Dysphonia and Vocal Tract Discomfort While Working From Home During COVID-19

Objective

During COVID-19, government measures to prevent disease spread included advice to work from home. In addition to occupational risk factors, the increased use of telecommunication and changed work environment may contribute to voice and vocal tract discomfort (VTD). This study established the prevalence, incidence, characteristics and impact of self-perceived dysphonia and VTD in those working from home during COVID-19.

Methods

A cross-sectional, observational study using an online survey recruited 1575 participants. It captured information about dysphonia and VTD presence, onset, and severity. Those with dysphonia completed the voice-related quality of life to measure impact. Regression analyses identified risk factors for voice and vocal tract problems.

Results

Dysphonia and VTD prevalence rates were 33% and 68%, respectively, incidences were 28% and 50%. Perceived dysphonia severity was mild in 72% of cases. Dry throat was the most common VTD symptom at 66%. Mean voice-related quality of life score was 82.4 (standard deviation ± 13.2). Raising or straining the voice while working predicted new onset dysphonia and VTD. Increasing telecommunication use was associated with worse dysphonia and VTD onset.

Conclusion

Those working from home have seen a rise in dysphonia and VTD, which were associated with communication modality and change in environment. If home offices become the ‘new normal’ post-COVID, workplaces should consider voice training for employees to limit potential difficulties.

Association between phonation and the vowel quadrilateral in patients with stroke: A retrospective observational study

Articulation disorder is associated with impaired control of respiration and speech organ movement. There are many cases of dysarthria and dysphonia in stroke patients. Dysphonia adversely affects communication and social activities, and it can interfere with everyday life. The purpose of this study is to assess the association between phonation abilities and the vowel quadrilateral in stroke patients.The subjects were stroke patients with pronunciation and phonation disorders. The resonance frequency was measured for the 4 corner vowels to measure the vowel space area (VSA) and formant centralization ratio (FCR). Phonation ability was evaluated by the Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) and maximal phonation time (MPT) through acoustic evaluation for each vowel. Pearsons correlation analysis was performed to confirm the association, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed between variables.The correlation coefficients of VSA and MPT/u/ were 0.420, VSA and MPT/i/ were 0.536, VSA and DSI/u/ were 0.392, VSA and DSI /i/ were 0.364, and FCR and DSI /i/ were -0.448. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that VSA was a factor significantly influencing MPT/u/ (β = 0.420, P = .021, R = 0.147), MPT/i/ (β = 0.536, P = .002, R = 0.262), DSI/u/ (β = 0.564, P = .045, R = 0.256), and DSI/i/ (β = 0.600, P = .03, R = 0.302).The vowel quadrilateral can be a useful tool for evaluating the phonation function of stroke patients.

Dysphagia as a symptom of anterior cervical hyperostosis - Case report

Degenerative lesions with hyperostosis on the anterior surface of cervical spine are common in clinical practice. In addition to pain being an effect of spinal dysfunction, they sometimes cause difficulties in swallowing or speaking as well as breathing disorders. A 52-year-old farmer with 4-year history of gradually intensifying dysphagia was admitted to hospital due to inability to intake a solid food, significant weight loss, and because of the appearance of a new symptom - dysphonia. Previous conservative treatment for swallow difficulties was ineffective. CT revealed a bone excrescence on the anterior surface of two cervical vertebrae which caused an oesophageal obstruction and compression of the vocal folds. Structural abnormalities of cervical spine should be considered in differential diagnosis of symptoms from the oesophagus and upper respiratory tract, especially when a first-line conservative treatment is not effective. In these cases, surgical removal of the osteophyte is an effective way of treatment.

