Elaboração de um guia sobre saúde vocal infantil / Elaboration of a guide on children's vocal health / Elaboración de una guía sobre salud vocal infantil

Introdução: Materiais educativos sobre cuidados com a voz dão apoio no atendimento clínico e prevenção de disfonia, entretanto, são escassos. Portanto, este estudo objetivou elaborar e avaliar um guia sobre saúde vocal infantil para pais e crianças. Descrição: A elaboração do guia abrangeu: Levantamento Bibliográfico nas bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e Público/editora MEDLINE (PubMed); Escrita dos temas; Organização/escrita dos conteúdos/referências; Seleção de imagens. Estruturação do guia: Produção da voz; Sinais/sintomas mais comuns de alterações vocais; Causas dos distúrbios vocais infantis; Consequências do distúrbio vocal infantil; Profissionais envolvidos no diagnóstico e tratamento; Mito e Verdade sobre voz; Como prevenir o distúrbio vocal infantil; Atividades amigas da voz. A avaliação foi em grupo focal, via Google Meet, com três juízes mestrandos em Fonoaudiologia, que discutiram qualitativamente estética, conteúdo e organização. A discussão foi coordenada pela coorientadora e as indicações, realizadas por consenso entre os juízes: Estética - ajustar local das referências, elaborar jogo de trilha, uniformizar desenhos/cores e criar mascote; Conteúdo - material relevante, diminuir textos, adequar a linguagem para crianças, usar links/QR-Code para informações extras e acrescentar orientações para professores; Organização - tópicos em ordem hierárquica, conteúdo relacionado ao tema e separar assuntos por capítulos. Considerações Finais: Foram apontadas mudanças, porém, os juízes ressaltaram a importância deste material na clínica fonoaudiológica e na promoção de saúde vocal. O grupo focal foi importante para a primeira avaliação do guia. (AU)

Introduction: Educational materials on voice care support in clinical care and dysphonia prevention, however, are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to elaborate and evaluate a guide on child vocal health for parents and children. Description: The elaboration of the guide covered: Bibliographic Survey in the databases Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) and MEDLINE Public/Publisher (Pubmed); Themes writing; Organization/writing of the contents/references; Selection of images. Structure of the guide: Voice production; Most common signs/symptoms of vocal disorders; Causes of voice disorders in childhood; Consequences of voice disorders in childhood; Professionals involved in diagnosis and treatment; Myth and Truth about voice; How to prevent vocal disorder in childhood; Voice-friendly activities. The evaluation was in a focus group, via Google Meet, with three Master Judges in Speech Therapy, who discussed qualitatively aesthetics, content and organization. The discussion was coordinated by the co-supervisor and the following recommendations were consensus among the judges: Aesthetics - adjust location of references, elaborate track game, standardize drawings/colors and, create mascot; Content -relevant material, decrease texts, tailor language for children, use/QR-Code links for extra information and, add guidance for teachers; Organization - topics in hierarchical order, content according to theme and separate subjects by chapters. Final Considerations: Improvements were pointed out, however, the judges emphasized the importance of this material in the speech therapy clinic and vocal health promotion. The focus group was important for the guide's first evaluation. (AU)

Introducción: Los materiales educativos sobre cuidados con la voz dan apoyo en la atención clínica y prevención de la disfonía, sin embargo, son escasos. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo elaborar y evaluar una guía sobre salud vocal infantil para padres e hijos. Descripción: La elaboración de la guía abarcó: Levantamiento Bibliográfico en las bases de datos Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS)/MEDLINE Público/Editor (PubMed); Escritura de los temas; Organización/escritura de los contenidos/referencias; Selección de imágenes. Estructuración de la guía: Producción de la voz; Signos/síntomas más comunes de alteraciones vocales; Causas de los trastornos vocales infantiles; Consecuencias del trastorno vocal infantil; Profesionales involucrados en el diagnóstico y tratamiento; Mito y Verdad sobre voz; Cómo prevenir el trastorno vocal infantil; Actividades amigas de la voz. La evaluación fue en grupo focal, vía Google Meet, con tres jueces maestres en Fonoaudiología, que discutieron cualitativamente estética, contenido y organización. La discusión fue conducida por la coordinadora y las indicaciones, realizadas por consenso entre los jueces: Estética - ajustar lugar de las referencias, elaborar juego de pista, uniformizar dibujos/colores y crear mascota; Contenido - material relevante, disminuir textos, adecuar el lenguaje para niños, usar links/QR-Code para informaciones extras y añadir orientaciones para profesores; Organización - tópicos en orden jerárquico, contenido relacionado al tema y separar asuntos por capítulos. Consideraciones Finales: Se señalaron cambios, sin embargo, los jueces resaltaron la importancia de este material en la clínica fonoaudiológica y en la promoción de salud vocal. El grupo focal fue importante para la primera evaluación de la guía. (AU)

