Voice Function Research Articles

Functioning profiles of individuals with Mucopolysaccharidosis according to the International Classification of Functioning.

The classification of health problems of persons with Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) may contribute to better understanding the disease impacts. The ICF is a useful tool to describe disabilities and functioning, especially in diseases with multisystemic involvement. To identify and classify the health needs of persons with non-neuronopathic MPS according to the ICF. A cross-sectional study. Department of Physical Therapy (Federal University, Brazil). Persons with non-neuronopathic MPS. Semi-structured interviews covering all components of the ICF were conducted to know the patients' perspectives of their health problems (patient-reported outcomes). The speeches were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by researchers to identifying meaningful concepts. Then, the concept units were linked to ICF components and the magnitude of the problem to ICF qualifiers. Data are shown by descriptive statistics and separated into two groups: children and adolescents, and adults. A total of 60 different ICF categories were used to classify participants' functioning. A total of 28 and 51 categories was necessary to classify the health problems of children and adults, respectively. Additionally, 16 categories related to contextual factors were used, of which eight and 12 were identified as facilitators by children, adolescents, and adults, respectively. The main problems were related to supportive functioning of arms or legs (b7603), pain in the body part (b2801), respiratory functions (b440), and voice functions (b310). Limitations in the activity and participation component were related to walking (d450), fine hand use (d440), washing oneself (d510), and dressing (d540). Recreation and leisure (d920) was restricted to approximately half of the studied population. People with MPS face impairments of body structures and functions, activity limitations and restrictions to participation. Environmental factors may be act as facilitators of these problems. The ICF is a useful tool to classify the health problems of people with non-neuropathic MPS. The planning of rehabilitation programs needs to covers all components of functioning to provide a biopsychosocial model of care. The ICF categories may direct health professionals to more effective targets.

Revisiting the Concept of Non- and Minimally Invasive Interventions in Early Glottic Cancer - Part II: Single Therapy Should be Favored over the Combination of Transoral Laser Microsurgery and Radiotherapy, Regarding the Postinterventional Voice Quality.

Introduction Early glottic cancer (EGC) is associated with a high cure rate. Hence, patients and physicians also focus on the impact of the proposed treatment on the speaking function of the preserved larynx. Objectives The present study assessed the impact of single-modality treatment (transoral laser microsurgery [TLM], or radiotherapy) or combination therapy for EGC on postinterventional voicing and explored factors which might explain the related perceptions. Methods A total of 108 patients filled in the voice handicap index 10 questionnaire, 1 and 2 years postinterventionally. Non-parametric tests were used for the respective statistical analyses. Results Sixty-four patients were treated with TLM, 15 with radiotherapy, and 29 with both modalities. Transoral microsurgery and radiotherapy were associated with postinterventional dysphonia, which attenuated between the first and second postintervention year ( p = 0.000). No association between sociodemographic parameters and the attenuation of postinterventional dysphonia was identified for either treatment modality. Transoral microsurgery and radiotherapy resulted in comparable postinterventional voicing, in the first ( p = 0.940) and second ( p = 0.196) postintervention years. The addition of TLM to radiotherapy resulted in worse voice quality in the second, compared with the first postintervention year ( p = 0.000), demonstrating a detrimental effect on speech intelligibility in noise ( p = 0.000). Conclusion Single therapy should be favored over the combination of TLM and radiotherapy for EGC in terms of retaining better postinterventional voice quality. Postinterventional dysphonia should be taken into account, during preinterventional counseling, as it may exert leverage on the quality of patients' lives. Patients and physicians should acknowledge the optimal time of voice function return, which seems to be extending up to two years posttreatment.

Acoustic Variability in the Healthy Female Voice Within and Across Days: How Much and Why?