Aortic Aneurysm as a Cause of Dysphonia in a Patient Who Smokes

Vocal cord paralysis secondary to a cardiovascular disease is known as Cardiovocal or Ortner's syndrome. The most common cause of Ortner's syndrome is atrial dilation due to mitral valvulopathy. Other causes include aneurysms of the thoracic aorta, patent ductus arteriosus, aneurysm of the ductus arteriosus, defects of the interatrial or interventricular septum, among others. Hoarseness might be the only symptom that leads a given individual to consult with a physician. Here we present the case of a 77-year-old male patient with history of diabetes mellitus type 1 and hypertension, whose illness started about a year ago when he presented progressive dysphonia associated with dry cough after food intake without another concomitant symptom. CT studies reported the presence of an aortic aneurism compressing the left recurrent nerve. Patient refused surgical treatment. As of this writing, he remains symptomatic.

Voice Onset Time in Individuals With Hyperfunctional Voice Disorders: Evidence for Disordered Vocal Motor Control

Purpose This study examined vocal hyperfunction (VH) using voice onset time (VOT). We hypothesized that speakers with VH would produce shorter VOTs, indicating increased laryngeal tension, and more variable VOTs, indicating disordered vocal motor control. Method We enrolled 32 adult women with VH (aged 20-74 years) and 32 age- and sex-matched controls. All were speakers of American English. Participants produced vowel-consonant-vowel combinations that varied by vowel (ɑ/u) and plosive (p/b, t/d, k/g). VOT-measured at the release of the plosive to the initiation of voicing-was averaged over three repetitions of each vowel-consonant-vowel combination. The coefficient of variation (CoV), a measure of VOT variability, was also computed for each combination. Results The mean VOTs were not significantly different between the two groups; however, the CoVs were significantly greater in speakers with VH compared to controls. Voiceless CoV values were moderately correlated with clinical ratings of dysphonia (r = .58) in speakers with VH. Conclusion Speakers with VH exhibited greater variability in phonemic voicing targets compared to vocally healthy speakers, supporting the hypothesis for disordered vocal motor control in VH. We suggest future work incorporate VOT measures when assessing auditory discrimination and auditory-motor integration deficits in VH.

Management of Laryngotracheal trauma: A review of current trends and future Directions

Laryngotracheal trauma is rare but can pose serious threats to one's life. Presenting symptoms vary according to the severity of injury. Immediate Airway control is first step in the management, intubation should be considered by a senior member of the trauma team if the injury is minor while tracheostomy should be reserved for more severe injuries. Evaluation by a fibre-optic laryngoscopy and CT scan should be done whenever possible. Reconstruction is done according to the site involved using suture, titanium miniplates and stents. Tissue engineering has added a new horizon in this management but up till now complete laryngotracheal regeneration is very far-fetched, but tissue regeneration at individual sites have shown some positive results. More work needs to be done in this less explored field including laryngeal transplantation.

Thyroid Cartilage Cysts, A Rare Entity Causing Dysphonia

Five cases are presented with a strained voice quality due to a unique underlying cause: thyroid cartilage cysts. Laryngoscopy and radiological images show antero-medial displacement of both vestibular and vocal fold(s). Swelling in the ala of the thyroid cartilage results in a pear-shaped lumen. These cysts were marsupialized with CO₂ laser, fluid emerged, and histological biopsies confirmed cartilaginous cysts. Postoperatively, all cases report largely reduced or completely resolved vocal complaints, with a consistent follow-up of 2 years. Together with previous publications, an overview of 17 cases is presented, to enhance awareness that thyroid cartilage cysts can cause a strained voice quality. Laryngoscope, 130:E628-E631, 2020.

Supraglottic p16+ squamous cell carcinoma during pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Head and neck cancer during pregnancy is uncommon. Specifically, laryngeal cancer in pregnancy has only been previously reported 10 times. HPV p16+ supraglottic cancer during pregnancy has never been described in the literature prior to this case report. This case is important to report to understand the most effective and safe diagnostic, treatment and follow-up options available for pregnant patients with laryngeal cancer.

