Proposals to promote health and prevent voice disorders in occupational voice users: A scoping review / Propostas de promoção da saúde e prevenção de distúrbios vocais para profissionais da voz: revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Purpose: to characterize the actions of vocal health promotion and/or prevention of vocal disorders applied to voice professionals. Methods: a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines in SciELO and PubMed databases was conducted. Articles that had as participants voice professionals without concomitant vocal treatment, that described proposals for health promotion or vocal disorders prevention, published between 2010 and 2023, were included. They were grouped into categories and data were presented descriptively. Literature Review: eighteen articles with artistic and non-artistic voice professionals, mostly teachers, were included. Most of the studies focused on healthy voices, aiming at primary prevention. Many articles presented guidance on vocal hygiene and health and used resources such as vocal enhancement, voice workshop, voice amplifiers and apps. All the articles positively mentioned their results, especially with regard to self-perception in relation to voice, vocal quality and quality of life, awareness of positive and harmful practices to the voice. Conclusion: the proposals contemplated different levels of prevention, but most focused on primary prevention, including vocally healthy participants; all articles indicated positive results in voice self-perception, voice quality and quality of life, and awareness of positive and harmful voice practices.

RESUMO Objetivo: caracterizar as ações de promoção de saúde vocal e/ou prevenção de distúrbios vocais aplicadas em profissionais da voz. Métodos: foi conduzida uma revisão de escopo seguindo as diretrizes do PRISMA-ScR nas bases de dados SciELO e PubMed. Foram incluídos artigos que tivessem como participantes profissionais da voz sem tratamento vocal concomitante, que descrevessem propostas de promoção da saúde ou prevenção de distúrbios vocais, publicados entre 2010 e 2023. Os artigos foram agrupados em categorias e os dados apresentados de forma descritiva. Revisão da Literatura: foram incluídos 18 artigos com profissionais da voz artística e não-artística, em sua maioria professores. A maior parte dos estudos tinha como foco vozes saudáveis, visando a prevenção primária. Muitos artigos apresentaram orientações sobre higiene e saúde vocal e utilizaram recursos como aprimoramento vocal, oficina de voz, amplificadores de voz e aplicativos. Todos os artigos mencionam resultados benéficos, principalmente no que se refere à autopercepção em relação a voz, qualidade vocal e de vida, conscientização de práticas positivas e prejudiciais à voz. Conclusão: as propostas contemplaram diferentes níveis de prevenção, mas a maioria tinha como foco a prevenção primária, incluindo participantes vocalmente saudáveis; todos os artigos indicaram resultados favoráveis na autopercepção em relação à voz, qualidade vocal e de vida e conscientização de práticas benéficas e prejudiciais à voz.

Risk of Dysphonia in Legal Professionals: Proposal for a Screening Protocol

Introduction: Due to the communicative requirements inherent to the profession, the legal professional benefits from speech therapy monitoring for the proper use of the voice and to avoid the occurrence of vocal disorders. The development of specific instruments will contribute with more relevant data to guide this monitoring. Objective: To verify the applicability of the General Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol (DRSP-G) and the Specific Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol for Legal Professionals (DRSP-LP) and to correlate the average scores of both with vocal deviation, sex, age, professional performance time, vocal signs and symptoms, and vocal self-assessment. Methods: Fifty legal professionals participated. All participants completed the DRSP-G and DRSP-LP and recorded their voices for detection of the presence of altered vocal quality. Results: Most participants presented a high risk of dysphonia, which was higher in men. Altered vocal quality was observed in 34% of the participants. The items with the highest scores in the DRSP-G were talking a lot (76%), excessive daily coffee intake (70%), contact with smokers (60%), and insufficient hydration and sleep (48%); in the DRSP-LP, alcohol consumption (68%) and exposure to air conditioning (64%). There was no correlation between risk scores and the degree of dysphonia, or with age or length of professional experience. The DRSP-G score correlated with vocal signs and symptoms and vocal self-perception. Conclusions: The joint application of the DRSP-G and the DRSP-LP enabled a quantitative and qualitative analysis of risk factors for dysphonia in legal professionals.

Introducción: Debido a las exigencias comunicativas inherentes a la profesión, el profesional del derecho se beneficia del seguimiento logopédico para el correcto uso de la voz y para evitar la aparición de trastornos vocales. El desarrollo de instrumentos específicos contribuirá con datos más relevantes para guiar este seguimiento. Objetivo: Verificar la aplicabilidad del Protocolo General de Detección de Riesgo de Disfonía (DRSP-G) y el Protocolo de Detección de Riesgo Específico para Profesionales del Derecho (DRSP-LP) y correlacionar las puntuaciones de ambos con varias variables de interés. Metodología: Participaron 50 profesionales del derecho. Todos completaron el DRSP-G y DRSP-LP y grabaron sus voces para detectar la presencia de alteraciones en la calidad de la voz. Resultados: La mayoría presentó un alto riesgo de disfonía, que fue mayor en los hombres. Se observó alteración en la calidad de la voz en el 34% de los participantes. Los ítems con puntajes más altos en el DRSP-G fueron hablar mucho (76%), ingesta diaria excesiva de café (70%), contacto con fumadores (60%) e hidratación y sueño insuficientes (48%); y en el DRSP-LP, consumo de alcohol (68%) y exposición al aire acondicionado (64%). No hubo correlación entre las puntuaciones de riesgo y el grado de disfonía, ni con la edad o la antigüedad profesional. La puntuación DRSP-G se correlacionó con los signos y síntomas vocales y la autopercepción vocal. Conclusiones: La aplicación conjunta del DRSP-G y el DRSP-LP permitió un análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de los factores de riesgo de disfonía en profesionales del derecho.