Purpose The aims of this study were (1) to quantify variability in voice production (as measured acoustically) within and across consecutive days in vocally healthy female speakers, (2) to identify which acoustic measures are sensitive to this variability, and (3) to identify participant characteristics related to such voice variability. Method Participants included 45 young women with normal voices who were stratified by age, specifically 18-23, 24-29, and 30-35 years. Following an initial acoustic and auditory-perceptual voice assessment, participants performed standardized field voice recordings 3 times daily across a 7-day period. Acoustic analyses involved 32 cepstral-, spectral-, and time-based measures of connected speech and sustained vowels. Relationships among acoustic data and select demographic, health, and lifestyle (i.e., participant-based) factors were also examined. Results Significant time-of-day effects were observed for acoustic analyses within speakers (p < .05), with voices generally being worse in the morning. No significant differences were observed across consecutive days. Variations in voice production were associated with several participant factors, including improved voice with increased voice use; self-perceived poor voice function, minimal or no alcohol consumption, and extroverted personality; and worse voice with regular or current menstruation, depression, and anxiety. Conclusions This acoustic study provides essential information regarding the nature and extent to which healthy voices vary throughout the day and week. Participant-based factors that were associated with improved voice over time included increased voice use, self-perceived poor voice function, minimal or no alcohol consumption, and extroverted personality. Factors associated with worse voice production over time included regular or current menstruation, and depression and anxiety.

Effect of a Workplace Vocal Health Promotion Program and Working Conditions on Voice Functioning of College Professors

To determine the effect of a Workplace Vocal Health Promotion Program (WVHPP) and working conditions on voice functioning of college professors. This is a pre-post intervention study. College professors were randomly assigned in a control group or an intervention group. Participants filled out a questionnaire and recorded a voice sample at baseline and at the end of the follow-up. This program contains four sessions (2 face-to-face and 2 virtual sessions; one per week) focused on voice hygiene, vocal training, and strategies to modify teaching-learning process. The Intervention group (n=15) showed increased scores in V-RQOL in comparison with the control group (n=14), but the effect was not statistically significant. After the program, shimmer decreased (P=0.05), whereas MPT and HNR increased (P=0.02 and 0.04 respectively) among professors in the intervention group after the implementation of the WVHPP. Concerning working conditions, number of students per class was statistically associated with SPL. MPT was statistically associated with age and good acoustics inside the classroom. Our results indicate that implementation of a WVHPP, as well as working conditions, influence voice functioning measured by means of instrumental voice measures and voice-related quality of life. Therefore, workplace promotion programs may be good approaches to decrease the high prevalence of voice disorders among professors.

Multimodal Evaluation of Voice Outcome in Early Glottic Cancers Treated With Definitive Radiotherapy.

We employed a multimodal evaluation of voice outcome (MEVO) model to assess long-term voice outcome in early glottic cancer (EGC) patients treated with primary radiotherapy (RT). The model consisted of objective and subjective vocal evaluation during follow-up, by a dedicated Speech Pathologist and Speech Therapist. MEVO methodology includes Self-perception Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30), evaluation of parameters Grade (G), Roughness (R), Breathiness (B), Asthenia (A) and Strain (S) according to GRBAS scale, objective analysis and aerodynamics using the PRAAT software and laryngeal evaluation with videostroboscope (VS). The MEVO methodology was described and tested on a sample of 10 EGCs submitted to definitive RT (total dose 66-70 Gy). Mean follow-up was 48.9 months (range=9-115). VHI was mild-moderate in 90% of patients; overall voice function (GRBAS) was normal-mildly impaired in 70% of patients; VS evaluation showed normal vocal cord motion in 90% of patients, but complete glottic closure in 60%. PRAAT scores confirmed these findings. A multidimensional voice evaluation is time consuming, but useful to objectify vocal impact of radiotherapy. The MEVO model allowed to quantify vocal dysfunction, showing a good objective vocal outcome.

Functional and Oncologic Outcomes of Octogenarians Undergoing Transoral Laser Microsurgery for Laryngeal Cancer.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the oncologic and functional outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for glottic cancers in patients ≥80 years.Study DesignProspectively collected case series.SettingQEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Canada.MethodsThis case series used a prospectively collected glottic cancer database to examine consecutive elderly patients (≥80 years old) undergoing TLM. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate rates of disease-free, disease-specific, and overall survival as the primary end points of oncologic control. Secondary functional outcomes included voice function, length of hospital stay, and time to readmission.ResultsFrom 2005 to 2017, 17 octogenarian patients underwent TLM for glottic cancer. Median follow-up was 4.19 years (interquartile range, 0.71-6.95). Kaplan-Meier estimates of 5-year survival were 78.4% (disease free), 92.9% (disease specific), and 81.9% (overall). The median length of hospital stay was 1 day (range, 0-8). There was only 1 readmission within 30 days of surgery. No patients in this study developed significant surgical or postoperative complications requiring unplanned readmissions. Patient-perceived voice function improved to normal after treatment in 62.5% of patients.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that TLM is a safe and effective treatment modality for glottic cancer in patients aged ≥80 years, providing good oncologic control and satisfactory functional outcomes.

