Speech-language Disorders Research Articles

Tulburările de vorbire și tulburările de limbaj. Implicații ale craniostenozei

Tulburările de vorbire și tulburările de limbaj. Implicații ale craniostenozei

Prevalence of communication, swallowing and orofacial myofunctional disorders in children and adolescents at the time of admission at a cancer hospital.

Describe the prevalence of communication, swallowing and orofacial myofunctional disorders in a group of children and adolescents at the time of registration at a cancer hospital. A cross-sectional study conducted with children aged ≥2 and adolescents, of both genders, admitted to the Pediatric Oncology Section of the Instituto Nacional de Câncer José de Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA) from March 2014 to April 2015 for investigation and/or treatment of solid tumors. A protocol was used to record the sociodemographic and clinical information and findings of the speech-language pathology clinical evaluation, which included aspects of the oral sensorimotor system, swallowing, speech, language, voice, and hearing. Eighty-eight children/adolescents (41.3%) presented some type of speech-language disorder. The most frequent speech-language disorders were orofacial myofunctional disorder, dysphonia, and language impairments, whereas the less frequent ones were dysacusis, tongue paralysis, and trismus. Site of the lesion was the clinical variable that presented statistically significant correlation with presence of speech-language disorders. High prevalence of speech-language disorders was observed in children and adolescents at the time of admission at a cancer hospital. Occurrence of speech-language disorders was higher in participants with lesions in the central nervous system and in the head and neck region.

Acoustic cues to linguistic profiling? Machine learning of phonetic features of African American English

Listeners can readily differentiate words spoken in an African American English (AAE) dialect from a Standard American English (SAE) dialect, even in absence of distinctive morphosyntactic features. However, it is still unclear what acoustic-phonetic cues listeners utilize to rapidly distinguish AAE from SAE. This study investigates the informativeness of various acoustic-phonetic cues to the characterization of AAE dialect. V and VC sequences (with C = /n/, /m/, /l/, /r/) from speech of 7 female speakers (4 SAE and 3 AAE), recorded during sociolinguistic interviews, were randomly selected and acoustically analyzed, controlling for coarticulatory context. Acoustic cues of F1, F2, F3, F4 formant trajectories, formant bandwidth, pitch variation, duration, intensity, and voice quality measures (e.g., harmonic-to-noise ratio, jitter, shimmer, and spectral slope) were measured in these segments to identify the extent of their contribution to separating AAE and SAE. The results from machine learning modeling of acoustic cues demonstrate that speech within an AAE dialect entails distinct acoustic characteristics and voice quality compared to SAE speech. These separate acoustic patterns between AAE and SAE dialect indicate the need for including dialect-specific acoustic cues both in automatic speech recognition applications and clinical assessments of speech-language disorders.

A Preliminary Study of the Development of a Speech-Language Disorder Training System for Adults Based on Immersive Virtual Reality-Web Speech Recognition: Usability Evaluation by an Expert Group

A Preliminary Study of the Development of a Speech-Language Disorder Training System for Adults Based on Immersive Virtual Reality-Web Speech Recognition: Usability Evaluation by an Expert Group

Early Childhood Teachers' Recognition of Speech-Language Disorders and Rehabilitation Services

Early Childhood Teachers' Recognition of Speech-Language Disorders and Rehabilitation Services

Phonological working memory and FOXP2

The discovery and description of the affected members of the KE family (aKE) initiated research on how genes enable the unique human trait of speech and language. Many aspects of this genetic influence on speech-related cognitive mechanisms are still elusive, e.g. if and how cognitive processes not directly involved in speech production are affected. In the current study we investigated the effect of the FOXP2 mutation on Working Memory (WM).Half the members of the multigenerational KE family have an inherited speech-language disorder, characterised as a verbal and orofacial dyspraxia caused by a mutation of the FOXP2 gene. The core phenotype of the affected KE members (aKE) is a deficiency in repeating words, especially complex non-words, and in coordinating oromotor sequences generally. Execution of oromotor sequences and repetition of phonological sequences both require WM, but to date the aKE's memory ability in this domain has not been examined in detail.To do so we used a test series based on the Baddeley and Hitch WM model, which posits that the central executive (CE), important for planning and manipulating information, works in conjunction with two modality-specific components: The phonological loop (PL), specialized for processing speech-based information; and the visuospatial sketchpad (VSSP), dedicated to processing visual and spatial information. We compared WM performance related to CE, PL, and VSSP function in five aKE and 15 healthy controls (including three unaffected members of the KE family who do not have the FOXP2 mutation).The aKE scored significantly below this control group on the PL component, but not on the VSSP or CE components. Further, the aKE were impaired relative to the controls not only in motor (i.e. articulatory) output but also on the recognition-based PL subtest (word-list matching), which does not require speech production. These results suggest that the aKE's impaired phonological WM may be due to a defect in subvocal rehearsal of speech-based material, and that this defect may be due in turn to compromised speech-based representations.