Acoustic Measurements of Speech and Voice in Men with Angle Class II, Division 1, Malocclusion

Abstract Introduction The acoustic analysis of speech (measurements of the fundamental frequency and formant frequencies) of different vowels produced by speakers with the Angle class II, division 1, malocclusion can provide information about the relationship between articulatory and phonatory mechanisms in this type of maxillomandibular disproportion. Objectives To investigate acoustic measurements related to the fundamental frequency (F0) and formant frequencies (F1 and F2) of the oral vowels of Brazilian Portuguese (BP) produced by male speakers with Angle class II, division 1, malocclusion (study group) and compare with men with Angle class I malocclusion (control group). Methods In total, 60 men (20 with class II, 40 with class I) aged between 18 and 40 years were included in the study. Measurements of F0, F1 and F2 of the seven oral vowels of BP were estimated from the audio samples containing repetitions of carrier sentences. The statistical analysis was performed using the Student t-test and the effect size was calculated. Results Significant differences (p-values) were detected for F0 values in five vowels ([e], [i], [o], [o] and [u]), and for F1 in vowels [a] and [ɔ], with high levels for class II, division 1. Conclusion Statistical differences were found in the F0 measurements with higher values in five of the seven vowels analysed in subjects with Angle class II, division 1. The formant frequencies showed differences only in F1 in two vowels with higher values in the study group. The data suggest that data on voice and speech production must be included in the protocol's assessment of patients with malocclusion.

Risco de disfonia e qualidade vocal em estudantes de artes cênicas / Risk of dysphonia and voice quality in performing arts students

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a relação entre o risco de disfonia e a qualidade vocal em estudantes de graduação em Artes Cênicas. Método Estudo transversal observacional com 38 estudantes de graduação em Artes Cênicas. Foram aplicados protocolos de rastreio de risco de disfonia geral e específico para atores, e realizadas gravações da emissão sustentada da vogal /a/, fala espontânea e leitura de texto, usadas para análise perceptivo-auditiva, efetuada por três avaliadores, com o uso da escala GRBASI. Após testes de confiabilidade intra e interavaliadores chegou-se à classificação final do grau geral do desvio vocal para cada participante. Foram feitas comparações entre grupos que tinham ou não outra profissão/atividade com o uso da voz e os grupos formados a partir do grau geral. Resultados A maioria dos estudantes apresentou alto risco para disfonia. Todos apresentaram alteração vocal, com predominância de grau leve. Os estudantes que tinham outra profissão/atividade com uso da voz obtiveram maior pontuação no protocolo específico para atores, bem como na soma desse protocolo com o de rastreio geral. Não houve relação entre o grau de alteração vocal e o risco de disfonia. Os estudantes que ainda não atuavam profissionalmente apresentaram mais alterações vocais de grau moderado ou severo, e os que atuavam profissionalmente apresentaram com maior frequência alteração vocal de grau leve. Conclusão A maior parte dos estudantes apresentou alto risco para disfonia. Todos apresentaram alteração vocal, com predomínio de grau leve. Não houve relação entre o risco de disfonia e o grau de alteração vocal.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyse the relationship between the risk of dysphonia and vocal quality in undergraduate performing arts students. Methods Observational cross-sectional study with 38 undergraduate students in Performing Arts. We applied screening protocols for general and specific risk of dysphonia for actors and made recordings of sustained emission of the vowel /a/, spontaneous speech and reading a text, used for perceptual analysis performed by three evaluators using the GRBASI scale. After intra and inter-rater reliability tests it was obtained final classification of the general degree of vocal deviation parameter for each participant. Comparisons were made considering groups that had or did not have other profession/activity with the use of voice, and the groups were formed from the general grade. Results Most students were at high risk for dysphonia. All had vocal alteration, with a predominance of mild degree. Students who had another profession/activity with voice use scored higher in the specific protocol for actors, and in the sum of this protocol with the general screening protocol. There was no relationship between the degree of vocal alteration and the risk of dysphonia. Students who did not yet work professionally had more moderate or severe vocal alterations, and those who did work professionally had a higher frequency of mild vocal alterations. Conclusion Most students were at high risk for dysphonia. All had vocal alteration, with a predominance of mild alteration. There was no relationship between the risk of dysphonia and the degree of vocal alteration.

Reduzindo o GAP entre a ciência e a clínica: lições da academia e da prática profissional - parte A: julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da qualidade vocal, análise acústica do sinal vocal e autoavaliação em voz / Reducing the GAP between science and clinic: lessons from academia and professional practice - part A: perceptual-auditory judgment of vocal quality, acoustic vocal signal analysis and voice self-assessment

RESUMO No XXVIII Congresso Brasileiro da SBFa, 24 especialistas reuniram-se e, a partir de um posicionamento condutor sobre pesquisa científica como ferramenta de conexão entre laboratório e clínica, cinco frentes de conhecimento da especialidade de voz foram discutidas: 1. Julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da qualidade vocal; 2. Análise acústica do sinal vocal; 3. Autoavaliação em voz; 4. Técnicas tradicionais de terapia; 5. Técnicas modernas de eletroestimulação e fotobiomodulação em voz. A parte "a" desta publicação é a consolidação das análises dos três primeiros aspectos. A tendência no julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da qualidade vocal é o uso de protocolos padrão. A avaliação acústica do sinal vocal é acessível e pode ser feita de modo descritivo ou por extração de parâmetros, preferindo-se medidas multiparamétricas. Finalmente, a análise do próprio indivíduo fecha essa tríade de documentação fonoaudiológica, que será base para a conclusão da avaliação, referência para monitoramento do progresso e avaliação de resultado de tratamento.

