Juliana Codino

Introduction. Auditory feedback allows individuals to monitor their vocal characteristics and adjust to maintain optimal voice quality. One type of auditory stimulation for conversational voice training/therapy is pure tone stimulation. This technique presents binaural auditory stimuli consisting of pure tones separated by half-step intervals to modify the fundamental frequency of the speaking voice and expand the vocal range. Objectives. This study aimed to characterize detectable changes in voice production following the application of pure tone stimulation (PTS) among speakers with and without voice disorders. Methods. Data from thirty-nine participants (28 individuals with voice disorders and 11 individuals with normal voices) were analyzed for this study. All participants engaged in binaural PTS exercises. Participants recorded a sustained vowel /a/ before and after the PTS exercises. Multiple acoustic voice parameters were extracted from the sustained vowel samples (fundamental frequency, pitch strength, harmonics-to-noise ratio, and smoothed cepstral peak prominence). Additionally, a visual analogue scale (VAS) interpretation of narrowband (NB) spectrograms was conducted to assess voice quality. Results. Statistically significant increases in fundamental frequency were found after the PTS exercises, except for males in the normal voices group. Pitch strength increased after the PTS, regardless of gender. Participants also demonstrated an increase in the harmonics-to-noise ratio. VAS ratings of NB spectrograms indicated improvement in voice quality following the program. Conclusions. Voice changes after performing PTS suggest voice quality improvement, as measured by acoustic analysis of vowel production and qualitative assessment of NB spectrograms among participants with and without voice disorders.

The field of voice disorders lost a true pioneer with the passing of Dr. Cristina Jackson-Menaldi (June 21, 1950 - November 20, 2020). A renowned voice pathologist and singing voice specialist, Dr. Jackson-Menaldi made significant contributions to our understanding and treatment of voice disorders. She was also a passionate advocate for voice education and disorder prevention.

Benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs) are acquired structural anomalies of the vocal folds, and these are primarily a result of vocal abuse or phonotrauma. Phonotraumatic lesions are not generally regarded as recurrent, provided that appropriate behavioral changes are made after resolution or surgical removal. Voice therapy plays a crucial role in this aspect. The aim of this article is to propose a structured pre- and post-operative voice therapy program for patients undergoing surgical intervention for BVFLs. Voice therapy post-surgery has been proven to reduce the rate of recurrence in BVFLs. Having a standard treatment protocol is a useful tool for the therapist, particularly one without extensive voice training.

Purpose: In speech-language pathology, training in the treatment and evaluation of voice and voice disorders exists at the university level, fellowship level, and in early career opportunities. These opportunities, specifically in voice, are limited, resulting in a highly competitive process for those pursuing a career in voice pathology. This study aims to identify characteristics and trends of clinicians who have started a voice-focused career. Method: A 34-question online survey was distributed to early career clinicians, defined as less than 5 years of practice with Certification of Clinical Competence, and clinical fellows with voice patients comprising at least 75% of their caseload. The survey was structured on seven topics: demographics and current clinical practice, application and interview process for clinical fellowship (CF), graduate clinical experience in voice, voice performance background and education, research experience, supplementary education and training, and networking. Results: Fifty-six individuals responded to the survey. Over 80% of study participants reported experiences as a voice or singing voice performer, commitments to supplementary training and education, and a graduate clinical placement in voice, all prior to their CF. Fifty-two of the 56 respondents (92.9%) believe there are currently not enough voice-specific CF training opportunities. Conclusions: Background in performance voice, obtaining a graduate-level voice placement, and early demonstration of commitment through networking and extracurricular activities are common findings in those successful starting careers in voice pathology. Acquisition of a CF position with specialization in voice and voice disorders is challenging due to the limited number of positions.