last 10 years 355 patients with laryngeal paralysis were hospitalized in the Audiology and Phoniatrics Clinic due to dysphonia. All patients undergone 5-day FVT. From 2015 we unified diagnostic protocol measuring parameters obtained from videostrobokymography (VSK), electroglottography (EGG), perceptual and acoustic voice analysis before and after 5 day hospitalization. Results After FVT patients improved voice quality and glottal compensation. The majority of patients achieved a statistically significant improvement in the VSK, EGG, MDVP and perceptual analysis. Group of patients with unsatisfactory voice improvement after therapy required a prolonged rehabilitation or has been qualified for laryngeal microsurgery. Potential factors that could have cause insufficient effects of FVT were analysed. Conclusions The complexity of voice rehabilitation is crucial for the success of therapy. Interdisciplinary therapeutic team plays a significant role during voice rehabilitation in patients with vocal fold paralysis.

Characteristics of Euphony in Direct and Indirect Mucosal Wave Imaging Techniques.

OBJECTIVES: There is a necessity to include objective methods to the study protocol of voice. Such procedure will help not only in diagnosing and monitoring the course of treatment, but also in comparing the results of studies between research centers. METHODS: Vocal fold mucosal wave characteristics of 70 healthy people were made using videostrobokymographic open quotient (VSKOQ) and electroglottographic quasi-open quotient (EGGQOQ). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were achieved regarding gender for the averaged values of VSKOQ as well as for values calculated from the posterior part of the vocal folds. A statistically significant correlation between the value of VSKOQ and age was observed for the posterior part of the glottis. Differences between gender and the value of EGGQOQ were observed. No statistically significant correlation between EGGQOQ and age was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: VSKOQ and EGGQOQ are parameters characterizing glottal function in a coherent manner. These parameters can be included easily in phoniatric examination and help to objectify glottal function.

[Direct and indirect mucosal wave imaging techniques]. / Bezposrednie i posrednie metody pomiaru fali sluzówkowej faldów glosowych.

The vocal folds play a key role in the process of phonation. Cyclical movements of the vocal folds model a space called glottis, what leads to voice formation. The space contains surface between the vocal folds and the inner surface of the arytenoid cartilages. The best indicator of the vocal folds vibratory function is the mucosal wave. The presence and size of the mucosal wave is widely recognized as an indicator of tension and plasticity of vocal folds. It is also essential in the process of creating a proper, resonant voice. In the article, current knowledge of mucosal wave imaging techniques is given. Imaging can be carried out directly and indirectly. Among the direct methods, the following are distinguished: laryngostroboscopy, laryngovideostroboscopy, videokymography and high-speed digital imaging. Indirect methods include: electroglottography, photoglottography and ultrasonography.