ABSTRACT During the XXVIII Brazilian Congress of SBFa, 24 specialists met and, from a leading position on scientific research as a tool for connecting laboratory and clinic, five fronts of knowledge of the voice specialty were discussed as following: Perceptual-auditory judgment of vocal quality; 2. Acoustic analysis of the vocal signal; 3. Voice self-assessment; 4. Traditional techniques of therapy; 5. Modern techniques of electrostimulation and photobiomodulation (PBMT) in voice. Part "a" of this publication was associated with the consolidation of the analyses of the first three aspects. The trend in the perceptual-auditory judgment of vocal quality was related to the use of standard protocols. The acoustic evaluation of the vocal signal is accessible and can be done descriptively or by extraction of parameters, thus preferring multiparametric measures. Finally, the analysis of the individual himself closes this triad of voice documentation, which will be the basis for the conclusion of the evaluation, reference for monitoring progress, and evaluation of treatment results.

Reduzindo o gap entre a ciência e a clínica: lições da academia e da prática profissional - parte B: técnicas tradicionais de terapia vocal e técnicas modernas de eletroestimulação e fotobiomodulação aplicadas à reabilitação vocal / Reducing the gap between science and clinic: lessons from academia and professional practice - part B: traditional vocal therapy techniques and modern electrostimulation and photobiomodulation techniques applied to vocal rehabilitation

RESUMO O presente texto é a continuação da publicação referente ao XVIII Congresso da SBFa. Na parte "A" apresentamos análises sobre avaliação clínica vocal. O foco da parte "B" são aspectos de reabilitação vocal: 4. Técnicas tradicionais de terapia vocal; 5. Técnicas modernas de eletroestimulação e fotobiomodulação aplicadas à reabilitação. Os inúmeros estudos sobre os diversos programas, métodos ou técnicas tradicionais de reabilitação, muitos de elevada qualidade de evidência, permitem considerar tais procedimentos relativamente bem descritos, seguros e com efeitos conhecidos, dando conta do tratamento de diversos distúrbios vocais. As evidências científicas com as técnicas tradicionais são reconhecidas mundialmente. Novas frentes de evolução, como o uso da eletroestimulação ou fotobiomodulação em voz parecem ser promissoras como abordagens coadjuvantes. Há mais estudos sobre eletroestimulação em voz do que com fotobiomodulação, contudo, evidências científicas para essas duas técnicas modernas são ainda limitadas. Conhecimento e cautela são necessários para a aplicação de quaisquer técnicas.

ABSTRACT This text is the continuation of the XVIII SBFa Congress publication. In part "A" we presented the analyses on clinical vocal evaluation. Part "B" focuses on vocal rehabilitation: 4. Traditional techniques of vocal therapy; 5. Modern techniques of electrostimulation and photobiomodulation applied to vocal rehabilitation. The numerous studies on the various programs, methods, and techniques of traditional rehabilitation techniques, and many with high quality of evidence, allow us to consider such procedures relatively well described, safe, and with known effects, accounting for the treatment of various vocal disorders. The scientific evidence with traditional techniques is recognized worldwide. New fronts of evolution, with electrostimulation or photobiomodulation used to handle voice problems, seem to be promising as coadjutant approaches. There are more studies on electrostimulation in vocal rehabilitation than with photobiomodulation; however, scientific evidence for these two modern techniques is still limited. Knowledge and caution are required for the application of either technique.

COVID-19 and the teacher's voice: self-perception and contributions of speech therapy to voice and communication during the pandemic

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to analyze the vocal self-perception of Brazilian teachers and their communication needs, vocal signs and symptoms, and voice-related lifestyles during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and, based on this information, to develop guidance materials intended for dissemination to these teachers and the general community. METHODS: An online questionnaire designed for this survey was distributed via the researchers' networks and was available for completion by any teacher, except those who were not working at the time. There were 1,253 teachers from all over Brazil, of both sexes, covering a wide age range, working at different levels of education, and most with more than ten years of experience. Descriptive and inferential analyses of the data were performed. RESULTS: On comparing the prepandemic period with the current one, participants indicated voice improvements. In contrast, they presented symptoms such as dry throat, effort in addressing remote classes, hoarseness after classes, and difficulties with the use of headphones, among others. They further indicated stress, general fatigue, impact of the pandemic on mental health, and the overlapping of many home tasks with professional tasks. Some smoked, and others hydrated insufficiently. CONCLUSION: Although teachers generally noticed voice improvements during the pandemic, a proportion of them perceived worsening of voices. Many indicated several factors in which speech-language pathologists could guide them with the aim of improving performance and comfort during remote and hybrid classes, an initiative that will positively impact not only their voice and communication but also their quality of life.