Regenerative efficacy of fibroblast growth factor for the treatment of aged vocal fold: From animal model to clinical application.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed fibroblast growth factor (FGF) regenerative efficacy in an aged vocal fold rat model and confirmed it in a prospective clinical trial. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: For animal experiments, 48 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: 24 six-month-olds (young group) and 24 twenty-four-month-olds (old group). FGF was injected once a week thrice into the left vocal fold of the old group, dividing them into two sub-groups (injected [left] and uninjected [right]). Additionally, we conducted a prospective clinical trial for 38 patients with aged atrophic vocal fold. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A month post-injection, excised larynx from the three groups was subjected to comparative histopathological (ratio of relative lamina propria to total vocal fold) and mRNA expression analysis (of procollagen I, hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS)-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2) by real-time PCR. We performed perceptual, stroboscopic, acoustic aerodynamic test and Voice Handicap Index survey prior to and 1, 6 and 12 months after FGF injection. RESULTS: In rats, the relative lamina propria ratio increased after FGF injection. Procollagen I mRNA level decreased, whereas that of HAS-2 and MMP-2 increased significantly in the injected compared to the uninjected old group. Enrolled patients showed improved subjective and objective voice parameters after FGF injection, and these were maintained for a year. Potential side effects were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Animal experiments and prospective clinical trial suggest that FGF injection to vocal fold can significantly improve voice quality until one year, without complications, and is effective for aged atrophic vocal fold treatment.

Impacto en la calidad de vida del tratamiento de disfonía espasmódica aductora con toxina botulínica A / Impact on the quality of life of the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia with botulinum toxin A

Introducción. La distonía laríngea o disfonía espasmódica se caracteriza por con-tracciones involuntarias de los músculos laríngeos internos que se desencadenan al hablar, siendo la forma aductora la más frecuente. La inyección de toxina botulínica es el manejo de elección. Para evaluar la respuesta a la terapia existen varios instru-mentos validados, uno de ellos es el cuestionario Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). El objetivo de este estudio es caracterizar a los pacientes con disfonía espasmódica aductora y evaluar el impacto de la toxina en su calidad de vida.Método. Éste se centró en un estudio retrospectivo descriptivo en pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de disfonía espasmódica aductora tratados con toxina botulínica A, en el Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile (HCUC), en el periodo comprendido en-tre 2013 y 2021. El mismo permitió la obtención de los datos epidemiológicos de los pacientes, a quienes se les solicitó responder la encuesta VHI-10 previo y posterior a un mes de cada inyección de la toxina.Resultados. Se incluyeron 55 pacientes (218 procedimientos). La dosis promedio utilizada fue de 9,18 UI con un intervalo promedio de 7,4 meses. El puntaje VHI-10 promedio en la evaluación inicial fue de 29,4 y posinfiltración de 14,96, siendo esta diferencia significativa (p < 0,000001). En nuestra serie casi un tercio tiene asociada alguna patología neurológica, y se reportó un 3,67% de complicaciones leves y transitorias.Conclusión. La disfonía espasmódica aductora tiene un gran impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes, que se reduce significativamente mediante la inyección de toxina botulínica A, procedimiento que ha demostrado ser seguro y eficaz

Introduction. Laryngeal dystonia or spasmodic dysphonia is characterized by in-voluntary contractions of internal laryngeal muscles that are triggered when speak-ing, being the adductor form the most frequent. Botulinum toxin injection is the management of choice. There are several validated instruments to assess response to therapy, one of them is the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) questionnaire. The objective of this study is to characterize patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia and evaluate the impact of the toxin in their quality of life.Method. A descriptive retrospective study was carried out in adult patients with a diagnosis of adductor spasmodic dysphonia treated with botulinum toxin A, between 2013-2021 at the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile. The epidemiological data of the patients and the VHI-10 survey were obtained before and after one month of each toxin injection was requested.Results. 55 patients (218 procedures) were included. The average dose used was 9.18 IU with an average interval of 7.4 months. The average VHI-10 score in the initial evaluation was 29.4 and post-infiltration was 14.96, being this difference sig-nificant (p <0.000001). In our series, almost a third had an associated neurological pathology, and 3.67% of mild and transitory complications were reported.Conclusion. Adductor spasmodic dysphonia has a great impact on the quality of life of patients, which is significantly reduced by injecting botulinum toxin A, a pro-cedure that has been shown to be safe and effective

