ABSTRACT
Many speech-language pathologists (SLPs) recently adopted a live, synchronous online distribution of clinical services due to physical distancing measures aimed at bringing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak under control. Few SLPs had received training in telepractice to prepare them for changes from an in-person service delivery model to synchronous telepractice. The new telepractice environment may alter vocal behaviors and communication interactions in such a way that negatively impacts voice production. Thus, delivering synchronous online clinical services may require that SLPs adopt novel prevention strategies for avoiding phonogenic voice problems. Guided by two complementary injury frameworks, the Haddon Matrix and the Haddon Countermeasures, this article provides an overview of potential factors associated with phonogenic voice problems among SLPs in telepractice and proposes possible prevention strategies to maintain optimal vocal health and function with synchronous modes of online clinical practice.
Subject(s)
Communication , Occupational Diseases/diagnosis , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Speech Sound Disorder/diagnosis , Speech Sound Disorder/prevention & control , Speech-Language Pathology , Telerehabilitation , COVID-19/complications , Humans , Internet-Based Intervention , Risk Factors , Voice QualityABSTRACT
Total maxillectomy for patients with malignant lesions will often incapacitate the patient both functionally and aesthetically. An immediate surgical obturator prosthesis would be of utmost importance for patients in these critical situations to aid in deglutition, phonetics, respiration and effectively avoiding various post-surgical complications. This article emphasizes on utilizing circum-zygomatic wiring for retention of the immediate surgical obturator in cases of total maxillectomy or edentulous patients.
Subject(s)
Maxilla/surgery , Oral Surgical Procedures/methods , Palatal Obturators , Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods , Bone Wires , Deglutition Disorders/prevention & control , Humans , Mouth, Edentulous/surgery , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Respiration Disorders/prevention & control , Speech Sound Disorder/prevention & controlABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate speech sound production (SSP) in older edentulous patients provided with two different types of mandibular complete dentures (MCDs; conventional vs neutral zone). BACKGROUND: Regarding the fact that complete dentures (CDs) affect SSP, it is unknown whether the set-up of the artificial teeth resulting from the neutral zone technique leads to a negative impact on SSP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 21 participants, a conventional MCD and a MCD using a modified neutral zone technique (neutral zone dentures) were fabricated. The SSP was described using a phonetically balanced text, which was recorded digitally and evaluated. RESULTS: No significant difference in SSP was observed. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that the application of the neutral zone technique in the mandible has no considerable impact on SSP.