Protocolo de Rastreio do Risco de Disfonia para Atores de Teatro Musical: resultados preliminares / Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol for Musical Theatre Actors: a preliminary study

RESUMO Objetivo Propor o Protocolo de Rastreio do Risco de Disfonia para Atores do Teatro Musical (PRRD-TM), verificar sua aplicabilidade em associação ao Protocolo de Rastreio do Risco de Disfonia Geral (PRRD-G), correlacionar escores finais de ambos, e desses com o escore total, e comparar o risco de disfonia entre atores com e sem queixa vocal. Método Estudo transversal observacional com 34 atores de teatro musical adultos, ambos os sexos, com e sem queixa vocal, profissionais ou estudantes. Os questionários foram aplicados individualmente. A análise estatística possibilitou verificar a correlação entre os escores de risco de disfonia e para comparação entre os grupos com e sem queixa vocal. Resultados A maioria dos participantes era do gênero masculino, jovens adultos, atores profissionais e sem queixa vocal. Observou-se elevado risco de disfonia, evidenciado pela aplicação do PRRD-G, com escores médios compatíveis com valores encontrados em indivíduos com disfonia, e reforçado pelos índices encontrados com aplicação do PRRD-TM. Observou-se correlação moderada e diretamente proporcional entre os escores dos dois questionários e desses com o escore total. Escores mais elevados do PRRD-G foram encontrados no grupo que apresentou queixa vocal. Conclusão O PRRD-TM mostrou-se viável e de fácil aplicabilidade e apresentou correlação positiva com o escore do PRRD-G e com o escore total. Elevado risco de disfonia foi evidenciado em indivíduos com queixa vocal. Apesar do escore específico do PRRD-TM não diferenciar atores de teatro musical com e sem queixa vocal, tanto o escore do PRRD-G quanto o escore total realizaram tal diferenciação.

ABSTRACT Purpose To propose the Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol for Musical Theatre Actors (DRSP-MTA), to verify its applicability in association with the General Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol (G-DRSP), to correlate the final scores of both, and these with the total risk score, and to compare the risk of dysphonia measured in musical theater actors with and without vocal complaint. Methods An observational cross-sectional study with 34 musical theater actors, adults, of both genders, with and without vocal complaints and regardless of whether they are professionals or students. The questionnaires were applied individually. Statistical analysis made it possible to verify the correlation between the dysphonia risk scores and to compare the groups with and without vocal complaint. Results Most of the participants were male, young adults, professional actors and without vocal complaint. There was a high risk of dysphonia, evidenced by the application of G-DRSP, with means scores compatible with values found in individuals with dysphonia, and reinforced by the indices found with DRSP-MTA application. There was a moderate and directly proportional correlation between the two questionnaire scores; and a correlation of both with the total risk score. Higher G-DRSP scores were observed in the vocal complaint group. Conclusion DRSP-MTA was feasible and easy to apply and was positively correlated with the total score and G-DRSP score. A high risk of dysphonia was evidenced in individuals with vocal complaints. Although the specific DRSP-MTA score did not differentiate musical theatre actors with and without vocal complaints, the G-DRSP score and the total risk score performed such differentiation.

Voz do idoso: o avanço da idade gera diferentes impactos? / Aged voice: does advancing age generate different impacts?

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar se existem diferenças em aspectos vocais entre idosos com presbifonia, divididos em três faixas etárias. Método Participaram 60 idosos de ambos os sexos com idades entre 60 e 90 anos (média=72,3), com diagnóstico de presbifonia estabelecido em avaliação otorrinolaringológica. A partir da gravação das vozes foi realizada análise perceptivo-auditiva e acústica e os dados foram comparados por meio dos testes estatísticos com os participantes divididos nos grupos etários 60-70 anos, 71-80 anos e 81-90 anos. Resultados Ainda que os idosos dos três grupos tenham apresentado alterações em aspectos vocais variados, como instabilidade e ruído em frequências graves, aqueles com mais de 80 anos apresentaram maior grau de disfonia, rugosidade, soprosidade e pitch. Também foram observados neste grupo maiores desvios em jitter, shimmer e irregularidade e a medida GNE no limite da normalidade. Todas as diferenças foram estatisticamente significativas. A maioria dos idosos dessa faixa etária apresentou ainda alteração no diagrama de desvio fonatório e quebra de frequência. Conclusão Diversos aspectos perceptivo-auditivos e acústicos se apresentaram mais desviados nos idosos mais velhos, o que reforça a necessidade de serem consideradas essas especificidades tanto na avaliação dos efeitos do envelhecimento na voz quanto no desenvolvimento de ações para minimizar o declínio vocal.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify if there are differences in the vocal aspects of older people from three different age groups with presbyphonia diagnosis. Methods Sixty older adults joined this study. They were both female and male, with an age range from 60 to 90 years old (average: 72.3) and with presbyphonia diagnosis established after otolaryngology evaluation. From their voice recordings, it was possible to make the acoustic and auditory-perceptual analysis. The data collected was compared through statistical tests considering the division of the participants into the following groups: 60-70 years old, 71-80 years old, and 81-90 years old. Results Even though the older people from all of the three groups have presented deviation in multiple vocal aspects such as instability and vocal noise in low frequencies, those with more than 80 years old have presented a higher deviation of the general grade of dysphonia, roughness, breathiness, and pitch. In this group, it was also observed higher deviations in jitter, shimmer, vocal breaks, and the GNE measure on the edge of normality. All the differences were statistically significant. The majority of the older participants from that group presented even a deviation in the phonatory deviation diagram and frequency break. Conclusion Various acoustic and auditory-perceptual aspects had a higher deviation in the older adults over 80 years old, which reinforces the need to consider those specificities in the evaluation of the vocal aging impacts and also in the development of actions to minimize vocal declination.