Prevalence of speech and language disorders in children in the western region of São Paulo.

To establish the speech-language disorders in children living in the western region of São Paulo; to assess associations between diagnosis hypotheses (DH) and the age, gender and origin of referral; and to investigate the degree of agreement between the complaint and the DH at the moment of speech-language screening. Observational epidemiological study conducted at a laboratory of Primary Health Care. A survey of 525 medical records of children between 2002 and 2011 was conducted. The following variables were analyzed: gender and age of the child; origin of referral, complaint reported by parents, diagnosis hypothesis and referrals. There was a predominance of male children (68.3%) and of the age group between 3 and 5 years and 11 months (48.7%), referred by a health professional (51.9%) and with more than one complaint reported by parents (26.1%). The most frequent DH were Phonological Disorder (22.9%) and more than one Diagnosis Hypothesis (19.4%). Most children were referred to a clinic-school where screening was performed (77.9%). There was an association between DH and the variables age (p <0.001*), gender (p = 0.008*) and origin of referrals (p <0.001). The degree of agreement between complaints and DHs was moderate. It has been proven that there are different DHs according to age, gender and origin of referrals. The use of speech-language screening with the information provided by parents for tracking of speech pathology is recommended.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DISORDERS AT ENT-HNS CLINIC OF SANGLAH HOSPITAL IN THE PERIOD OF JUNE 2012-JUNE 2013

because it is often caused and accompanied by various problems, and resulting in significant implications. The underlying hearing impairment should be noted by ENT-HNS specialists, to improve its early detection and intervention program, for better final result. Data on patients with speech-language disorders at ENT-HNS clinic at Sanglah Hospital is insufficient. This study is carried out as an effort to collect basic data on the characteristics of patients with speech-language disorders whom referred to ENT-HNS clinic at Sanglah Hospital-Denpasar. Patients with speech-language disorders and complete medical records, whom referred to ENT-HNS clinic at Sanglah Hospital during the period of June 2012 to June 2013 were included in the study. The patients’ data on medical records were analyzed on several aspects, including sex, age, residence, close-related parents, prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors, and their ENT-HNS evaluation results. Most of the samples were 1-2 years old (44%) and live in rural area (63%). We found 18 patients with no wave V on ABR, 2 patients with effusion otitis media, and 1 patient with autism. Various risk factors were associated with speech and language disorders in literatures. The most common risk factors found in the study were infection during pregnancy (16%), post natal infection (12%), and kernicterus (9%), but we did not find any prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors in 67%, 81%, and 86% of the patients, respectively. Result of the study shows that there is a delay of hearing impairment evaluation due to limitation of screening program. The most common risk factor of speech-language disorders is infection, during pregnancy or after labor. Type of hearing loss we find are mostly sensorineural.

Korean Database of Cerebral Palsy: A Report on Characteristics of Cerebral Palsy in South Korea

ObjectiveTo introduce the Korean Database of Cerebral Palsy (KDCP) and to provide the first report on characteristics of subjects with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodsThe KDCP is a nationwide database of subjects with CP, which includes a total of 773 subjects. Characteristics such as demography, birth history, onset and type of CP, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, functional ability and accompanying impairments, were extracted and analyzed.ResultsPreterm delivery and low birth weight were found in 59.51% and 60.28% of subjects, respectively. Postnatally acquired CP was 15.3%. The distribution of CP was 87.32%, 5.17%, and 1.81% for spastic, dyskinetic, and ataxic types, respectively. Functional ability was the worst in dyskinetic CP, as compared to other types of CP. Speech-language disorder (43.9%), ophthalmologic impairment (32.9%), and intellectual disability (30.3%) were the three most common accompanying impairments. The number of accompanying impairments was elevated in subjects with preterm birth and low birth weight. Brain MRI showed normal findings, malformations, and non-malformations in 10.62%, 9.56%, and 77.35% of subjects, respectively. Subjects with normal MRI findings had better functional ability than subjects with other MRI findings. MRI findings of a non-malformation origin, such as periventricular leukomalacia, were more common in subjects with preterm birth and low birth weight.ConclusionThe KDCP and its first report are introduced in this report, wherein the KDCP established agreement on terminologies of CP. This study added information on the characteristics of subjects with CP in South Korea, which can now be compared to those of other countries and ethnicities.