CASE PRESENTATION

This report describes a case of a 33-year-old patient who was 24 weeks pregnant presenting with dysphonia and odynophagia. After laryngeal biopsy and MRI she was diagnosed with T3N1M0, stage three p16+ squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottis. After inter-disciplinary consultation as well as extensive patient discussion, an awake tracheostomy, PEG tube placement and then elective C-section at 28 weeks' gestation was completed. This was followed by chemoradiotherapy. The patient has remained free from disease with a healthy child at four years post-treatment.

CONCLUSION

Supraglottic cancer during pregnancy is rare with only four previous cases reported in the literature. This case report elucidates the importance of including multiple specialities as well as patient preference in the decision-making process regarding treatment for patients with supraglottic cancer during pregnancy. Furthermore, diagnostic and treatment guidelines for pregnant patients with head and neck cancers should be established to promote the best possible oncological, obstetrical and neonatal care.

[Disturbance of the voice in teachers]

OBJECTIVE

The voice in the academic context is a determining factor in the life of the teaching staff. The objective of this study was to evaluate the index vocal inability of in-service teachers and check your involvement the occupational conditions.

METHODS

For it, a descriptive-inferential study is done of cross-section to 480 teachers (average age: 45.14 ± 9.22), applying the questionnaire of vocal disability index (HIV-30). Using descriptive statistical techniques (mean and standard deviation) and inferential techniques (ANOVA). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.23.0.

RESULTS

When applying the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30) evidenced that teachers present a moderate vocal disability (41.2 rating), with increased risk in physical ability and own vocal function. Moreover, it was found that gender, educational stage, teaching load, antique, daily and weekly hours, student ratio and level of noise in the classroom, significantly affect the disturbance of the voice. It also shows more presence of dysphonia in teachers who perceive a progressive worsening of her voice throughout the day or week, and is absent in the work due to disorders of the voice.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, teachers attributed their laryngeal discomfort mainly to factors of the teaching context.

The role of laryngeal ultrasound in the assessment of pediatric dysphonia and stridor

OBJECTIVES

Dysphonia and stridor are not infrequent in the pediatric population. Awake nasolaryngoscopy (ANL) is the primary diagnostic procedure used to evaluate a child with stridor and/or dysphonia. The major limitation of this technique is poor cooperation in children, resulting in inadequate visualization of the larynx. Ultrasound is a widely used noninvasive imaging modality that has yet to be applied to the laryngeal examination. Our goal was to investigate the feasibility and diagnostic potential of laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) in cases of pediatric stridor and/or dysphonia.

METHODS

Prospective blinded cohort study of infants and children 0-16 years of age referred for ANL due to voice disorders and/or stridor. Prior knowledge of the etiology was considered an exclusion criterion.

RESULTS

LUS concurred with the ANL in the diagnosis of abnormal vs normal larynx in 28/32 children that were recruited. LUS had a sensitivity and specificity of 87% (95% CI: 69%-96%) and 100% (95% CI: 16%-100%) respectively, for diagnosing overall laryngeal disorders in comparison to ANL. LUS also had an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.93, (P = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.84-1).

CONCLUSION

LUS may be applied as an adjuvant diagnostic tool for ruling in laryngeal pathologies in children including dysphonia and stridor. As further experience is acquired the value of LUS in diagnosis will be better understood.

Bilateral Adductor Nerve Palsy Following Total Thyroidectomy: A Case Report

Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve palsy following thyroidectomy is usually attributed to the surgery whereas sometimes the cause can be non-surgical and can result in adductor palsy. Bilateral Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve paralysis is rare complication of thyroidectomy. We present a case of a 35 year old female who developed dysphonia following thyroidectomy. The clinical findings and recovery were suggestive of a non-surgical cause for the palsy. The management of these patients differs and the knowledge in this regard is very important for the surgeons. The non-surgical and surgical cause of adductor palsy differs in presentation and management. Tracheostomy is not required and recovery of the nerve occurs in most cases.