Anterior open bite treated with palatine crib: a case report with cephalometric, speech and electromyography analyses

This case report describes an interceptive treatment of anterior open bite (AOB) with fixed palatine grid using clinical, cephalometric, electromyographic and speech analysis data. Case report: An 8-year-old girl, Angle Class I malocclusion presenting AOB. The complete orthodontic documentation was obtained and the perioral muscles were evaluated using the electromyography during blowing, sucking and smiling activities, before and after treatment. Speech acoustic evaluation was performed through the frequencies of the formants to assess the position of the tongue. Results: The AOB was corrected in six months with reduction of vertical transpass, decrease of cephalometric Angles 1: NA and 1: NB and increase of interincisal angle. During the smile movement, it was possible to observe the decrease of the muscular activity of the superior orbicularis muscle and the increase of the muscular activity of the inferior orbicularis. In the blow movement, there was a tendency to decrease muscle activity. Opposite directions were observed at the time of installation of the grid in the frequencies of the formants. When the grid was removed, the tongue was lowered and posteriorized in relation to the installation time. When compared the final and initial moments, it was noted a predominance of tongue lower position, besides posteriorization in some vowels and anteriorization in others. Conclusion: After the use of the fixed palatine crib as an interceptive treatment for AOB, the bite was closed and it was possible to observe an harmony in the patient profile and improvement in periorbital musculature and tongue positioning.

Objetivo: Este relato de caso descreve um tratamento interceptivo da mordida aberta anterior (MAA) com grade palatina fixa usando dados clínicos, cefalométricos, eletromiográficos e de fala. Relato do caso: Menina de 8 anos de idade apresentando maloclusão Classe I de Angle e MAA. A documentação ortodôntica completa foi obtida e os músculos periorais foram avaliados pela eletromiografia durante as atividades de sopro, sucção e sorriso, antes e após o tratamento. A avaliação acústica da fala foi realizada através das frequências dos formantes para avaliar a posição da língua. Resultados: O MAA foi corrigida em seis meses com redução do transpasse vertical, diminuição dos ângulos cefalométricos 1: NA e 1: NB e aumento do ângulo interincisivo. Durante o movimento do sorriso, foi possível observar a diminuição da atividade muscular do músculo orbicular superior e o aumento da atividade muscular do orbicular inferior. No movimento do sopro, houve uma tendência a diminuir a atividade muscular. Direções opostas foram observadas no momento da instalação da grade nas frequências dos formantes. Quando a grade foi removida, a língua foi abaixada e posteriorizada em relação ao tempo de instalação inicial do aparelho. Quando comparados os momentos final e inicial, observou-se predomínio da posição inferior da língua, além de posteriorização em algumas vogais e anteriorização em outras. Conclusão: Após o uso da grade palatina fixa como tratamento interceptivo para a MAA, a mordida foi fechada e foi possível observar harmonia no perfil da paciente e melhora da musculatura periorbital e posicionamento da língua.

Cut-off point for high dysphonia risk in children based on the Child Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol: preliminary findings

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to establish a cut-off point for high dysphonia risk in children using the Child Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol (DRSP-C). METHODS: Through a preliminary study, voice recordings of 59 children (4-12 years of age) were collected during an auditory-perceptual analysis using the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice protocol. Thirty of the patients had voice disorders (patient group), and 29 did not (control group). A risk score for dysphonia was then calculated, and data were compared between groups. The relationship between overall degrees of deviation and questionnaire scores was analysed. The questionnaire's validity was verified from the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, and cut-off points were obtained based on diagnostic criteria for screening procedures. RESULTS: The DRSP-C score was found to be higher for the patient group, as was the partial score for vocal behaviour. No correlation was found between overall degrees of dysphonia and questionnaire scores. The area under the ROC curve was measured as 0.678, denoting limited diagnostic capacity. The cut-off point was set at 16.50. Thus, above this value, dysphonia risk is higher. CONCLUSION: A cut-off point for high dysphonia risk was calculated. The DRSP-C proved to be a promising tool for children's clinical vocal and health promotion and should be used in conjunction with General Dysphonia Risk Screening.

Quality of life among total laryngectomized patients undergoing speech rehabilitation: correlation between several instruments

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to correlate several instruments currently used for the assessment of the quality of life of patients who underwent total laryngectomy and speech rehabilitation. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted with 38 patients after total laryngectomy and speech therapy aiming to develop oesophageal speech. The patients were divided into the following two groups (19 participants each): speakers and non-speakers. The quality of life instruments used were as follows: visual analogue scale (VAS); Voice Handicap Index (VHI); Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL); Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Head & Neck (FACT-H&N); European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30); European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Head and Neck (EORTC QLQ-H&N35); and University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL). RESULTS: The V-RQOL global health domain exhibited a strong correlation with the VHI. The EORTC QLQ-C30 exhibited a moderate to strong correlation with the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 functional domain in both groups. The EORTC QLQ-C30 functional domain exhibited a strong to moderate correlation with all other instruments in both groups. The UW-QOL exhibited a moderate to strong correlation with the VHI and EORTC QLQ-C30 in both groups. CONCLUSION: The EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-H&N35 and UW-QOL were the instruments that most correlated with the remaining instruments, indicating that any of the three can be used to assess the quality of life of the target population regardless of oesophageal voice development.