Factores de riesgo asociados a la disfonía en docentes de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Comunicación ULEAM / Risk factors associated with dysphonia in teachers of the Faculty of Communication Sciences ULEAM

El trastorno comúnmente conocido como disfonía se presenta comúnmente en la población que utiliza su voz como herramienta de trabajo, como son los docentes. Este trastorno puede provocar un déficit en sus labores profesionales y cotidianas. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal y cualitativo, con el objetivo de determinar los factores de riesgo más frecuentes para desarrollar disfonía en docentes y concientizar de mediante charlas personalizadas la prevención de este trastorno de la voz. El universo y la muestra estuvo constituido por 33 docentes, 12 masculinos y 21 femeninos. Se realizó una encuesta donde se formulaban preguntas sobre sus hábitos alimenticios, su carga horaria y hobbits. Los resultados fueron basados en las encuestas. El fonoaudiólogo o terapeuta de lenguaje se encarga directamente e indirectamente de su prevención y tratamiento(AU)

The disorder commonly known as dysphonia is commonly seen in the population that uses their voice as a working tool, such as teachers. This disorder can cause a deficit in their professional and daily work. A transversal and qualitative descriptive study was carried out, with the objective of determining the most frequent risk factors to develop dysphonia in teachers and to raise the awareness of this voice disorder through personalized talks. The universe and the sample consisted of 33 teachers, 12 male and 21 female. A survey was made where questions were asked about their eating habits, their workload and hobbits. The results were based on the surveys. The speech pathologist or speech therapist is directly and indirectly responsible for its prevention and treatment(EU)

Fatores associados à disfonia crônica autorreferida por professoras / Teachers' self-referred chronic dysphonia associated factors / Factores asociados a la disfonía crónica autoreferida por professoras

Objetivo: Caracterizar os aspectos sociodemográficos, organizacionais, estilo de vida, saúde-doença e vocais de professoras. Métodos: Estudo transversal e analítico envolvendo 146 docentes. Realizou-se análise bivariada por meio do teste qui-quadrado de Pearson. Resultados: A prevalência de alteração vocal crônica foi de 39,7%. As principais queixas autorreferidas foram: garganta seca, rouquidão, cansaço vocal, pigarro e falha na voz. Observou-se diferença estatisticamente significante para as variáveis: tempo de regência, ruído fora da escola, nenhum ou 1 copo de suco por dia, mais de uma dose alcoólica por vez, fala muito a demais no dia-a-dia, faltas e afastamento do trabalho por problema vocal, percepção de problema respiratório, diagnóstico médico de alergia respiratória, consulta médica para a voz e tratamento fonoaudiológico. Conclusão: Conhecer a prevalência e o perfil dos docentes com disfonia crônica são fatores importantes para atividades contínuas de promoção da saúde

Objective: The study's purpose has been to characterize the socio-demographic, organizational, lifestyle, health-disease and vocal aspects of teachers. Methods: It is both a cross-sectional and an analytical study that has involved 146 participating teachers. A bivariate analysis was performed through the Pearson's Chi-squared Test. Results: The prevalence of chronic vocal alteration was 39.7%. The main self-referred complaints were, as follows: dry throat, hoarseness, vocal fatigue, throat clearing and voice failure. A statistically significant difference was observed for the following variables: regency time, out-of-school noise, either none or one glass of juice per day, more than one alcoholic dose at a time, talks a lot on a daily basis, absences and work leave because of vocal issues, perception of respiratory problem, medical diagnosis of respiratory allergy, medical consultation for voice and speech-language therapy. Conclusion: Knowing both the prevalence and the profile of the chronic dysphonia bearing teachers are held as important factors for ongoing activities towards health promotion

