ABSTRACTPurposeTo compare the POS time in individuals diagnosed with PD in the conditions of isolated deglutition (ID) and dual-task deglutition (DD) for different consistencies and volumes.MethodsA total of 576 swallows edited from fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) of 16 individuals, both sexes, at different PD stages based on the Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) modified scale, aged 64 to 85 years (mean ± standard deviation: 72.4 ± 6). They underwent FEES with isolated deglutition (ID) and dual-task deglutition (DD) to analyze the POS time in swallowing. An otorhinolaryngologist performed the FEES, offering standardized consistencies at levels 0 – thin; 2 – mildly thick; and 4 – extremely thick, based on the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI). All food consistencies were dyed with blue artificial food coloring and offered 5 mL and 10 mL in disposable spoons. After adequate training, the quantitative temporal POS analysis for both deglutition conditions was performed using specific software. Data was analyzed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) with a significance level of 0.05 (5%). The Mann-Whitney test compared the ID and DD POS time.ResultsThe POS time was statistically significantly different for 5 mL of consistency level 4 (ID = 912 ms and DD = 2.044 ms) (p-value = 0.007).ConclusionThe results indicated that there was significant difference in the POS time between ID and DD only at 5 mL of consistency level 4 for individuals with PD at performing the cognitive-motor dual-task proposed.

ABSTRACT This study describes the experience of forming a choir with patients who have undergone total laryngectomy. The choir began its activities in 2019 and is composed of total laryngectomy patients who are currently undergoing or have previously undergone therapy at the service and, therefore, have heterogeneous esophageal voice (EV) production. Thus, patients are subdivided into four groups, according to their level of EV acquisition: Group 1 – fluent in oral communication with EV and users of electrolarynx (perform chorus and solos); Group 2 – produce words with EV (perform final sections of verses); Group 3 – patients who produce syllables and vowels with EV (mark the rhythm with sequential syllable emission); Group 4 – produce no sound with EV (perform body percussion effects). All actively participate in selecting the repertoire. The choir also includes laryngeal voices (university students and speech-language-hearing pathologists). Rehearsals take place weekly, as do the therapy sessions. Musical arrangements must be adapted so that all patients can effectively participate in the group's overall sound. This activity fosters greater interaction among participants, strengthening emotional bonds, providing socialization, and sharing experiences beyond rehabilitation. The musical repertoire is carefully selected, considering the length of the verses, the tempo of the songs, the sustain of notes, and the melodic line.

ABSTRACT Purpose 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusion 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 evaluate the reproducibility of tongue pressure measurements using a low-cost experimental device in adult individuals. Ten adult volunteers of both sexes participated in the study. Tongue pressure was assessed during four distinct movements (elevation, right lateralization, left lateralization, and protrusion), with three repetitions per movement, using an experimental device. Assessments were conducted over a three-week period: the first week was dedicated to familiarization, and the subsequent two weeks to tongue pressure measurements. Reliability was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient, the standard error of measurement, and the minimal detectable difference. Agreement between assessments was verified using Bland-Altman analysis. The reliability of tongue pressure measurements was excellent for elevation (0.900), right lateralization (0.960), and protrusion (0.971) movements, and good for left lateralization (0.887), as demonstrated by the intraclass correlation coefficient values. The lowest standard error of measurement and minimal detectable difference were observed for right lateralization, indicating smaller measurement error. Bland-Altman analysis indicated that measurements obtained on different days showed acceptable agreement. Tongue pressure measurements obtained using the experimental device demonstrated reproducibility (reliability and agreement), supporting its use in clinical practice, particularly in the field of speech-language pathology.

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of tDCS during intensive word-finding therapy on subacute aphasia after stroke. A single-case study with an 86-year-old man with four years of formal education, diagnosed with an ischemic stroke in the left hemisphere, resulting in non-fluent aphasia of the mixed type, accompanied by acquired apraxia of speech. For this purpose, the Montreal-Toulouse Language Assessment Battery - Brief Version was administered at five different time points: (A1) one week before the start of treatment; (A2) after the first session; (A3) after five sessions; (A4) after ten sessions and; (A5) after 30 days without intervention. The Naming and Visual Recognition Test was also administered at points A1, A4 and A5. After the intervention, improvements were noted in word naming and verbal word comprehension. There was a reduction in linguistic errors such as paraphasias. These results support the combination of tDCS and behavioral training.

Central auditory processing refers to the individual's ability to process auditory information within the central auditory nervous system and involves a set of auditory skills. Deficits in one or more of these skills characterize central auditory processing disorder. Given the presence of this disorder, auditory training is indicated as a set of strategies designed to activate the auditory system and improve the processing of acoustic signals. Electrophysiological measures such as cortical auditory evoked potential may serve as a valuable supplement to the behavioral assessment of auditory processing. When associated with noise, temporal masking is assessed. It is characterized as an alteration in the perception of a sound in the presence of another auditory stimulus. Individuals with this disorder are more susceptible to post-masking effects due to difficulties in understanding speech in noisy environments. This study reports the case of a 25-year-old adult diagnosed with central auditory processing disorder who underwent cortical auditory evoked potentials using speech stimulus preceded by noise. The acoustically controlled auditory training was conducted over 10 sessions, using the "Afinando o Cérebro" platform. Following intervention, improvements were observed in the participant's auditory skills, along with reductions in the latencies of the P1, N1 and P2 waves and in the N1-P1 and N1-P2 peak-to-peak amplitudes. These findings highlight the effects of acoustically controlled auditory training and contribute to a better understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms involved in speech perception in noise among individuals with central auditory processing disorder.

ABSTRACT Purpose To ascertain whether Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) elicits effects on the functioning of the middle ear and air-bone gaps in children and adolescents. Methods Single-arm clinical trial, with data collection at four time points: before initiating Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) (T0), upon completion of RME (T1), three months post-RME completion (T2), and six months post-RME procedure (T3). The audiological assessment, conducted at all four time points, comprised otoscopy, pure tone and speech audiometry, tympanometry, and acoustic reflex investigation. Results Eighteen children and adolescents met the eligibility criteria. There was a reduction in air-bone gaps and an improvement in middle ear function throughout the follow-up period, between T0, T1, T2, and T3. Three months after the completion of RME, at T2, all patients exhibited type A tympanometric curves, and six months after RME, at T3, there was an absence of air-bone gaps and ipsilateral and contralateral acoustic reflexes present in the entire sample. Conclusion In the studied sample, it was observed that Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) led to a gradual reduction in air-bone gaps, resulting in appropriate middle ear function in children and adolescents with transverse maxillary atresia.