MODERN CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF THE UPPER AERODIGESTIVE TRACT BY THE VISCERAL FLAPS

Introduction. The high incidence of cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract, impairment of breathing, speech, and swallowing functions accompanied by prolonged and often persistent disability put the rehabilitation and the quality of life of patients among the most important social problems.Material and methods. We have gained experience in reconstructing the pharynx and esophagus with various fragments of the gastrointestinal tract in 121 cancer patients. Based on our own clinical experience, the most important criteria of selecting patients after laryngectomy for reconstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract with visceral flaps were identified. Visceral autografts formed from different parts of the patient’s gastrointestinal tract were full-layer fragments of the abdominal organs, which included the mucous membrane of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine. In some patients, the choice of flap was limited by a large omentum.Results. In 9.9 % of cases, flap necrosis was observed. Oral nutrition was restored in 93.9 % of patients. In 90.5 % of cases, speech function was restored after the installation of avoice prosthesis. The method of autologous transplantation of the ileo-colonic flap made it possible not only to remove the organs affected by the tumor, but also to simultaneously restore the lost nutrition and vocal functions without resorting to artificial prostheses, but using only their own tissues. The 5-year survival rates were 36.4 % and 67.3 % in patients with simultaneous reconstruction and in patients with delayed reconstruction, respectively.Conclusion. The use of visceral flaps in the reconstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract allows patients to restore both the nutrition and voice functions after laryngectomy.

The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation of Occupational Voice Disorders in a Health Resort Hospital Environment.

Background: The aim of this study was to present a rehabilitation program of occupational voice disorders for teachers, conducted in the form of health resort stays, and evaluate its effectiveness depending on job seniority. Methods: The study included 420 teachers who participated in a complex vocal prophylactic and rehabilitation program carried out during a 24-day stay at a health resort hospital. Employment time varied from 4 to 45 years (mean 28.3 years). The participants were divided into three groups: employment time < 21 years (57 teachers), 21–30 years (182 teachers) and > 30 years (181 teachers). All of the subjects underwent maximum phonation time assessment as well as jitter, shimmer and NHR (noise to harmonic ratio) parameters assessment before and after the program; they also underwent perceptual evaluation using the GRBAS scale and voice self-assessment using the VHI-30 scale. Results: The perceptual evaluation using the GRBAS scale and self-report measures of voice function assessed using the VHI scale revealed improvement (p < 0.001). The parameters of jitter, shimmer and NHR improved significantly: jitter p < 0.001, shimmer p < 0.001 and NHR p < 0.003. Maximum phonation time increased slightly but significantly (p < 0.001). For all of the studied groups regardless of their employment time, maximum phonation time increased (p < 0.001). Initially, the lowest values of maximum phonation time were observed in teachers with longer job seniority, which improved after the rehabilitation but remained <15 s. Conclusions: Voice care for teachers is crucial regardless of their job seniority. Early prophylaxis for voice disorders is effective, as the results of rehabilitation are better in teachers with a shorter employment time.

A Software-Defined Always-On System With 57–75-nW Wake-Up Function Using Asynchronous Clock-Free Pipelined Event-Driven Architecture and Time-Shielding Level-Crossing ADC

This work presents an ultra-low-power software-defined always-on wake-up system to drastically decrease the system power of Internet of Things (IoTs) devices, which usually operate in random-sparse-event (RSE) scenarios. It mainly thanks to a clock-free time-shielding level-crossing ADC (TS-LCADC), software-defined clock-free multi-function detectors, and an asynchronous pipelined event-driven architecture. First, by quantifying RSE noisy signals with clock-free adaptive sampling in a signal-noise-rejecting manner, the proposed TS-LCADC reduces number of sampling points and power, and consumes only 41 nW when on-call waiting for IoT events. Second, the proposed clock-free multi-function detectors with offline and online programmability are able to character the signal features of versatile IoTs events and allow versatile and dynamic wake-up functions. Third, the proposed asynchronous pipelined event-driven architecture minimizes the system activity and thus power, because a power-hungry high-performance system (HPS) is only woken up when a detected parameter crosses its corresponding threshold. As such, the long-term average power (LTA-power) is dominated by the always-on circuits in RSE scenarios. The measurement results achieve 71-75 nW for three typical applications, i.e., heart rate, epilepsy, and keyword envelope detection. The LTA power is only 57 nW when waiting for RSE events, which is 30 × lower than a prior general-purpose wake-up chip. Compared with other works of dedicated voice and acoustic wake-up functions, this work consumes 2 × and 17 × less power, respectively, while featuring 16 × higher signal bandwidth and a broader versatility.