Objetivo: Caracterizar los aspectos socio-demográficos, de organización, estilo de vida, salud-dolencia y vocales de las profesoras. Métodos: Estudio transversal y analítico involucrando 146 docentes. Se realizó un análisis bivariable por medio del test qui-cuadrado de Pearson. Resultados: Alteración vocal crónica 39,7%. Quejas autoreferidas: sequedad en la garganta, ronquera, cansancio vocal, irritación y fallo de la voz. Se observó una diferencia estadística significante para las variables: tiempo de desempeño, ruido fuera de la escuela, ningún ó 1 vaso de jugo diariamente, más de una dosis alcohólica al beber, hablar demasiado cotidianamente, faltas de descanso laboral por problema vocal, percepción del problema respiratorio, diagnóstico médico de alergia respiratoria, consulta médica para la voz y tratamiento fono-audiológico. Conclusión: Conocer el predominio y el perfil de docentes que padecen de disfonía crónica son factores importantes para las actividades continuadas de promoción de la salud

The Effect of Local Versus Intravenous Corticosteroids on the Likelihood of Dysphagia and Dysphonia Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Single-Blinded, Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia and dysphonia are the most common postoperative complications following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Although most postoperative dysphagia is mild and transient, severe dysphagia can have profound effects on overall patient health and on surgical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of local to intravenous (IV) steroid administration during ACDF on postoperative dysphagia and dysphonia. METHODS: This was a single-blinded, prospective, randomized clinical trial. Seventy-five patients undergoing ACDF with cervical plating were randomized into 3 groups: control (no steroid), IV steroid (10 mg of IV dexamethasone at the time of closure), or local steroid (40 mg of local triamcinolone). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected for dysphagia, dysphonia, and neck pain postoperatively for 1 year. RESULTS: Patient demographics were similar. Postoperative day 1 PROMs showed significantly lower scores for dysphonia (p = 0.015) and neck pain (p = 0.034) in the local steroid group. At 2 weeks postoperatively, the local steroid cohort showed significantly decreased prevalence of severe dysphagia (Eating Assessment Tool-10 [EAT-10], severe dysphagia, p = 0.027) compared with the control and IV steroid groups. Both steroid groups had significantly less severe dysphagia when compared with the control group at the 6-week and 3-month time points. At 1 year postoperatively, both steroid groups had significantly reduced dysphagia rates (p = 0.014) compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Both local and IV steroid administration after cervical plating in ACDF yielded better PROMs for dysphagia compared with a control group. This finding is particularly evident in the reduced number of patients who reported severe dysphagia symptoms following ACDF with local steroid application within the first 2 postoperative weeks. Future studies should attempt to stratify dysphagia severity when reporting outcomes related to anterior cervical spine surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Protective Strategies Against Dysphonia in Teachers: Preliminary Results Comparing Voice Amplification and 0.9% NaCl Nebulization.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of two protective strategies, voice amplification (VA) and 0.9% NaCl nebulization (NEB), on teachers' voice in the work setting. METHODS: An interventional evaluator-blind study was conducted, assigning 53 teachers from two public high schools to one of the two protective strategy groups (VA or NEB). Vocal function was assessed in a sound-treated booth before and after a 4-week period. Assessment included the severity of voice impairment (Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice [CAPE-V]), acoustic analysis of fundamental frequency (f0), sound pressure level (SPL), jitter, shimmer, glottal-to-noise excitation ratio (GNE), noise (VoxMetria), and the self-rated Screening Index for Voice Disorder (SIVD). Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS Statistics (version 22) with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Effect size was calculated using Cohen's d coefficient. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between groups at baseline in terms of age, sex, time of teaching, teaching workload, and voice outcomes, except for SPL. During postintervention between groups, NEB displayed lower SIVD scores (VA = 3; NEB = 0; P = 0.018) and VA had lower acoustic irregularity (VA = 3.19; NEB = 3.69; P = 0.027), with moderate to large effect size. Postintervention within-groups decreased CAPE-V for VA (pretest = 31.97; posttest = 28.24; P = 0.021) and SIVD for NEB (pretest = 3; posttest = 0; P = 0.001). SPL decreased in both groups, NEB decreased in men only, and VA decreased in both men and women. NEB increased f0 for female participants (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both VA and NEB may help mitigate dysphonia in different pathways, being potential interventions for protecting teachers' voices in the work setting. An ongoing study with a control group will further support these preliminary results.

