To analyze the diagnostic utility of the Autism Diagnostic Labyrinth Scale to differentiate children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from children with language disorders or delay and those with typical development in the 2 to 4 age range. 29 children aged 2 to 4 years were evaluated using the Labyrinth Scale, with and without a history of psychological distress, identified as having Typical Development (TD), Delayed Language Acquisition (DLA), Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), or ASD. Totals and subscale scores for social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and gestures were statistically compared to differentiate between groups. there were statistically significant differences in total scores and across all four subscales of the Labyrinth Scale between the ASD group and the other clinical groups evaluated (TD, DLA, and DLD) (p < 0.001). The Verbal Communication subscale also demonstrated specific ability to significantly distinguish the LAD group from the DLD group (p<0.001). The Labyrinth Scale proved to be useful in clearly differentiating children with ASD from those with DLD, LAD, and typical development, suggesting strong clinical potential of the instrument for early differential diagnosis among these clinical conditions.

To analyze and compare speech recognition performance in cochlear implant (CI) users assessed with a speech recognition test administered through monitored live voice (MLV) and recorded audio, both in quiet and in noise. This cross-sectional study included 48 participants who underwent medical history assessment, audiometry, and speech recognition testing under four conditions: MLV in quiet, recorded audio in quiet, MLV in noise, and recorded audio with noise. Statistical analyses were performed using nonparametric tests, adopting a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of p < 0.05. The highest performance was observed in the MLV condition in quiet, although this condition also showed greater response variability, suggesting a potential influence of evaluator-related characteristics. Performance in the MLV-in-noise and recorded-audio-in-quiet conditions was comparable, indicating that noise in live speech has an impact similar to changing the presentation mode from live to recorded speech. The lowest performance was observed in the recorded-in-noise condition, indicating that the combined effect of background noise and the absence of acoustic cues inherent to live speech negatively affects auditory performance. Word-based and sentence-based analyses produced similar outcomes. Speech recognition performance in CI users is influenced by both presentation mode and background noise. These findings indicate that noise may be as detrimental as the transition from live to recorded speech, underscoring the importance of standardizing speech recognition test administration.

To analyze and compare outcomes of clinical tests assessing auditory processing (AP) in adults with normal hearing across age groups and to propose reference values. A total of 116 adults aged 18 to 59 years, all with normal hearing, no auditory complaints, and native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese, were evaluated. The following verbal and nonverbal tests were administered: Masking Level Difference (MLD), Gaps-In-Noise (GIN), Pitch Pattern Sequence (PPS), Duration Pattern Sequence (DPS), and Dichotic Digits Test (DDT). The GIN, PPS, and DDT showed significant differences beginning at 40 years of age. For the DPS, significant differences were observed between individuals aged 18-29 years and those aged 50-59 years. In the DDT, significant differences were found in the right ear beginning at 50 years and in the left ear beginning at 40 years. The MLD was the only test that did not show age-related differences. A decline in auditory processing test performance was observed with increasing age, even before senescence. The age at which significant changes occurred varied across tests, highlighting the need to establish age-specific reference values. The MLD was the only test that remained stable throughout adulthood. The proposed reference values are as follows: MLD, 8-14 dB (18-59 years); GIN, ≤ 6 ms (18-39 years) and ≤ 8 ms (40-59 years); PPS, ≥ 76.6% (18-39 years) and ≥ 63.0% (40-59 years); DPS, ≥ 90.3% (18-29 years), ≥ 80.0% (30-49 years), and ≥ 70.0% (50-59 years); DDT-RE, ≥ 98.5% (18-49 years) and ≥ 93.2% (50-59 years); DDT-LE, ≥ 97.5% (18-39 years) and ≥ 95.0% (40-59 years).

