Using a novel in-mask non-invasive ventilator microphone to improve talker intelligibility in healthy and hospitalised adults.

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) provides respiratory support without invasive endotracheal intubation but can hinder patients' ability to communicate effectively. The current study presents preliminary results using a novel in-mask ventilator microphone to enhance talker intelligibility while receiving NIV. A proof-of-concept study assessed sentence intelligibility of five healthy adult talkers using a prototype model of the microphone under continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP; 5/5 cm HO) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP; 8/4 cm HO) ventilator conditions.

Understanding the Use and Importance of Voice Stimulability Assessment Among Speech-Language Pathologists Who Treat Voice Disorders: An International Survey.

Purpose: Stimulability assessment is a common part of the voice evaluation, but little information exists about what is involved in the process, how it is measured, and how it impacts therapeutic decisions. The aim of this study was to establish the frequency, circumstances, techniques, and rationale for stimulability assessment among voice-specialized speech-language pathologists (SLPs).

Method: An anonymized online survey was distributed to voice-specialized SLPs through email lists, online communities, and professional networks.