Are There Differences in Abdominal Muscle Function in Female Singers With and Without Voice Disorders? - An Observational Study

The purpose of this study was to determine the motor function of the abdominal muscles in singers with and without functional voice disorders and to examine them for possible differences. Additionally, the breathing behaviour and posture control was investigated. Observational study. Female subjects (n=20) with differing levels of professional competence were used to provide the data for analysis. By using the Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI) the grade of dysphonia could be measured, and the subjects were organized in groups. The change of muscle thickness of the M. transversus abdominis (TVA) and the M. obliquus internus abdominis (OIA) during different singing tasks was measured by using ultrasound. The subjects were then asked to perform the Abdominal Hollowing Test (AHT) with the STABILIZER. Finally, the subjects were all filmed while singing. The videos recordings of the singing sessions were analysed by an independent clinical expert regarding breathing and secondary motor activities (SMA). For the statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney-U Test and the Chi-Square-Test was mainly used. The results showed a significantly thinner TVA in the group with dysphonia in comparison to the group without dysphonia. Ultrasound measurements showed significantly higher changes of muscle thickness of the TVA during singing tasks in the group with dysphonia. Regarding the AHT there was a significant difference between the two groups. The group with dysphonia was not able to increase the pressure by 15mmHg. Furthermore, the healthy subjects demonstrated abdominal breathing, while the group with dysphonia present with thoracic breathing. Additionally, it was noted that the subjects with dysphonia showed a higher level of associated movements especially at and/or on the lumbar spine, cervical spine and the left arm and shoulder. Differences in TVA-recruitment, breathing behaviour and secondary motor activities while singing were found. This study sparks new ideas for neuromusculoskeletal assessments and therapy.

Objective Assessment of Porcine Voice Acoustics for Laryngeal Surgical Modeling

Pigs have become important animal models in voice research. Several objective parameters exist to characterize the pig voice, but it is not clear which of them are sensitive to the impaired voice quality after laryngeal injury or surgery. In order to conduct meaningful voice research in pigs, it is critical to have standard functional voice outcome measures that can distinguish between normal and impaired voices. For this reason, we investigated 17 acoustic parameters before and early after surgery in three Yucatan mini pigs. Four parameters showed consistent changes between pre- and post-surgery recordings, mostly related to decreased spectral energy in higher frequencies after surgery. We recommend two of these, 50% spectral energy quartile (Q50) and Flux, for objective functional voice assessment of pigs undergoing laryngeal surgery. The long-term goal of this process is to enable quantitative voice outcome tracking of laryngeal surgical interventions in porcine models.

Functional Outcomes Following Delayed Laryngeal Reinnervation Of Patients with Vagal Paralysis After Paraganglioma and Schwannoma Surgery

We present a prospective case series that aimed to report the functional (voice and swallowing) outcomes of delayed laryngeal reinnervation following vagal interruption by resection of vagal paraganglioma and schwannoma. A dedicated, anonymized database was established in 2012 with a minimum eighteen-month follow up set for this report. Internationally validated self- and observer-reported measures were recorded preoperatively and at six, 12 and, 18 months together with demographics, diagnoses, and operative details. A total of eight patients with a median age of 46 (37-54) underwent excision of vagal paraganglioma (five) and schwannoma (three) with few mild complications. Three underwent selective and five non selective reinnervation. Seven out of eight patients underwent synchronous injection medialization. The voice handicap index (VHI-30) improved from a baseline median 83 (range 52-102) to 7.5 (5-58) at 18 months; maximum phonation time improved from median 8 (range 5-15) to 10.5 (8.5-11); voice grade ("G" in grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain [GRBAS] scoring) improved from median three (severe impairment, range 0-3) to one (mild impairment, 0-2); Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) score improved from median 12 (range 3.5-27) preoperatively to one (0-16); and reflux symptom index (RSI) improved from median 25 (range 17-36) to 7 (0-36). One patient exhibited no discernible reinnervation, while the remainder exhibited good cord bulk and tone, though without purposive abduction. Delayed laryngeal reinnervation for high vagal paralysis is a safe technique associated with good voice and swallowing outcomes by 12-18 months. Potential confounders in this small series and the absence of a control arm both limit conclusions, but this study suggests that further prospective, controlled studies, and/or case registration are merited.