Intervenção fonoaudiológica por meio da teleducação sobre a muda vocal e hábitos vocais / Intervention via teleducation about vocal mutation and vocal habits

RESUMO Objetivo Desenvolver e analisar os efeitos da aplicação de um programa de capacitação sobre muda vocal e hábitos vocais saudáveis, utilizando o modelo de ensino em saúde do Projeto Jovem Doutor. Métodos Completaram o programa 11 alunos, matriculados entre o 7º e o 8º ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola pública, divididos em dois grupos: grupo Jovens Doutores, composto por quatro alunos, que foram capacitados por meio de atividades presenciais e virtuais, e grupo Alunos, composto por sete alunos, que receberam o conhecimento transmitido pelos Jovens Doutores. Foi desenvolvido um ambiente virtual de aprendizagem, em formato de weblog, para a capacitação dos Jovens Doutores. Todos os participantes responderam a um questionário antes e após a capacitação. Resultados Os Jovens Doutores foram multiplicadores dos conhecimentos adquiridos no curso de capacitação para outros alunos da escola. Houve aumento no nível de conhecimento entre os períodos pré-capacitação e pós-capacitação, para todos os participantes, tanto do grupo Jovens Doutores, como do grupo Alunos. Conclusão O programa foi desenvolvido e contribuiu com a maior interação entre a universidade e a comunidade. Houve aumento do conhecimento adquirido pelos estudantes, por meio da capacitação, sobre a importância de conhecerem as mudanças que ocorrem na voz, no período da adolescência, e sobre os hábitos vocais saudáveis. A transmissão desses conhecimentos representa um potencial para a prevenção de disfonias e redução das dificuldades decorrentes dessas mudanças.

ABSTRACT Purpose To develop and to analyze the effects of a training program about voice mutation and healthy vocal habits using the model of education in health from the Young Doctor Project. Methods Eleven students enrolled in the 7th and 8th years of a public school, divided in two groups, completed the program: Young Doctors group, composed by four students, who were trained through presential and virtual activities, and Students group, composed by seven students, who received knowledge transmitted by the Young Doctors. A virtual learning environment was developed, in a weblog format, to train the Young Doctors. All the participants answered a questionnaire before and after training. Results Young Doctors were multipliers of the knowledge acquired in the training course to other students in the school. There was an increase in knowledge between the pre-training and post-training periods for all participants, in both groups. Conclusion The program was developed and contributed with the largest interaction between the university and the community. The students' knowledge about the importance of knowing about the voice changes that happen during adolescence and about healthy vocal habits increased through training. The transmission of this knowledge represents a potential for dysphonia prevention and reduction of difficulties stemming from these changes.

Evaluación de la notificación de disfonías en personas con uso profesional de la voz como suceso centinela en Navarra. Años 2013-2015 / Evaluation of the notification of dysphonia on the voice profesionals as a sentinel event in Navarra. Period 2013-2015

Fundamentos: De las lesiones producidas por el uso profesional de la voz, los nódulos de cuerdas vocales (NCV) se reconocen en España como enfermedad profesional desde el año 2007. Con el objetivo de fomentar su notificación en Navarra se incorporaron en el año 2013 al sistema centinela del Instituto de Salud Pública y Laboral de Navarra (ISPLN) las disfonías en personas con uso profesional de la voz. El objetivo de este estudio fue comprobar la eficacia de este programa. Métodos: La población a estudio fueron los profesionales de la voz notificados por disfonía como sucesos centinela durante los años 2013 al 2015 en Navarra. Se validó la eficacia del sistema mediante el cálculo de la incidencia acumulada por 100.000 trabajadores para cada uno de los años y el valor predictivo positivo como indicador de sospecha. Se comprobó la declaración como enfermedad profesional. Resultados: En el período abril 2013 diciembre 2015 se notificaron 110 casos, 71 nominales y 39 no nominales. La incidencia anual se incrementó de 9,0 casos por 100.000 a 13,4. De los casos nominales, 63 fueron mujeres y 8 hombres. La media de edad fue 40,8 años (38,5-43,1 IC 95%). 58 casos (81,7%) correspondieron a docentes. En 22 de los 71 casos se diagnosticaron nódulos (31%) y hubo 9 casos con partes de enfermedad profesional. Encontramos mayor presencia de nódulos en profesionales con uso extralaboral de la voz (OR 4,2 IC 1,3-14,3) y mejor evolución de las patologías diferentes a NCV (OR=2,5 IC 1,1-5,8). Se confirmó la sospecha como laboral en 54 casos (Valor Predictivo Positivo 76,1%). Conclusión: El sistema centinela es eficaz para la notificación de disfonías, aunque es importante destacar la baja declaración como enfermedad profesional de los casos detectados (AU)