Hypophonia as only presenting symptom in myasthenia gravis - a diagnostic dilemma in poor countries: a case report

INTRODUCTION

The autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis can mimic a variety of neurological disorders leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. In the older population, due to confusion with signs of the ageing process or comorbidities due to ageing, there are many underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed cases of myasthenia gravis. A majority of myasthenia gravis symptoms appear as ocular or motor symptoms and there are very few cases of bulbar symptoms. We present a case of myasthenia gravis with only hypophonia as a clinical feature.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of a 51-year-old Madheshi woman whose only complaint was sudden onset of hypophonia which later showed a fluctuating nature throughout the daytime. There was only reduced pitch in her voice with no nasal tone or dysarthria (so-called dysphonia), which created a diagnostic dilemma. Later, a neurological examination and other relevant investigations suggested myasthenia gravis.

CONCLUSIONS

Sudden onset and focal neurological deficit can raise the diagnostic dilemma of myasthenia gravis. Relevant laboratory tests and clinical examinations are important to diagnose this disease properly. In resources-deprived nations like Nepal, where several investigations are expensive and access to them is difficult, it becomes very difficult to achieve a solid diagnosis for rare presentations of diseases.

Clinical features of laryngeal myasthenia gravis: A case series

BACKGROUND

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease. Dysarthria, dysphagia, and difficulty swallowing as exclusive initial and primary complaints in MG (laryngeal MG) are rare and seldom reported.

METHODS

Here we review and analyze the largest series of laryngeal MG patients.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients with laryngeal MG as primary manifestation were found in 20 case reports/series. Dysarthria was the most frequent primary symptom (14/30), followed by dysphagia (11/30), slurred speech (4/30) and dysphonia (1/30). Sixty-three percent visited the otolaryngology department first. Only 23.33% of patients were diagnosed with MG at the first clinic visit. Forty-five percent laryngeal MG patients were acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive, 52.9% showed decremental response in the repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) test, and 92.6% were positive in the neostigmine/edrophonium test. Fluctuating weakness was examined in 16 of 30 patients and observed in 14/16 patients.

CONCLUSION

Laryngeal MG is a rare and possibly under-diagnosed condition. The patients can present with dysarthria, dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. Fluctuation in severity of disease by neostigmine/edrophonium test is a typical feature for MG patients. AChR antibody and RNS tests should be included to evaluate the pathologic changes in the neuromuscular junction.

Age-related changes affecting the cricoarytenoid joint seen on computed tomography

We conducted a retrospective chart review to compare four characteristics-cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis, narrowing, erosion, and density increases-in patients younger and older than 65 years. Our study population was made up of 100 patients, who were divided into two groups on the basis of age. The younger group (<65 yr) comprised 49 patients (27 men and 22 women), and the older group (≥65 yr) was made up of 51 patients (25 men and 26 women). Findings on computed tomography (CT) of the neck were used to determine whether each of the four characteristics was present or absent. Overall, we found only one statistically significant difference between the two groups: ankylosis was significantly more common in the older group (p = 0.036). When we looked further at the side of these anatomic changes, we found that the older group had significantly more right-sided and left-sided ankylosis than did the younger group (p = 0.026 for both), as well as significantly more left-sided narrowing (p = 0.028) (some patients had bilateral involvement). When we analyzed age as a continuous variable, older age was again associated with significantly more ankylosis (p = 0.047) and narrowing (p = 0.011). We conclude that CT can be useful for assessing radiologic changes in the cricoarytenoid joint in elderly patients during the workup of dysphonia and abnormal movement of the vocal folds.