Analysis of Research Trends in the Journal of Speech-Language and Hearing Disorders by Using a Semantic Network Analysis: 1998-2015

Analysis of Research Trends in the Journal of Speech-Language and Hearing Disorders by Using a Semantic Network Analysis: 1998-2015

Factors associated with speech-language disorders in motorcycle accident victims.

To investigate factors associated with speech-language disorders in victims of motorcycle accidents. This is a cross-sectional study. Victims of motorcycle accidents studied were treated at Hospital da Restauração between June and July 2014. The data were collected by consulting the records and direct interviews with these, at admission and after discharge. For analysis were raised single frequencies, average and chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. The margin of error used in the statistical tests was 5%, and the intervals were obtained with 95% reliability. 99 individuals were studied, 90.9% male, the mean age of 32.7 years. It found a high percentage of 42.3% of drunk drivers and 51.5% were not enabled. The Head Injuries were present in 30.3% of cases. The most affected body area were the lower limbs (71.7%), followed by the head and face region (56.6%). It was also found that 30.3% had complaints of speech pathology after hospital discharge and a statistically significant association between speech therapy complaint and not enabled (p=0.012) and collisions between bikes (p=0.004). There was a high percentage of lesions in the head and face resulting from accidents, associated mainly not eligible to drive bike and collisions between motorcycles, suggesting that these factors can aggravate injuries speech therapy.

Constant Therapy.

Designed by scientists at Boston University, the aim of this therapy app is to improve everyday speech, memory and focus skills in people recovering from traumatic brain injury, or who have aphasia, dementia or a speech-language disorder.

Constant Therapy.

Designed by scientists at Boston University, this speech therapy app aims to improve everyday skills, such as speech, memory and focus, for patients recovering from a traumatic brain injury or who have aphasia, dementia or a speech-language disorder.

Prevalence of communication disorders in a group of islands in India

BackgroundLakshadweep is a union territory of India which is a socially and geographically secluded part from the main land giving rise to increased inbreeding; one of the causes for the communication disorders. Information about prevalence of communication disorders is essential for the prevention, policy decision making and providing effective rehabilitation services. The study was conducted as a part of fieldwork by staff and students of the AIISH to estimate the prevalence of communication disorders in Lakshadweep. MethodA door to door survey was conducted in 5 islands (surveyed population: 22,558) of Lakshadweep to identify the population at risk for communication disorders. Those who were at risk were screened to identify the same in the second phase. Screening was conducted in camps held at three islands. The prevalence of communication disorders was then estimated for the at-risk population. ResultsThe percentage of individuals who were at-risk of communication disorders as estimated from the survey data was found to be 3.63%. Among those who appeared for the screening camp 42.64% of individuals were found to have ear related problems and 57.36% individuals had speech–language disorders. Also, males had higher prevalence of ear related (53.77% against 46.23%) and speech language related problems (60.29% against 39.71%). ConclusionsThe prevalence of hearing loss was lesser and the prevalence of speech–language disorders higher compared to the mainland. Among the communication disorders, speech and language disorders were more prevalent. Males were more prone to the communication disorders than females.

Risk of reading difficulty among students with a history of speech or language impairment: Implications for Student Support Teams

ABSTRACTMany students with a history of speech or language impairment have an elevated risk of reading difficulty. Specific subgroups of these students remain at risk of reading problems even after clinical manifestations of a speech or language disorder have diminished. These students may require reading intervention within a general education system of supports and services. The first part of this article describes three speech-language disorders that place elementary students at risk of reading problems: functional speech disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, and specific language impairment. Emphasis is given to research findings on the reading outcomes of students with these disorders. The second part of the article provides recommendations within an RTI framework that will assist Student Support Teams in identifying, monitoring, and supporting these students.

Alterações fonoaudiológicas e acesso ao fonoaudiólogo nos casos de óbito por câncer de lábio, cavidade oral e orofaringe: um estudo retrospectivo