Background: Among the lesions produced by the professional use of the voice since 2007, the Vocal Nodules (VN) are recognized in Spain as an Occupational Disease. With the aim of promoting its notification in Navarre, the Sentinel Program was incorporated in 2013 and, with this study, we seek to verify its efficacy. Methods: The study population were voice professionals reported for dysphonia as sentinel events during the years 2013 to 2015 in Navarre. Its effectiveness was validated by the cumulative incidence of 100,000 workers for each of the years and Positive Predictive Value as an indicator of suspicion. The declaration was verified as an occupational disease. Results: In the period April 2013 to December, 110 cases were reported, 71 nominal and 39 non-nominal. The annual incidence increased from 9.0 cases per 100,000 to 13.4. Of the cases investigated, 63 were women and 8 men. The mean age was 40.8 years (38.5-43.1 95% CI). 58 cases (81.7%) corresponded to teachers. In 22 of the 71 nodules (31%) and 9 coincidences were notified as an occupational disease. We found a greater presence of nodules in professionals with extra work use of voice (OR 4.2 IC 1.3-14.3) and better evolution of pathologies other than VN (OR = 2.5 CI 1.1-5.8 ). The suspicion was confirmed as occupational in 54 cases (positive predictive value 76.1%). Conclusion: The centinel program is effective in reporting dysphonia although it is important to highlight the low declaration as occupational disease of the cases detected (AU)

[Head and neck intensity-modulated radiation therapy: Normal tissues dose constraints. Pharyngeal constrictor muscles and larynx]. / Radiothérapie conformationnelle avec modulation d'intensité des cancers des voies aérodigestives supérieures : dose de tolérance des tissus sains. Muscles constricteurs du pharynx et larynx.

Radio-induced pharyngolaryngeal chronic disorders may challenge the quality of life of head and neck cancer long survivors. Many anatomic structures have been identified as potentially impaired by irradiation and responsible for laryngeal edema, dysphonia and dysphagia. Some dose constraints might be plausible such as keeping the mean dose to the pharyngeal constrictor muscles under 50 to 55Gy, the mean dose to the supra-glottic larynx under 40 to 45Gy and, if feasible, the mean dose to the glottic larynx under 20Gy. A reduction of the dose delivered to the muscles of the floor of the mouth and the cervical esophagus would be beneficial as well. Nevertheless, the publications available do not provide an extensive enough level of proof. One should consider limiting as low as possible the dose delivered to these structures without compromising the quality of irradiation of the target tumor volumes.

[Surgery of benign vocal fold lesions]. / Chirurgie gutartiger Stimmlippenbefunde.

Surgical treatment of benign vocal fold lesions can be indicated for clinical or functional reasons. The principles of phonosurgery have to be maintained in either case. The appropriate phonosurgical technique depends on the type of vocal fold lesion. Depending on the findings, phonosurgery aims to maintain or improve voice quality. The evaluation of clinical and functional results includes indirect laryngoscopy, videostroboscopy, and voice analysis.

Effectiveness of a Voice Training Program for Student Teachers on Vocal Health.

OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of a preventive training program on vocal health for German student teachers was investigated on specific vocal parameters. METHODS: The voice quality as described by the Dysphonia Severity Index of 204 student teachers (training group: n = 123; control group: n = 81) was measured at the beginning and at the end of the student teachers training period (duration 1.5 years). Additionally, for investigating the voice-carrying capacity, a vocal loading test (VLT) was performed. Finally, participants had to provide a subjective judgment of a possible Voice Handicap Index. RESULTS: The training program improved the voice quality of the trained group compared with that of the control group, whose voice quality declined. The trained group was also able to better sustain their voice quality across the VLT than the control group. Both groups, however, reported a similar increase in subjective vocal strain. CONCLUSIONS: The presented training program clearly showed a positive impact on the voice quality and the vocal capacity. The results maintain the importance of such a training program to be integrated in the education and occupational routine of teachers.

Relationship between quality of life instruments and phonatory function in tracheoesophageal speech with voice prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: The use of tracheoesophageal speech with voice prosthesis (T-E speech) after total laryngectomy has increased recently as a method of vocalization following laryngeal cancer. Previous research has not investigated the relationship between quality of life (QOL) and phonatory function in those using T-E speech. This study aimed to demonstrate the relationship between phonatory function and both comprehensive health-related QOL and QOL related to speech in people using T-E speech. METHODS: The subjects of the study were 20 male patients using T-E speech after total laryngectomy. At a visit to our clinic, the subjects underwent a phonatory function test and completed three questionnaires: the MOS 8-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-8), the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), and the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) Measure. RESULTS: A significant correlation was observed between the physical component summary (PCS), a summary score of SF-8, and VHI-10. Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between the SF-8 mental component summary (MCS) and both VHI-10 and VRQOL. Significant correlations were also observed between voice intensity in the phonatory function test and both VHI-10 and V-RQOL. Finally, voice intensity was significantly correlated with the SF-8 PCS. CONCLUSIONS: QOL questionnaires and phonatory function tests showed that, in people using T-E speech after total laryngectomy, voice intensity was correlated with comprehensive QOL, including physical and mental health. This finding suggests that voice intensity can be used as a performance index for speech rehabilitation.

