ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Vocal fold nodules are usually caused by voice overuse or vocal hyperfunction, and their symptoms include persistent hoarseness - a disturbance in the vocal fold vibrations which results in a turbulent passage of air in the glottis, manifested as a raspy, rough voice. The aim of the study was to present data concerning voice quality in patients with vocal nodules and to compare electroglottographic analysis (EGG) with acoustic analysis. METHODS: The study examined 57 children with vocal fold nodules (Group 1). Each patient underwent a phoniatric evaluation of the vocal tract, a videolaryngoscopic examination, and a voice quality assessment, employing electroglottographic and acoustic analyses. The control group consisted of 37 healthy children (Group 2). The following parameters were analyzed: Closed Quotient (EGG signal), Peak Slope, Normalized Amplitude Quotient and Cepstral Peak Prominence (acoustic signal - waveform). RESULTS: Changes in the EGG signal could be detected in 95% of the patients with vocal nodules, indicating the occurrence of vocal nodules and glottal insufficiency. The acoustic analysis confirmed breathy phonation in 63% of the patients. The Closed Quotient parameter proved to be more effective than Peak Slope. Closed Quotient, Peak Slope and Normalized Amplitude Quotient allowed for the differentiation of the EGG signal and the acoustic signal in groups 1 and 2 in a statistically significant way. CONCLUSIONS: The results of electroglottographic and acoustic analysis show incorrect voice parameters in patients with vocal nodules with reference to the control group. At the same time, the EGG analysis proved to be more effective than the analysis of the acoustic signal.
Subject(s)
Electrodiagnosis/methods , Glottis/physiopathology , Hoarseness/diagnostic imaging , Hoarseness/physiopathology , Vocal Cords/diagnostic imaging , Voice Quality , Adolescent , Case-Control Studies , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Hoarseness/etiology , Humans , Laryngoscopy , Male , Phonation , Speech AcousticsABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to find the correlation between specific risk factors for hearing impairment as well as between risk factors and TEOAE screening results in neonates at risk for hearing impairment. Seventy-one newborns at risk for hearing impairment have been included in the study. Strong correlations between specific risk factors were found. Investigation of the relationship between specific risk factors and TEOAE signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) showed that in children with genetic risk factors, TORCH (toxoplasmosis, rubella, CMV, herpes virus, others) infections and in those treated with ototoxic drugs, the values of SNRs were significantly lower than in children at risk who did not present those factors. In case of hyperbilirubinaemic children the values of SNR were significantly higher than in the controls. In our opinion these relationships may be partially explained by the positive predictive values of these risk factors, but other intrinsic factors may also be involved.
Subject(s)
Guidelines as Topic , Hearing Disorders/diagnosis , Hearing Disorders/epidemiology , Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous/physiology , Hearing Disorders/etiology , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Predictive Value of Tests , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Neonatal hearing screening is becoming a standard of care in increasing number of hospitals and outpatient departments in Poland. A project of central data collecting system applicable to a neonatal hearing screening programme has been elaborated as a preparation to introducing a countrywide screening programme. The data collecting system will be based on the currently existing central system for the registration of neonatal screening tests for metabolic diseases. Data on risk factors for hearing loss and hearing screening test results will be collected. A central data collecting system for a neonatal hearing screening programme will increase the efficiency of the screening programme and facilitate epidemiological studies.
Subject(s)
Data Collection , Hearing Disorders/diagnosis , Hearing Disorders/epidemiology , Neonatal Screening , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Poland/epidemiology , Program EvaluationABSTRACT
Linear and QuickScreen (non-linear) transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) protocols were compared in terms of standardized clinical parameters in order to define the protocol producing recordings with the highest signal quality. Neonatal responses (520) were obtained from three different screening sites. The linear recordings were evoked by 69 and 75-dB p.e. SPL clicks. All responses were post-windowed by a 3.5- to 12.5-ms window, chosen by time-frequency analysis as the segment representing 97.35 per cent (linear) and 95.6 per cent (quick) of the total cumulative spectral energy. Evidence from hearing loss cases and the high similarity between the profile contours of the QuickScreen and the linear normal recordings have strongly suggested that a linear response evoked by a 75-dB p.e. SPL stimulus and post-processed by a 3.5 to 12.5 window is free of stimulus artefacts. The data indicate that the 75-dB linear protocol produces higher signal to noise ratios at 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 kHz, higher wave reproducibility, and lower TEOAE noise values than the QuickScreen protocol.
