Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation
-
(1) To quantify acute changes in acoustic parameters of the voices of group fitness instructors (GFIs) before and after exercise instruction. (2) To determine whether these changes are discernible perceptually by the instructor. ⋯ Statistically significant changes in pitch and volume were found on acoustic analysis. However, these subtle changes remained within the limits of what is considered normal and representative of the participant's age and gender. Further research into the effects of exercise instruction on the voice is needed.
-
This study investigated multidimensional treatment outcomes, including prognostic factors and side effects of vocal fold steroid injection (VFSI). ⋯ This study demonstrated significant improvements after VFSI in vocal nodules, polyps, and cysts. Occupational vocal demand and subtypes of vocal nodules are closely related to the treatment outcomes after VFSI, whereas symptom duration and LPR were significant prognostic factors for VFSI treatment outcomes in vocal polyps. Side effects after receiving VFSI were mostly self-limited without sequel, whereas the incidence rates might be varied by the injection approach and the timing for postoperative follow-up.
-
Herpes zoster is a neurocutaneous disease resulting from the reactivation of endogenous varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in dorsal sensory or cranial nerve ganglia. Rarely, this infection manifests without the characteristic dermatomal rash, a condition termed zoster sine herpete. Viral spreading of herpes zoster in the head and neck may manifest as various signs and symptoms because of the multiple possible combinations of cranial neuropathies. With only six cases reported in the English literature up to now, isolated neuropathies of the vagus nerve in the absence of cutaneous lesions tend to be misdiagnosed as idiopathic laryngeal paralysis. ⋯ Herpes zoster of the larynx is an uncommon condition that should be included in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis of idiopathic cause. We recommend performing a thorough examination of the pharyngolaryngeal structures and ordering PCR testing as the diagnostic method of choice.
-
Comparative Study
A portable high-speed camera system for vocal fold examinations.
In this article, we present a new portable low-cost system for high-speed examinations of the vocal folds. Analysis of glottal vibratory parameters from the high-speed recordings is compared with videostroboscopic recordings. ⋯ The monochrome high-speed system can be used in daily clinical work within normal clinical time limits for patient examinations. A detailed analysis can be made of voice disorders and laryngeal pathology at a relatively low cost.
-
Actinomycosis of the larynx represents an unusual presentation for a common bacterium comprising the oral and oropharyngeal florae. There are few cases reported in the literature of laryngeal actinomycosis occurring primarily in the immunocompromised population. Here, we present a case in a 74-year-old man that occurred in the setting of neutropenia as a result of chemotherapy. Once the diagnosis was made with biopsy of the larynx, the infection was resolved after a prolonged course of penicillin-based therapy.