Vocal Hygiene Habits and Vocal Handicap Among Conservatory Students of Classical Singing.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess classical singing students' compliance with vocal hygiene practices identified in the literature and to explore the relationship between self-reported vocal hygiene practice and self-reported singing voice handicap in this population. The primary hypothesis was that increased attention to commonly recommended vocal hygiene practices would correlate with reduced singing voice handicap. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional, survey-based study. METHODS: An anonymous survey assessing demographics, attention to 11 common vocal hygiene recommendations in both performance and nonperformance periods, and the Singing Voice Handicap Index 10 (SVHI-10) was distributed to classical singing teachers to be administered to their students at two major schools of music. RESULTS: Of the 215 surveys distributed, 108 were returned (50.2%), of which 4 were incomplete and discarded from analysis. Conservatory students of classical singing reported a moderate degree of vocal handicap (mean SVHI-10, 12; range, 0-29). Singers reported considering all 11 vocal hygiene factors more frequently when preparing for performances than when not preparing for performances. Of these, significant correlations with increased handicap were identified for consideration of stress reduction in nonperformance (P = 0.01) and performance periods (P = 0.02) and with decreased handicap for consideration of singing voice use in performance periods alone (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Conservatory students of classical singing report more assiduous attention to vocal hygiene practices when preparing for performances and report moderate degrees of vocal handicap overall. These students may have elevated risk for dysphonia and voice disorders which is not effectively addressed through common vocal hygiene recommendations alone.

Ultrasound and thyroiditis in patient candidates for thyroidectomy.

AIM: Thyroiditis is often associated with nodules based on the Bethesda classification system, and the presence of thyroiditis can make thyroid surgery difficult using both conventional techniques and minimally invasive videoassisted approaches (MIVAT). METHODS: We analyzed 326 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in 2012. We collected all data in dedicated database. The patients were divided in 4 groups: group 1 no affected by thyroiditis, group 2 affected by thyroiditis, group 3 only histological diagnosis of thyroiditis, group 4all patients affected by thyroiditis. RESULTS: Group 1 included 201 cases, group 2 included 64 patients, group 3 included 61 patients. No statistically significant difference between group 2 and 3 about Ultrasound (US) examination. Statistically significant difference in incidence of "THYR 3-4" between group 1 and group 4. No differences in MIVAT vs. Conventional group. CONCLUSION: US examination of the thyroid is essential for the diagnostic study of the gland also in the selection of a surgical approach. Thyroiditis is a relative contraindication to MIVAT but the experience of the endocrine surgeon is the most important factor to reduce intra and postoperative complications together a correct collaboration in multidisciplinart endocrinological team.

Abordaje de la vigilancia de la salud en trabajadores con uso profesional de la voz / Protocol of health examination on voice professional

OBJETIVO: El principal objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una propuesta de reconocimiento preventivo de salud para trabajadores de la voz. Material y MÉTODOS: La patología de la voz tiene su incidencia más elevada en aquellos colectivos que utilizan la voz como elemento clave de su actividad profesional, especialmente en docentes y teleoperadores. Según estudios, la prevalencia de puede oscilar de un 18% a 57% en docentes y aproximadamente 13 % en teleoperadores. La necesidad de valorar y prevenir las patologías en todos los elementos que intervienen en la producción de la voz, así como la obligación de prevenir y detectar nódulos de las cuerdas vocales en profesionales con riesgo, justifican la elaboración de este protocolo.RESULTADOS: Proponemos un protocolo con un contenido específico conteniendo historia clínico laboral que recoja la información con anamnesis, hábitos, situación actual e historia laboral, que debemos conocer para la adecuada valoración de estos trabajadores, una valoración subjetiva de la voz y una exploración específica aerodinámicacomplementada con el test Índice de incapacidad vocal VOICE HANDICAP INDEX (VHI). CONCLUSIONES:Este protocolo es fácil de hacer por los profesionales sanitarios y no es caro para las empresas