Effect of Combined Respiratory Muscle Training (cRMT) on Dysphonia following Single CVA: A Retrospective Pilot Study

Although dysphonia is less prevalent than dysphagia following cerebrovascular accidents, dysphonia does contribute to the burden of disease resulting from stroke. Strengthening muscles of the larynx and respiratory tract through respiratory muscle training (RMT) has proven effective in improving voice after neurological insult. However, approaches to strengthen only the expiratory muscle groups (EMST) dominate the clinical study literature, with variable outcomes. By focusing on exhalation, the contribution of inspiratory muscles to phonation may have been overlooked. This study investigated the effect of combined respiratory muscle training (cRMT) to improve voice function in stroke patients. Recorded data of twenty patients with dysphonia following stroke were allocated to an intervention (IG) or a control group (CG) based upon whether they chose cRMT or not while awaiting pro bono voice therapy services. The intervention group (n=10) was treated daily with three 5-minute sessions of combined resistive respiratory muscle training for 28 days, while the control group (n=10) received no cRMT or other exercise intervention. Perceptual and acoustic measurements as well as a pulmonary function test were assessed pre-and post-intervention. The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements after 28 days of cRMT in peak flow (127%), patient self-perception of voice improvement (84.41%), as well as in all categories of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V): overall severity (63.22%), roughness (54.76%), breathiness (61.06%), strain (63.43%), pitch range (48.11%) and loudness (57.51%), compared to the control group who did not receive treatment. Furthermore, cRMT also led to significant improvements in maximum phonation time (212.5%), acoustic parameters of vocal intensity, and total semitone range (165.45%). This pilot study shows promise of the feasibility and effectiveness of cRMT to lessen the signs and symptoms of dysphonia while simultaneously improving breath support.

Association of Risk Factors With Patient-Reported Voice and Speech Symptoms Among Long-term Survivors of Oropharyngeal Cancer

Voice and speech production are critical physiological functions that affect quality of life and may deteriorate substantially after oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) treatment. There is limited knowledge about risk factors associated with voice and speech outcomes among survivors of OPC. To identify the risk factors of voice and speech symptoms among long-term survivors of OPC. This retrospective cohort study with cross-sectional survivorship survey administration includes cancer-free survivors of OPC who were treated curatively between January 2000 and December 2013 at MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, Texas) who participated in a survey from September 2015 to July 2016. Of 906 survivors of OPC with a median survival duration at time of survey of 6 years (range, 1-16 years), patient-rated voice and speech outcomes for 881 were available and analyzed. The data were analyzed from June 30, 2020, to February 28, 2021. The primary outcome variable was patient-reported voice and speech scores that were measured using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head and Neck Cancer Module. Voice and speech scores of 0 to 4 were categorized as none to mild symptoms, and scores of 5 to 10 were categorized as moderate to severe symptoms. Risk factors for moderate to severe voice and speech symptoms were identified by multivariable logistic regression. Among 881 survivors of OPC (median [range] age, 56 [32-84] years; 140 women [15.5%]; 837 White [92.4%], 17 Black [1.9%], and 35 Hispanic individuals [3.8%]), 113 (12.8%) reported moderate to severe voice and speech scores. Increasing survival time (odds ratio [OR], 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06-1.30) and increasing total radiation dose (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.00-1.34), Black race (OR, 3.90; 95% CI, 1.02-14.89), Hispanic ethnicity (OR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.50-9.35), current cigarette smoking at the time of survey (OR, 3.98; 95% CI, 1.56-10.18), treatment with induction and concurrent chemotherapy (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.06-3.57), and late (OR, 7.11; 95% CI, 3.08-16.41) and baseline lower cranial neuropathy (OR, 8.70; 95% CI, 3.01-25.13) were risk factors associated with moderate to severe voice and speech symptoms. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy split-field regimen (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.12-0.80; P = .01) was associated with lower likelihood of moderate to severe voice and speech symptoms. This large OPC survivorship cohort study identified many treatment-related factors, including increasing total radiotherapy dose, multimodality induction and concurrent chemotherapy regimens, and continued smoking, as well as clinical and demographic factors, as risk factors that were associated with moderate to severe voice and speech symptoms. The key findings in this study were the protective associations of split-field radiation and that longer-term survivors, and those who continued to smoke, had worse voice and speech symptoms. These findings may inform research and effective targeted clinical voice and speech preservation interventions and smoking cessation interventions to maximize voice and speech function and address quality of life among patients with OPC.

