Effect of Adenotonsillectomy on Spectral and Acoustic Characteristics.

Acoustic analysis and perceptual analysis has been extensively used to assess the speech and voice among individual with voice disorders. These methods provide objective, quantitative and precise information on the speech and voice characteristics in any given disorder and help in monitoring any recovery, deterioration, or improvement in an individual's speech and also differentiate between normal and abnormal speech and voice characteristics. The present study was carried out to investigate the spectral characteristics (formant frequency parameters and formant centralization ratios) and voice characteristics (Acoustic parameters of voice) changes in individuals following adenotonsillectomy. A total of 34 participants participated in the study with a history of adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Spectral and acoustic voice parameters were analyzed across the three-time domains, before surgery (T0), 30 days (T1), and 90 days (T2) after surgery. Data was analyzed statistically using the SPSS software version-28.0.0.0. Descriptive statistics were used to find the mean and standard deviation. Repeated measures of ANOVA were used to compare the pre and post-experimental measures for spectral and acoustic, voice parameters. The derived parameter of acoustic vowel space (formant centralization ratio 3) was compared across three conditions timelines. The results revealed that acoustic vowel space measure and formant frequency measures were significantly increased in pre and post-operative conditions across the three timelines. A significant difference was obtained across the acoustic parameters across the time domains. Adenotonsillectomy has been proved to be an efficient surgical procedure in treating children with chronic adenotonsillitis. The results obtained have indicated an overall improvement in the spectral and acoustic voice parameters thereby highlighting the need for adenotonsillectomy at the right time and at the right age.

Videofluoroscopy Practice in India: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists.

Owing to differences in clinical approaches toward videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS), professional and governing bodies in some countries have implemented guidelines for performing VFSS. However, in India, the establishment of such practice guidelines is in initial stages of acceptance and there are no uniform guidelines. The aim of the current study was to investigate and describe the clinical practice patterns related to VFSS assessments among Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in India. An electronic survey consisting of 34 questions categorized into four main sections (demographic details and education; current practice; instrumental and technical considerations; protocol and assessment methods) was sent to SLPs registered with the Indian Speech and Hearing Association (ISHA) through email and social media from August 2020 to January 2021. A total of 129 eligible responses were received. More than 50% of the participants used a standard assessment and analysis protocol. Barium and water-soluble contrasts were mostly used, and 97% of participants did not know what percent weight to volume (w/v) or volume to volume (v/v) contrast to fluid were used. Considerable amount of variability was observed in the responses of our participants, which was consistent with international surveys of VFSS practice patterns. Lack of adequate radiation safety measures was also observed. Our findings suggest a need to increase awareness and training among Indian SLPs in technical and procedural aspects of VFSS, and more sensitization toward radiation safety. ISHA should consider forming a committee to develop and adopt uniform nationwide practices in VFSS. Future studies exclusively investigating barriers and facilitators to VFSS practice in the Indian scenario are necessary.

Can Straw Phonation Be Considered As Vocal Warm Up Among Speech Language Pathologists?

OBJECTIVE: Straw phonation exercises have been proved to be effective in improving voice quality among persons with voice pathology. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of straw phonation as a warm-up exercise on maximum phonation duration, acoustic, and perceptual parameters of voice among Speech Language Pathologists. STUDY DESIGN: The study adopted a pretest-posttest design. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twenty-five females with the mean age range of 20.87 ± 1.15 years participated in the study and completed a series of straw phonation exercises for three cycles. Maximum phonation duration, acoustic, and self-perceptual measures were assessed before and after the straw phonation exercises. F0, jitter, shimmer, nose to harmonic ratio, intensity, F1, F2, F3, F4, Maximum phonation duration, and the post self-perceptual measures were analyzed. RESULTS: The results indicated a significant improvement in the F0, intensity, F1, F2, F4, Maximum phonation duration, and self-perceptual measures. CONCLUSION: Straw phonation exercises provides an easy and effective warm up technique to improve the voice quality among Speech Language Pathologists and can be considered before conducting therapy sessions.

Adaptation and Validation of Reflux Symptom Index Into Kannada Language.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to translate, validate the Reflux Symptom Index in Kannada language and to compare its outcomes between normal individuals and individuals with laryngopharyngeal reflux. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional study design MATERIALS AND METHOD: : The English version of Reflux Symptom Index was translated into Kannada language using standard procedures. A total of 162 participants participated in the study, 81 with laryngopharyngeal reflux and 81 controls. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and clinical validity were calculated. RESULTS: Results revealed that the Kannada Reflux Symptom Index exhibited an excellent internal consistency (α = 0.87). The average intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.90 and 0.92, indicating excellent test-retest reliability. Independent sample t test revealed a statistically significant difference between the total scores of both the groups, thereby exhibiting good clinical validity of RSI-K (t = 42.71, df = 158, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Kannada Reflux Symptom Index is a reliable and valid tool for use in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux. It can be used as a quick tool to assess laryngopharyngeal reflux.