OBJECTIVE: The principal objective of this work is to determinate a propose of preventive health screenings on voice workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Voice disorders mainly affect groups of people who use their voice is a key element as part of their work, especially teachers and telemarketers. According to studies, the prevalence may vary between 18 and 57% in teachers and approximately 13% of telemarketers. The need to assess and prevent diseases in all elements involved in voice production, and the obligation to prevent and detect nodules of the vocal chords in professionals at risk, justify the development of this protocol. RESULTS: We propose a protocol with specific content including past medical history, habits, current situation and occupational history, which we need to be aware of in order to assess these patients properly, and a subjective evaluation of the voice and specific aerodynamic examination complemented by the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). CONCLUSIONS:This is a protocol very easy to use in medical evaluation y not expensive for the company

Análise da qualidade vocal antes e após o uso profissional e social da voz / Voice quality assessment before and after social and professional voice use

Objetivo Analisar, do ponto de vista perceptivo-auditivo, os efeitos do uso profissional e social da voz na qualidade vocal de mulheres, em um intervalo de tempo de duas horas e 30 minutos. Métodos Pesquisa do tipo caso-controle, formada por dois grupos: grupo de uso profissional da voz, com 31 professoras, faixa etária de 28 a 59 anos e grupo de uso social da voz, com 42 mulheres, faixa etária de 31 a 59 anos, sem o uso profissional da voz e sem queixa vocal. A coleta foi realizada pela manhã, em dois momentos - antes da primeira aula e após duas horas e 30 minutos -, na própria escola em que as professoras lecionavam e consistiu em leitura de frases. O grupo de uso social seguiu os mesmos padrões de gravação, com uso da voz na residência de cada participante. As vozes foram avaliadas de forma perceptivo-auditiva por dois avaliadores experientes, comparando-se as emissões antes e após o uso e classificação de melhora, piora ou similaridade entre os momentos. Resultados Os grupos não apresentaram diferenças entre as vozes, comparando-se os momentos antes e após o uso da voz. Nos casos em que houve modificação do padrão vocal, a rugosidade foi o parâmetro perceptivo-auditivo mais frequente nos dois grupos, porém com baixo grau de alteração. Conclusão O uso social e o uso profissional da voz, decorrente da atividade letiva, no período de duas horas e 30 minutos, não causaram alterações na qualidade vocal, analisada de forma perceptivo-auditiva. .

Purpose To analyze the effects of social and professional voice use in the voice quality of women in a time frame of two hours and 30 minutes using auditory-perceptual evaluation. Methods A case-control study with two groups: professional voice users, with 31 Belo Horizonte school teachers aged 28-59 years; social voice users, with 42 females aged 31-59 years with no occupational voice use. The data was collected at two time points, in the morning period, before starting the use of voice and after two hours and thirty minutes. The subjects were instructed to read sentences in their normal speaking voice. The same recording scheme was used for the group of social voice use, with normal use of the voice in the home of each participant. The voices were evaluated through an auditory-perceptual assessment by two experienced raters who compared the emissions before and after voice use and determined whether there was improvement, deterioration or similarity between time points. Results Both groups had a higher frequency of similarity between the voices before and after the vocal loading according to the auditory-perceptual evaluation. In subjects with changes in their vocal patterns, roughness was the auditory-perceptual parameter that changed the most for both groups, albeit with a low degree of deviance. Conclusion The social voice use and the professional voice use resulting from the teaching activity, both during two hours and thirty minutes, caused no changes in voice quality as evaluated by auditory-perceptual analysis. .

Section four: laryngitis and dysphonia.

Acute laryngitis is most often caused by viral illnesses through direct inflammation of the vocal cords or from irritation due to postnasal drainage. Bacterial infections, such as acute epiglottitis, also can cause dysphonia but typically have other systemic symptoms as well as respiratory distress. Chronic laryngitis is characterized by symptoms lasting more than 3 weeks. Chronic vocal cord issues can be related to overuse or stress on the vocal cords resulting in nodules or polyps. Individuals in certain occupations, such as singers, school teachers, and chemical workers, are at greater risk of chronic laryngitis. The diagnostic approach to chronic laryngitis should include visualization of the vocal cords to rule out potential malignant lesions. For acute and chronic overuse symptoms, the best treatment is vocal rest. The use of antibiotics or decongestants should be discouraged.