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar as alterações fonoaudiológicas e o acesso ao fonoaudiólogo durante o curso da doença, nos casos de óbito por câncer de lábio, cavidade oral e orofaringe, nos residentes de Olinda - PE, em 2012 e 2013. Métodos: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, cuja população foi composta pelos óbitos por câncer de lábio, cavidade oral e orofaringe, residentes em Olinda, notificados ao Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade e ocorridos nos anos de 2012 e 2013, com assistência integralmente realizada pelo SUS. As informações foram obtidas em entrevistas realizadas com os informantes-chave de cada caso. Para tal, foram utilizados os princípios do protocolo da Autópsia Verbal. As diferenças percentuais foram testadas por meio do teste estatístico Qui- quadrado corrigido de Yates, ou nos casos em que a ocorrência foi inferior a cinco observações, usou-se o Teste Exato de Fisher, com α=5%. Resultados: dos 18 óbitos investigados, em 55,6%, a suspeita de câncer foi por meio da realização do auto-exame, o diagnóstico ocorreu exclusivamente por profissionais médicos, e a língua e a orofaringe aparecem como sítio tumoral de maior ocorrência. Todos os casos apresentaram alguma alteração nas funções estomatognáticas, sendo 88,9% na fala, 83,3% na mastigação e deglutição e 77,8% na voz. Em 27,8% houve a indicação para o tratamento fonoaudiológico, e destes, todos referiram acesso ao profissional no sistema único de saúde. Conclusão: os resultados deste trabalho ratificam que as funções estomatognáticas apresentaram alterações em proporções elevadas, e a despeito disso, poucas pessoas receberam indicação para o acompanhamento fonoaudiológico. No entanto, todos que foram indicados, referiram acesso a este profissional.

Teaching medical students about communication in speech-language disorders: Effects of a lecture and a workshop

Purpose: This study aims to explore the effects of an interactive workshop involving speech-language pathology students on medical students’ knowledge about communication in relation to speech-language disorders.Method: Fifty-nine medical students received a lecture about speech-language disorders. Twenty-six of them also participated in a workshop on communication with patients with speech-language disorders. All students completed a 12-item questionnaire exploring knowledge and attitudes towards communication before and after the lecture or the workshop. The results from the two groups’ self-ratings of confidence in knowledge were compared with expert-ratings of their ability to choose suitable communicative strategies.Result: Both the lecture and the workshop increased the students’ confidence in knowledge about speech-language disorders and how to support communication. Only the workshop group also displayed a statistically significant increase in expert-rated ability and changed their attitude regarding responsibility for the communication in cases of speech-language disorders. There were no statistically significant correlations between the student’s own confidence ratings and the experts’ ratings of ability.Conclusion: Increased confidence in knowledge from learning is not always reflected in actual knowledge in how to communicate. However, an interactive workshop proved to increase medical students’ expert-rated ability and attitudes related to communication in cases of speech-language disorders.

Rise in SSI Support for Speech-Language Disorders in Children Reflects U.S. Trend

Rise in SSI Support for Speech-Language Disorders in Children Reflects U.S. Trend

Speech-Language Disorders in Children with Hearing Loss Connected with Otitis Media with Effusion

Introduction: Otitis media with effusion is accompanied with conductive hearing loss. The aim of the study is to find out effect of long term or recurrent conductive hearing loss on speech descrimination. Method: Tonal audiometry timpanometry, speech audiometry (free sound field, head phone for left and right ear respectively) performed in 18 girls (mean age 8 years) and 27 boys (mean age 7 year). All of the children undergo speech/language screening tests. Results: Results of speech recognition showed no ear side effect in girls and right ear advantage in boys. Girls showed earlier in age central auditory processing disorder. Boys showed lower scores in words discrimination while hearing throught the head-phones on left ear. Poorer speech recognition at boys is accompanied with motorical immaturty, undeveloped articulation, poor vocabulary, lack of syntax in sentences, substitution of R and L, unable to focus on school tusk. Conclusion: Children with conductive hearing loss associated to otitis media with effusion are pronounced auditory processing disorder and speech/language discrimination disturbance. Associative thinking and solving of abstract problems are more affected in females than males.

Retinoic Acid Signaling: A New Piece in the Spoken Language Puzzle.

Speech requires precise motor control and rapid sequencing of highly complex vocal musculature. Despite its complexity, most people produce spoken language effortlessly. This is due to activity in distributed neuronal circuitry including cortico-striato-thalamic loops that control speech–motor output. Understanding the neuro-genetic mechanisms involved in the correct development and function of these pathways will shed light on how humans can effortlessly and innately use spoken language and help to elucidate what goes wrong in speech-language disorders. FOXP2 was the first single gene identified to cause speech and language disorder. Individuals with FOXP2 mutations display a severe speech deficit that includes receptive and expressive language impairments. The neuro-molecular mechanisms controlled by FOXP2 will give insight into our capacity for speech–motor control, but are only beginning to be unraveled. Recently FOXP2 was found to regulate genes involved in retinoic acid (RA) signaling and to modify the cellular response to RA, a key regulator of brain development. Here we explore evidence that FOXP2 and RA function in overlapping pathways. We summate evidence at molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels that suggest an interplay between FOXP2 and RA that may be important for fine motor control and speech–motor output. We propose RA signaling is an exciting new angle from which to investigate how neuro-genetic mechanisms can contribute to the (spoken) language ready brain.