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe sound processing in the auditory system based on auditory evoked potentials. Research strategies A literature review was conducted on auditory processing from the perspective of electrophysiological auditory assessment, considering both classical and current studies in the field. Selection criteria Studies addressing auditory evoked potentials and their relationship with sound encoding, decoding, discrimination, perception, and semantic congruence processes were included. Data analysis Data were analyzed in a descriptive and critical manner, integrating information on different auditory evoked potentials and their respective roles in auditory processing. Results The auditory system organizes and encodes acoustic features, such as frequency, intensity, and temporal modulations, transforming them into neural representations interpreted by the cortex. Auditory evoked potentials provide information on encoding, decoding, discrimination, perception, and semantic congruence processes. The frequency-following response evaluates the accuracy of neural encoding of sounds, especially speech; cortical auditory evoked potentials reflect advanced processes of encoding, decoding, and discrimination; and the N400 is associated with semantic congruence, elucidating cognitive auditory processing. Conclusion Auditory evoked potentials are important tools for evaluating auditory processing, contributing to the diagnosis of disorders and to the monitoring of auditory performance across different populations.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) associated with vestibular rehabilitation (VR) in adults with vestibular symptoms and tinnitus, compared to VR combined with placebo PBM, regarding the reduction of tinnitus discomfort and improvements in vestibular function, postural balance, and dynamic visual acuity. Methods Randomized, triple-blind clinical trial with 20 volunteers diagnosed with vestibular hypofunction and chronic tinnitus. Participants were allocated into two groups: research group (RG), which received VR combined with active PBM; and control group (CG), which received VR combined with placebo PBM. Both groups underwent ten intervention sessions, twice a week, over five weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included: Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), dynamic visual acuity (DVA) test, and posturography. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney test (p&lt;0.05). Results In the post-intervention comparison between groups, the RG showed significant improvement in VAS for tinnitus (p=0.046), and in the functional (p=0.003), emotional (p=0.002), and total (p=0.000) scores of the THI. The Sensory Organization Test parameter showed a significant pre- and post-treatment difference (p=0.003) only in the RG. VAS for vestibular symptoms, DHI scores, and the Composite Equilibrium Score improved in both groups, with no significant difference between them. Conclusion PBM combined with VR significantly reduced tinnitus discomfort and showed superior performance in vestibular function analysis. VR alone did not demonstrate any effect on tinnitus reduction.

To verify the association between language development and sociodemographic, peri- and postnatal aspects of children with a history of prematurity followed up in an outpatient clinic. This was an observational, analytical, cross-sectional, and preliminary study comprising 61 preterm infants aged between 12 months (corrected age) and 65 months (chronological age). Language development was assessed using the raw scores of the ADL-2 Scale in receptive, expressive, and global modalities. Sociodemographic, peri-, and postnatal information was obtained through medical record analysis. Data were subjected to descriptive, association, and correlation analyses. Descriptive analysis indicated lower language scores among male children, those from lower socioeconomic classes, those born via cesarean delivery, and those with a history of intracranial hemorrhage. No statistically significant associations or correlations were found. Although no statistically significant associations were observed, the descriptive findings suggest possible influences of sex, socioeconomic status, mode of delivery, and intracranial hemorrhage on the language performance of preterm infants. The results reinforce the importance of considering multiple factors in the language development of preterm children, suggesting longitudinal follow-up for timely interventions.

To assess the risk of dysphonia in teachers with and without voice disorders, compare the scores of the screening protocols, and correlate the risks with the overall severity of voice disorder. Teachers from different education levels and institutions, of both sexes, aged over 18 years, participated in the study. The study applied the General Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol (PRRD-G) and the Specific Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol for Teachers (PRRD-Pro) and recorded and analyzed voice samples. Participants were divided into two groups, with and without voice disorders, based on the mean overall severity in the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V). Descriptive analyses and comparisons of the protocol data between the groups were performed. The groups were homogeneous regarding sex and age. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in PRRD-G, PRRD-Pro, and total scores. The smoking subscore was worse in the group with voice disorders, and hydration was worse in the group without disorders. There was no correlation between the overall severity and the protocol scores. The mean PRRD-G scores were above the cutoff in both groups, indicating a high risk of dysphonia, even in the absence of voice disorders. Smoking and hydration were relevant in differentiating between teachers with and without voice disorders. The study is planned to continue with a larger sample size, laryngological examination, observation of voice and communication in the classroom, vocal improvement workshops, and speech therapy.