Supracricoid Laryngectomy: The Function of the Remaining Arytenoid in Voice and Swallowing

Abstract Introduction Supracricoid laryngectomy still has selected indications; there are few studies in the literature, and the case series are limited, a fact that stimulates the development of new studies to further elucidate the structural and functional aspects of the procedure. Objective To assess voice and deglutition parameters according to the number of preserved arytenoids. Methods Eleven patients who underwent subtotal laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy were evaluated by laryngeal nasofibroscopy, videofluoroscopy, and auditory-perceptual, acoustic, and voice pleasantness analyses, after resuming oral feeding. Results Functional abnormalities were detected in two out of the three patients who underwent arytenoidectomy, and in six patients from the remainder of the sample. Almost half of the sample presented silent laryngeal penetration and/or vallecular/ hypopharyngeal stasis on the videofluoroscopy. The mean voice analysis scores indicated moderate vocal deviation, roughness and breathiness; severe strain and loudness deviation; shorter maximum phonation time; the presence of noise; and high third and fourth formant values. The voices were rated as unpleasant. There was no difference in the number and functionality of the remaining arytenoids as prognostic factors for deglutition; however, in the qualitative analysis, favorable voice and deglutition outcomes were more common among patients who did not undergo arytenoidectomy and had normal functional conditions. Conclusion The number and functionality of the preserved arytenoidswere not found to be prognostic factors for favorable deglutition efficiency outcomes. However, the qualitative analysis showed that the preservation of both arytenoids and the absence of functional abnormalities were associated with more satisfactory voice and deglutition patterns.

Voice deviation, dysphonia risk screening and quality of life in individuals with various laryngeal diagnoses

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the voice quality of individuals with dysphonia and to investigate possible correlations between the degree of voice deviation (D) and scores on the Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol-General (DRSP), the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) measure and the Voice Handicap Index, short version (VHI-10). METHODS: The sample included 200 individuals with dysphonia. Following laryngoscopy, the participants completed the DRSP, the V-RQOL measure, and the VHI-10; subsequently, voice samples were recorded for auditory-perceptual and acoustic analyses. The correlation between the score for each questionnaire and the overall degree of vocal deviation was analyzed, as was the correlation among the scores for the three questionnaires. RESULTS: Most of the participants (62%) were female, and the mean age of the sample was 49 years. The most common laryngeal diagnosis was organic dysphonia (79.5%). The mean D was 59.54, and the predominance of roughness had a mean of 54.74. All the participants exhibited at least one abnormal acoustic aspect. The mean questionnaire scores were DRSP, 44.7; V-RQOL, 57.1; and VHI-10, 16. An inverse correlation was found between the V-RQOL score and D; however, a positive correlation was found between both the VHI-10 and DRSP scores and D. CONCLUSION: A predominance of adult women, organic dysphonia, moderate voice deviation, high dysphonia risk, and low to moderate quality of life impact characterized our sample. There were correlations between the scores of each of the three questionnaires and the degree of voice deviation. It should be noted that the DRSP monitored the degree of dysphonia severity, which reinforces its applicability for patients with different laryngeal diagnoses.

Analysis of possible factors of vocal interference during the teaching activity / Análise de possíveis fatores de interferência no uso da voz durante atividade docente

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To measure the risk of dysphonia in teachers, as well as investigate whether the perceptual-auditory and acoustic aspects of the voice of teachers in situations of silence and noise, the signal-to-noise ratio, and the noise levels in the classroom are associated with the presence of dysphonia. METHODS This is an observational cross-sectional research with 23 primary and secondary school teachers from a private school in the municipality of São Paulo, Brazil, divided into the groups without dysphonia and with dysphonia. We performed the following procedures: general Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol (General-DRSP) and complementary to speaking voice - teacher (Specific-DRSP), voice recording during class and in an individual situation in a silent room, and measurement of the signal-to-noise ratio and noise levels of classrooms. RESULTS We have found differences between groups regarding physical activity (General-DRSP) and particularities of the profession (Specific-DRSP), as well as in all aspects of the perceptual-auditory vocal analysis. We have found signs of voice wear in the group without dysphonia. Regarding the vocal resources in the situations of noise and silence, we have identified a difference for the production of abrupt vocal attack and the tendency of a more precise speech in the situation of noise. Both the signal-to-noise ratio and the room noise levels during class were high in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Teachers in both groups are at high risk for developing dysphonia and have negative vocal signals to a greater or lesser extent. Signal-to-noise ratio was inadequate in most classrooms, considering the standards for both children with normal hearing and with hearing loss, as well as equivalent noise levels.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Mensurar o risco de disfonia em professores, bem como investigar se os aspectos vocais perceptivo-auditivos e acústicos em situação de ruído, a relação sinal-ruído e os níveis de ruído em sala de aula estão associados à presença de disfonia. MÉTODOS Pesquisa transversal observacional com 23 professores da educação infantil e ensino fundamental de uma escola particular do município de São Paulo divididos nos grupos sem disfonia e com disfonia. Foram realizados os seguintes procedimentos: protocolo de rastreio de risco de disfonia geral (PRRD-Geral) e complementar para voz falada - professor (PRRD-Específico), gravação da voz durante aula e em situação individual em sala silenciosa, medição da relação sinal-ruído e dos níveis de ruído das salas de aula. RESULTADOS Foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos quanto à atividade física (PRRD-Geral) e particularidades da profissão (PRRD-Específico), bem como em todos os aspectos da análise vocal perceptivo-auditiva. No grupo sem disfonia, foram encontrados sinais de desgaste da voz. Quanto aos recursos vocais nas situações de ruído e silêncio, identificamos diferença para produção de ataque vocal brusco e tendência de uma fala mais precisa na situação-ruído. Tanto a relação sinal-ruído quanto os níveis de ruído das salas durante a aula foram elevados nos dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES Os professores dos dois grupos estão expostos a riscos elevados para o desenvolvimento de disfonias e apresentam sinais vocais negativos em maior ou menor grau. A relação sinal-ruído apresentou-se inadequada em grande parte das salas de aula, considerando-se as normas tanto para crianças com audição normal quanto para aquelas com perda auditiva, assim como os níveis de ruído equivalentes.

