Purpose: This study attempted to develop and to preliminarily validate the Mandarin Chinese version of the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI) as a standardized self-assessment questionnaire tool for potential clinical applications. Method: The experimental procedure involved (a) cross-cultural adaptation of the VFI into the Mandarin Chinese version (CVFI),…

Purpose: Postswallow voice abnormality is often assumed to indicate the presence of material in the laryngeal airway (MIA), but prior research has not shown definitive evidence of a causal relationship. This study investigated if endoscopically confirmed MIA (prandial material or secretions) generates specific voice quality attributes that can be…

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a novel teacher-reported pediatric voice outcome measure and to investigate its psychometric properties. Method: In the first stage, a new instrument, the Teacher-Reported Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (TRPVHI), was developed. After item generation, a panel of experts evaluated the items to assess…

Purpose: Background noise and voice problems among teachers can degrade listening conditions in classrooms. The aim of this literature review is to understand how these acoustic degradations affect spoken language processing in 6- to 18-year-old children. Method: In a narrative report and meta-analysis, we systematically review studies that…

Purpose: The aims of this study were: (1) to quantify variability in voice production (as measured acoustically) within and across consecutive days in vocally healthy female speakers; (2) to identify which acoustic measures are sensitive to this variability; and (3) to identify participant characteristics related to such voice variability. Method:…

The current study investigated physical education (PE) student teachers' understanding of the vocal demands of their future profession, interest in participating in a voice-training program, and the current impact of the voice on quality-of-life by the "Voice Handicap Index" (VHI). Seventy-four PE student teachers completed a…

Background: Voice disorders that result in reduced loudness may cause difficulty in communicating, socializing and participating in occupational activities. Amplification is often recommended in order to facilitate functional communication, reduce vocal load and avoid developing maladaptive compensatory behaviours. The most common microphone used…

Methods to explore and modify adolescents' vocal self-perception in clinical intervention are presented. These methods include an attitudinal questionnaire, procedures for audiotaping and videotaping in vocal self-confrontation, and vocal self-assessment of magnitude change in voice production. (Author/JDD)

Adolescent students with voice disorders need information concerning the physiological, environmental, and psychosocial aspects of voice production. This paper describes a multiple-choice quiz format that has been used effectively as part of the awareness phase of vocal reeducation. (Author)

This issue contains eight articles that represent information on a variety of highly specialized topics involving communicative sciences. Articles include: (1) "The Reliability of the Kay Elemetrics Multidimensional Voice Program (MDVP) for Acoustic Analysis of the Normal Voice" (Ann Marie Cimino and Christine M. Sapienza), which focuses on the…

This compilation of guidelines presents standards for assessment and eligibility determinations and direction for planning services for speech-impaired and language-impaired students in Michigan. The first section, on eligibility considerations, emphasizes the expanded responsibilities of teachers of speech/language-impaired students as they serve…

The monograph presents information designed to help speech/language pathologists in South Carolina improve the quality of services for children with communication disorders while still complying with mandates of P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. A discussion is presented regarding a continuum of appropriate services,…