ABSTRACT Purpose To map childhood voice interventions developed in Brazilian public schools and analyze them according to components of the School Health Program (SHP). Research strategies This was a scoping review, structured according to the methodological guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The research question was, “What childhood voice interventions are developed in Brazilian public schools, and which SHP components are included in these interventions?”. An electronic search was conducted in the MEDLINE, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases, along with a manual search of gray literature, citation lists, and expert consultations. The search strategies consisted of free and indexed terms related to the topic and adapted for each source of evidence. Selection criteria The review included studies involving schoolchildren up to 12 years old with voice interventions developed by speech-language-hearing pathologists in public schools, published after 2007. It extracted data regarding the publication, the sample, and childhood voice interventions according to the SHP components. Data analysis Data analysis was descriptive. Results 4,087 studies were found, and 27 were selected. The most common interventions involved students, followed by parents and teachers. Twenty-six studies included assessments of students' health conditions, and one included health promotion and disease prevention actions in an online course for parents and students. The most common assessment procedure was auditory-perceptual evaluation. Conclusion Studies on childhood voice in schools are scarce and prioritize assessment of vocal health conditions.

To characterize the profile and demands of individuals on the waiting list for speech-language pathology care in a medium-sized Brazilian municipality. Descriptive study, carried out between July 2023 and July 2024, through telephone contact with individuals awaiting speech-language pathology care on the waiting list according to Center for Regulation and Evaluation and Control Division of a municipality in the interior of São Paulo. The list included individuals referred by the Primary Care network between February 2018 and December 2022. Information on sex, age, initial and current complaint, service area, and status in the queue (waiting or scheduled) were updated, collected by students under the guidance of professors of a Speech Therapy course in the aforementioned municipality. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Of the 393 individuals, 147 were excluded from the list (106 for no longer presenting demand and 41 for changing location). Among the remaining 246, ages ranged from 1 to 81 years, 71.9% were children up to 11 years old and 64.2% were male. In 26.8% of cases, there was a discrepancy between the current complaint and that on the referral form. The main demand was child language (83.9%). After organizing the information, 65.9% were scheduled for speech therapy. Updating the waiting list made it possible to identify the profile of individuals and their speech therapy demands, contributing to better planning and provision of services, in addition to helping to reduce the waiting list.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the effects of tobacco use, smoking duration, and number of cigarettes/day on the vocal dynamic field of male smokers. Methods A cross-sectional, comparative observational study was conducted with 62 men aged 18 to 59 years: 31 smokers (SG) and 31 non-smokers (NSG). Vocal dynamic field measurements were obtained using phonetography, which assesses frequency (minimum, maximum, and vocal range) and intensity (minimum, maximum, and maximum dynamic range). Comparisons between groups were made using the Student’s t-test, and correlations with smoking duration and number of cigarettes/day were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test (5% significance level). Results Compared to the NSG, the SG showed significantly lower values (p &lt; 0.05) for maximum frequency, vocal range, and maximum dynamic range, and higher values for minimum intensity. Increased smoking duration was associated with reductions in minimum and maximum frequencies, vocal range, and maximum intensity. Additionally, a higher number of cigarettes/day was correlated with lower minimum frequency. Conclusion The dynamic field of male smokers, compared to non-smokers, showed a reduction in the values of maximum frequency, vocal range and maximum dynamic range and an increase in minimum intensity. The longer the time of tobacco use, the lower the minimum and maximum frequencies, vocal range and maximum intensity. The greater the number of cigarettes/day, the lower the value of minimum frequency. Phonetography is an effective resource in voice assessments.