Dysphonia risk screening protocol

OBJECTIVE: To propose and test the applicability of a dysphonia risk screening protocol with score calculation in individuals with and without dysphonia. METHOD: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 365 individuals (41 children, 142 adult women, 91 adult men and 91 seniors) divided into a dysphonic group and a non-dysphonic group. The protocol consisted of 18 questions and a score was calculated using a 10-cm visual analog scale. The measured value on the visual analog scale was added to the overall score, along with other partial scores. Speech samples allowed for analysis/assessment of the overall degree of vocal deviation and initial definition of the respective groups and after six months, the separation of the groups was confirmed using an acoustic analysis. RESULTS: The mean total scores were different between the groups in all samples. Values ranged between 37.0 and 57.85 in the dysphonic group and between 12.95 and 19.28 in the non-dysphonic group, with overall means of 46.09 and 15.55, respectively. High sensitivity and specificity were demonstrated when discriminating between the groups with the following cut-off points: 22.50 (children), 29.25 (adult women), 22.75 (adult men), and 27.10 (seniors). CONCLUSION: The protocol demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating groups of individuals with and without dysphonia in different sample groups and is thus an effective instrument for use in voice clinics.

Atuação fonoaudiológica na equoterapia / Speech therapy in hippotherapy

Objetivo descrever a formação dos fonoaudiólogos que atuam em equoterapia e as linhas gerais da intervenção fonoaudiológica na área proposta pelos mesmos. Métodos trata-se de uma pesquisa prospectiva transversal, que foi realizada com fonoaudiólogos que atuam com equoterapia nos centros cadastrados pela Associação Nacional de Equoterapia do estado de São Paulo. Como critérios para inclusão na pesquisa, os fonoaudiólogos participantes deveriam ter realizado algum curso específico de equoterapia e atuar na área há mais de um ano. Os resultados foram apresentados por meio de análise descritiva, divididos em 13 quadros de acordo com as questões realizadas. Resultados foram encontrados 47 centros de equoterapia cadastrados. Foi realizado o contato telefônico com todos os centros, e dentre eles 14 não possuíam fonoaudióloga na equipe, 22 não responderam, 11 questionários foram encaminhados e 06 questionários foram respondidos. Conclusão o grupo de profissionais apontou que o papel do fonoaudiólogo dentro da equipe de equoterapia, além de atuar diretamente com o praticante, é participar do planejamento terapêutico, esclarecer, mostrar e provar a importância do trabalho fonoaudiológico para a equipe e orientar a família do praticante. Porém, foi constatado que não há procedimentos e fundamentação teórica considerada padrão para a prática fonoaudiológica na equoterapia. .

Purpose describe the training of audiologists who work in hippotherapy and the outline of speech therapy contribution in the suggested area. Methods this is a cross-prospective research, performed by submitting a questionnaire to speech therapists who work with hippotherapy in centers accredited by ANDE – Brazil, in the State of São Paulo. As criteria for inclusion in the research, speech therapists should have attended any hippotherapy specific course and have at least a year of working experience in the area. The results were presented by descriptive analysis, divided into 13 frames according to the submitted questions. Results there were 47 hippotherapy centers registered. All the centers were contacted by telephone and among them14 had no speech therapist on their staff, 22 non-respondents, 11 questionnaires were sent, and 06 questionnaires were answered. Conclusion the group of professionals indicated that the role of speech therapists in the hippotherapy team, besides working directly with the practitioner, involves treatment planning, clarification, demonstration and proving the importance of speech therapy for the team and providing guidance to the family of the practioner. However, we have found that there is no theoretical basis and procedures considered standard practice for speech therapy in hippotherapy. .

Impacto da videoendoscopia da deglutição na fonoterapia após tratamento de tumor de cabeça e pescoço / Impact of swallowing videoendoscopy in Speech therapy after treatment of head and neck tumor