Autologous fat granule filling combined with microsuture technique for sulcus vocalis

Objective:To explore and observe voice effect of the resection of the vocal fold sulcus, suture of the vocal fold mucosa, and fat granule packing under the support laryngoscope. Methods:A total of 25 patients with vocal fold sulcus underwent vocal fold sulcus resection under a support laryngoscope. After the vocal fold sulcus was removed, the mucosa on both sides of the vocal fold sulcus was sutured into a pouch. Next the fat granules removed from the abdomen were stuffed into the pouch until the vocal folds were full, and the mucosa was repaired, and then the pouched mucosa was sutured. After the operation, the patients were silent for 2 weeks and followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively to observe the state of the vocal fold mucosa and the voice effect of the vocal fold under the stroboscopic laryngoscopy. The main outcome measures were the mucosal movement, fundamental frequency （F0）, fundamental frequency perturbation （Jitter）, amplitude perturbation （Shimmer）, normalized noise energy （NNE）, harmony/noise （H/N） and maximum phonation time （MPT）. Results: Among the 25 patients, 23 patients had good vocal fold closure and smooth mucosa. Under the stroboscopic laryngoscope, the mucosal movement was good and smooth, and the F0, Jitter, Shimmer, NNE, H/N, MPT were significantly improved, and the voice quality was significantly improved. The other 2 patients had fat particles spillover in the vocal fold. The voice function recovered well after the second treatment. Conclusion:Resection of vocal fold sulcus, suture of vocal fold mucosa, and fat granule packing under support laryngoscope are very effective for the treatment of vocal fold sulcus. Indispensably, the operation is done properly, and the patient silence the voice according to the doctor's advice, thus the voice quality will be satisfactory after the operation. .

Experiences on voice assessment and voice intervention programs implemented remotely among college professors

This is a meta-analysis of two longitudinal studies and one cross-sectional study with the aim of analyzing the response rate and adherence to voice programs implemented remotely. In the cross-sectional study, we collected responses of around 150 college professors, for 2 weeks, by means of a Google form. Around 30% of participants reported voice symptoms. In the longitudinal studies, we recruited around 50 college professors, who were followed between 15 days and 5 weeks. In the first study, college professors met (in Zoom meetings) with a Speech-language pathologist every day to fill-in a short questionnaire and to record two voice samples. The main result was that sleep quality was associated with reductions in the maximum sound pressure level for vowel /i/. In the second study, college professors had meetings (in a Moodle platform), where they discuss about vocal hygiene practices, voice training exercises and adjustments of teaching-learning process to avoid voice misuse inside the classrooms. The main result was an improvement in vocal quality, reduction in vocal fatigue, and reduction of 2.5% in time dose. In conclusion, voice assessments and voice intervention programs conducted remotely showed good performance and positive effect on voice functioning among college professors.

T1a Glottic Cancer: Advances in Vocal Outcome Assessment after Transoral CO2-Laser Microsurgery Using the VEM.

Patients with unilateral vocal fold cancer (T1a) have a favorable prognosis. In addition to the oncological results of CO2 transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS), voice function is among the outcome measures. Previous early glottic cancer studies have reported voice function in patients grouped into combined T stages (Tis, T1, T2) and merged cordectomy types (lesser- vs. larger-extent cordectomies). Some authors have questioned the value of objective vocal parameters. Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory prospective study was to investigate TOLMS-associated oncological and vocal outcomes in 60 T1a patients, applying the ELS protocols for cordectomy classification and voice assessment. Pre- and postoperative voice function analysis included: Vocal Extent Measure (VEM), Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI), auditory-perceptual assessment (GRB), and 9-item Voice Handicap Index (VHI-9i). Altogether, 51 subjects (43 male, eight female, mean age 65 years) completed the study. The 5-year recurrence-free, overall, and disease-specific survival rates (Kaplan–Meier method) were 71.4%, 94.4%, and 100.0%. Voice function was preserved; the objective parameter VEM (64 ± 33 vs. 83 ± 31; mean ± SD) and subjective vocal measures (G: 1.9 ± 0.7 vs. 1.3 ± 0.7; VHI-9i: 18 ± 8 vs. 9 ± 9) even improved significantly (p < 0.001). The VEM best reflected self-perceived voice impairment. It represents a sensitive measure of voice function for quantification of vocal performance.