Incidence of dysphagia and dysphonia after Hangman's fractures: Evidence from 93 patients

This research aims to explore the accurate incidence, severity and outcomes of dysphagia and dysphonia after Hangman fractures.A total of 93 patients were included in this study and clinical data were reviewed. The Bazaz grading system (0-None; 1-Mild; 2-Moderate; 3-Severe) was used for dysphagia evaluation and the Voice Handicap Index-10 used to evaluate dysphonia. In all of the patients, evaluation of dysphagia and dysphonia was performed preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. SPSS 22.0 software (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL) was used for all statistical analyses.Posttraumatic immediate dysphagia was found in 8 patients and posttraumatic immediate dysphonia was observed in 3 patients. The incidence of dysphagia was 22.6% at the 1st week, 16.1% at the 1st month, and 9.7% at the 3rd month of follow-up. The incidence of dysphonia was 24.5% at the 1st week, 11.3% at the 1st month, and 3.8% at the 3rd month of follow-up.Posttraumatic immediate dysphagia and dysphonia occurred and the anterior surgical approach was associated with a higher incidence of dysphagia compared to posterior surgery and nonoperative patients. Most dysphagia and dysphonia were mild and gradually decreased during the subsequent 3 months after surgery. Future prospective, randomized studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate these data.

Dysphonia and Dysarthria in People With Parkinson's Disease After Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation: Effect of Frequency Modulation

PURPOSE

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) parameters, for example the frequency of stimulation, seem to affect speech and voice aspects. However, this influence is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of low- and high-frequency STN-DBS on voice and speech for people with Parkinson's disease.

METHODS

Nineteen individuals with Parkinson's disease who received bilateral STN-DBS were assessed for motor performance (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-III), perceptual evaluation of voice (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain, and instability [GRBASI]), dysarthria assessment, and computerized acoustic analysis of voice upon receiving low-frequency (60 Hz) and high-frequency (130 Hz) STN-DBS.

RESULTS

In the GRBASI protocol, asthenia, and instability were significantly better at 130 Hz of stimulation. In the dysarthria evaluation, the phonation aspect, articulation, and grade of dysarthria showed deterioration at the same high-frequency condition. There was no significant difference for any vocal acoustic measures.

CONCLUSION

The high-frequency of STN-DBS may affect speech and voice differently, leading to an amelioration of the vocal production, but with adverse effects in the speech control.

Responsiveness of Persian Version of Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V), Persian Version of Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and Praat in Vocal Mass Lesions with Muscle Tension Dysphonia

OBJECTIVES

This study was aimed at determining the internal and external responsiveness of the Persian version of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (called ATSHA), Persian version of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and Praat scales among patients with vocal mass lesions and secondary muscle tension dysphonia.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, within-participant repeated measures.

METHOD

Thirty patients with vocal fold nodules, polyps, and cysts related to secondary muscle tension dysphonia participated in the study. The measures of interest and videostroboscopy examination were used before and after treatment. The Global Perceived Effect questionnaire was used to separate those improved (moderately or greatly improved) and stable (slightly improved) patients.

RESULTS

The mean standardized response, standardized effect size, and Guyatt analyses indicated high internal responsiveness for the all target parameters of the ATSHA, total score of the VHI, and two parameters of the Praat (0.8<). There was poor correlation between the videostroboscopy and the other target scales (r _Pearson = -0.1-0.1). The receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that all the target scales did not significantly separate those improved and stable subjects (area under the curve = 0), except for the overall severity and roughness parameters of the ATSHA scale (area under the curve = 1).

CONCLUSION

This study recommends both the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice and the VHI scales to show voice therapy changes. The target voice scale changes were not able to predict the videostroboscopy changes as external standard. Furthermore, we recommend that the overall severity and roughness may properly classify those improved and stable patients.

[Symptomatic vallecular cyst in adults: about 4 cases]

Symptomatic vallecular cyst is a rare benign lesion. These cysts are often asymptomatic in the adult. We here report 4 cases of symptomatic vallecular cyst in the adult. Three patients presented with mixed high dysphagia associated with dysphonia. The fourth patient complained of foreign body sensation in the throat. Laryngoscopy showed a cyst in left vallecular region in all cases. CT scan confirmed vallecular cyst. Treatment was based on marsupialisation of the cyst in two cases and endoscopic resection in two cases. This study suggests to clarify the diagnostic and therapeutic features of this disorder.

Manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis in head and neck

OBJECTIVES

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a rare autoimmune disease of the group of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides. Involvement of the ear, nose and throat (ENT)-region is only described in a few case series and case reports. The objective of this study is to systematically characterise the ENT-involvement in a large series of GPA patients.

METHODS

GPA patients examined in the Department of Otorhinolayngology of the Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel between 1990 and 2012 were included. Diagnosis was based on histological, serological and clinical parameters. GPA patients were examined in a standardised way based on the Ear Nose and Throat Activity Score (ENTAS) or its precursor. Medical history, ENT examination, diagnostic findings (ear, nose) and cranial radiology were documented cumulatively.

RESULTS

A total of 230 GPA patients were included in this study. Over 95% of them showed ENT-involvement. 59% of the patients showed nasal obstructions, 57% a loss of smell. A hearing loss was diagnosed in 23% of the patients, 50% involvement in MR or CT scans and 15% showed laryngeal involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The data of the largest monocentric study presented here demonstrate a frequent ENT-involvement in GPA patients. Rhinological and ontological manifestations are most common.

Acoustic Perturbation Measures Improve with Increasing Vocal Intensity in Individuals With and Without Voice Disorders

OBJECTIVE

In vocally healthy children and adults, speaking voice loudness differences can significantly confound acoustic perturbation measurements. This study examines the effects of voice sound pressure level (SPL) on jitter, shimmer, and harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR) in adults with voice disorders and a control group with normal vocal status.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a matched case-control study.

METHODS

We assessed 58 adult female voice patients matched according to approximate age and occupation with 58 vocally healthy women. Diagnoses included vocal fold nodules (n = 39, 67.2%), polyps (n = 5, 8.6%), and muscle tension dysphonia (n = 14, 24.1%). All participants sustained the vowel /a/ at soft, comfortable, and loud phonation levels. Acoustic voice SPL, jitter, shimmer, and HNR were computed using Praat. The effects of loudness condition, voice SPL, pathology, differential diagnosis, age, and professional voice use level on acoustic perturbation measures were assessed using linear mixed models and Wilcoxon signed rank tests.

RESULTS

In both patient and normative control groups, increasing voice SPL correlated significantly (P < 0.001) with decreased jitter and shimmer, and increased HNR. Voice pathology and differential diagnosis were not linked to systematically higher jitter and shimmer. HNR levels, however, were statistically higher in the patient group than in the control group at comfortable phonation levels. Professional voice use level had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on jitter, shimmer, and HNR.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical value of acoustic jitter, shimmer, and HNR may be limited if speaking voice SPL and professional voice use level effects are not controlled for. Future studies are warranted to investigate whether perturbation measures are useful clinical outcome metrics when controlling for these effects.

[The clinical and functional condition of the larynx in the patients of the elder age group presenting with chronic oedematous polypoidal laryngitis]

This article was designed to report the results of the evaluation of the clinical and functional condition of the larynx in the patients of the elder age group presenting with chronic oedematous polypoidal laryngitis before and after their surgical treatment. A total of 60 patients at the age from 60 to 72 years were available for the examination; all of them had a concomitant somatic or ENT pathology. The clinical and functional conditions of the larynx in the patients of the elder age group were studied, with special reference to those suffering from chronic oedematous polypoidal laryngitis before the surgical intervention, that determined the overall clinical picture of the disease characterized in the first place by the predominance of the severe polypoid process with the combination of the organic and functional laryngeal pathology. The specific clinical and functional features of the larynx were identified after the surgical treatment that exerted the appreciable influence on the postoperative course of the disease and the duration of dysphonia. The peculiarities of postoperative laryngitis are described. Its catarrhal form was diagnosed in 42% of the patients. The strong inflammatory reaction with exudation and formation of fibrin films was documented in 58% of the patients while 83% of them exhibited formation of the functional component of dysphonia that required the application of the additional therapeutic measures for the complete restoration of the vocal function taking into consideration the age-related alteration of the larynx together with the long-term postoperative observation of the patients.