Objetivo: Investigar mudanças na conduta terapêutica fonoaudiológica após resultados da vídeoendoscopia da deglutição (VED) de pacientes após cirurgia de tumor de cabeça e pescoço ou após tratamento exclusivo ou coadjuvante com radioterapia e quimioterapia. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, com coleta de dados de prontuário e análise de exame funcional. A amostra constou de 20 pacientes com disfagia moderada ou grave (11 homens e nove mulheres), com média de idade de 58 anos. Do total, 17 pacientes realizaram tratamento cirúrgico e três apenas radioquimioterapia. A VED foi realizada após o mínimo de três sessões de terapia fonoaudiológica para disfagia. Para análise do pós exame foi considerado igualmente o mínimo de três sessões de fonoterapia. Os dados coletados foram relacionados à classificação de deglutição no período terapêutico baseado na Functional Communication Measures - Swallowing (ASHA-NOMs) (FCM), estratégias terapêuticas utilizadas quanto à consistência e manobras de deglutição, necessidade de outro exame funcional e encaminhamento médico. Os dados foram comparados nos momentos pré e pós VED. Resultados: Houve 25% de mudança na conduta fonoaudiológica pós VED; 50% de mudança na classificação FCM, dos quais 30% para maior grau; 70% de influência da VED nas estratégias terapêuticas - modificação em 30% quanto às consistências seguras; 30% no uso de manobras posturais, 25% em manobras de limpeza e 40% em manobras de proteção. Houve 25% de necessidade de outro exame funcional, sendo a videofluoroscopia o exame indicado; 10% foram encaminhados ao médico. Conclusão: Há impacto da VED na conduta fonoaudiológica, especialmente em relação às estratégias terapêuticas com predomínio de mudanças de consistência e manobras seguras.

Purpose: Investigate changes in speech therapy after Fiberoptic Endoscopy Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) in patients after head and neck oncological treatment. Methods: retrospective study, based in collection and analysis of speech therapy and functional examination. The sample consisted of 20 patients (11 males and nine females), mean age 58 years. Of the total, 17 patients underwent surgical treatment and three only radiochemotherapy. The VED was performed after a minimum of three sessions of speech therapy for dysphagia. For analyzing the post test was also considered at least three speech therapy sessions. The data collected were related to the classification of swallowing during treatment based on the Functional Communication Measures - Swallowing (ASHA-NOMs) (FCM), therapeutic strategies related to consistency, swallowing maneuvers, functional test and physician evaluation. Data were compared for the pre and post FEES. Results: There was change 25% in speech behavior after FEES, 50% in the classification FCM, of which 30% to greater scale, 70% in therapeutic strategies - 30% in regard to safe consistencies, 30% the use of postural maneuvers, in 25% cleaning maneuvers and 40% protection maneuvers. There was 25% of the necessity of a functional examination, with the fluoroscopy examination indicated, 10% were referred to a doctor. Conclusion: There was impact of FEES on the speech therapy purpose, especially in relation to therapeutic strategies with predominant changes for consistency and safely operated.

Mensuração da evolução terapêutica com paquímetro digital na Paralisia Facial Periférica de Bell / Measurement of evolution therapy using a digital caliper in Palsy Bell

OBJETIVO: avaliar o uso do paquímetro digital na mensuração dos movimentos da mímica facial em diferentes momentos do tratamento fonoaudiológico. MÉTODO: estudo longitudinal prospectivo, em 20 sujeitos com idade entre 07 e 70 anos, sendo 13 do genero feminino e 07 masculino, com diagnóstico de paralisia facial periférica de Bell, atendidos no Ambulatório de Paralisia Facial, da disciplina de otorrinolaringologia de um Hospital Público Universitário. Neste estudo foi adotado o uso de um medidor paquímetro digital da marca Digimess 100.174BL, instrumento com resolução de 0,00mm/152,78mm. As medições foram realizadas no movimento da mímica facial, sempre partindo de um ponto fixo para o ponto móvel nas estruturas: tragus e comissura labial, canto externo do olho e comissura labial e também canto interno do olho e asa do nariz, sendo realizadas pré e pós tratamento fonoaudiológico. A quantificação da incompetência do movimento foi mensurada por meio de porcentagem simples. Foi aplicado teste dos Postos Sinalizados de Wilcoxon, para verificar possíveis diferenças entre ambos os momentos considerados (com e sem movimentos), como as variáveis de interesse. RESULTADOS: as mensurações tiveram um resultado estatisticamente significante (p<0,05) em todas as estruturas medidas propostas (tragus e comissura labial, canto externo do olho e comissura labial e canto interno do olho e asa do nariz), demonstrando que há possibilidades de se fazer medições de movimento e de ausência de movimento utilizando o paquímetro digital. CONCLUSÃO: o paquímetro mostrou ser um instrumento útil que permitiu comparar, de forma objetiva, a evolução da reabilitação da mímica facial na Paralisia Facial Periférica de Bell na amostra estudada.

PURPOSE: to assess the use of the digital caliper in the measurement of the facial mimic movements in different moments of the speech therapy. METHOD: prospective longitudinal study, with 20 subjects between 7 and 70 years-old, 13 females and 7 males, all diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, attended in the Facial Paralysis Ambulatory, of the otorhinolaryngology subject of a University Public Hospital. The use of a Digimess 100,174BL digital measuring caliper was adopted for this study. The measurements were carried out in the facial mimic movement, always starting from a fixed point to a mobile point in the structures: the tragus and the labial commissure, external corner of the eye and labial commissure and also internal corner of the eye and the nasal ala. All measurements were carried out both prior and after the treatment. The quantification of the incompetence of the movement was measured by simple percentage. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was applied to check for possible differences between both moments considered (with and without movements), as the study variables. RESULTS: the measurements had a statistically significant result (p<0.05) in all the proposed measured structures (tragus and labial commissure, external corner of the eye and labial commissure, and internal corner of the eye and nasal ala), showing that there are possibilities of measuring of movement and absence of movement using a digital caliper. CONCLUSION: the caliper has demonstrated to be a useful device which has permitted to objectively compare the evolution of the rehabilitation of facial mimic in Bell’s Palsy in the sample studied here.