長期集中治療を要した続発性喉頭麻痺を伴う重度嚥下障害症例に対する誤嚥防止術：症例報告(Surgery aimed for prevention of aspiration in patient with severe dysphagia due to laryngeal palsy after long–term intensive care: A case report)

要旨 喉頭麻痺による喉頭感覚低下や声帯の運動障害は，長期にわたる嚥下障害の原因となりうる。頭蓋内・外の種々の器質性病変によって発症するが，原因は多岐にわたり定かではない。集中治療患者におけるICU–acquired swallowing dysfunctionなどによる嚥下障害は遷延することが稀ではなく，誤嚥性肺炎の反復による入院の長期化，高い死亡率が報告されている。今回，遷延する重度嚥下障害に対する治療として誤嚥防止術を選択し，患者のactivities of daily life，ならびに患者と家族のquality of life（以下QOL）の改善が得られた症例を経験したので報告する。症例は80歳代の男性。重症急性膵炎に対して気管挿管を要することなく急性期治療を行い，膵炎の病態は改善した。しかし，続発する喉頭麻痺による両側声帯運動障害と嚥下反射惹起不全が生じ，その後半年以上にわたる難治性誤嚥と繰り返す敗血症性ショックによる多臓器不全に対し，誤嚥防止術を実施したことで経口摂取が可能となり，QOL向上に寄与することができた。集中治療分野において周知に乏しい誤嚥防止術は，音声機能を犠牲にするため慎重な判断を要するが，リハビリテーションや代替栄養法の治療で対処できない重度嚥下障害に対する治療の重要な選択肢となりうる。

Disparities in Speech Therapy for Voice Disorders Between English- and Non-English-Speaking Patients.

To evaluate whether language of choice affects compliance with speech therapy for voice disorders. Retrospective chart review. A retrospective study was performed at Kaiser Permanente Northern California to compare compliance with referrals to speech therapy for voice disorders between English- and non-English-speaking patients. Patients referred from January 2012 through December 2017 were included. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and to determine social and demographic factors affecting compliance. Of 7,333 patients referred to speech therapy for a voice disorder, 7,171 were identified as English speaking and 162 as non-English speaking. The two cohorts were similar in terms of gender and proportion over 65 years of age, although non-English-speaking individuals were more likely to be Hispanic or Asian than English speakers, who were more likely to be White or African American. Overall compliance was lower among non-English-speaking patients than English speakers (63% vs 74%) (P=.0011). Logistic regression showed that the need for an interpreter was significantly associated with higher noncompliance (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.11-2.18), as was age less than 65 and income less than the study aggregate median income. Being multiracial or having a voice disorder of neurologic origin was associated with better compliance. This study demonstrates significant noncompliance with speech therapy for a variety of voice disorders. This problem is exacerbated for patients who do not speak English and who are younger, of lower income, or are referred for functional voice disorders. In-person interpreters or multilingual speech therapists may help to improve compliance. IV Laryngoscope, 131:E2298-E2302, 2021.

Self-perception of insomnia, sleep quality, and musculoskeletal pain in dysphonic women: preliminary study

Objective To evaluate the association between musculoskeletal pain, insomnia indices, and sleep quality with voice functioning among women. Methods Thirty women aged between 18 and 50 years old participated in two groups: dysphonic group (DG) – composed of 15 women diagnosed with behavioral dysphonia; and control group (CG) – composed of 15 vocally healthy women. All participants answered the Musculoskeletal Pain Investigation Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaires. Statistical tests were applied to compare groups and to relate outcome variables, with a significance of 5% (p<.05). Results Dysphonic women presented a higher frequency of musculoskeletal pain in the posterior neck, lower back, masseter, submandibular, and larynx regions. There was no statistically significant difference for the other compared variables. We observed that there was a difference in the comparison between pain in some head and neck regions and the quality of sleep and evidence of insomnia, both in DG and CG. Conclusions Dysphonic women have a higher frequency of pain in the head and neck regions when compared to vocally healthy women. There is a difference between sleep quality, insomnia, and musculoskeletal pain, regardless of the presence of vocal and laryngeal alterations.