A Volumetric Analysis of the Vocal Tract Associated with Laryngectomees Using Acoustic Reflection Technology.

Objective: Previous studies of the laryngectomized vocal tract using formant frequencies reported contradictory findings. Imagining studies of the vocal tract in alaryngeal speakers are limited due to the possible radiation effect as well as the cost and time associated with the studies. The present study examined the vocal tract configuration of laryngectomized individuals using acoustic reflection technology.

Pitch control in esophageal and tracheoesophageal speech of Cantonese.

Objective: Previous studies of English-speaking esophageal (SE) and tracheoesophageal (TE) speakers revealed a significantly lower voice fundamental frequency (F0) than normal laryngeal (NL) speakers. Studies of SE and TE speakers of a tone language, however, indicated discrepant findings. Tonal SE and TE speakers could produce comparable or even higher F0 than NL speakers.

Rabeprazole is effective in treating laryngopharyngeal reflux in a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Background & Aims: There is controversy about the efficacy of treating patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). We assessed the effects of high doses of the PPI rabeprazole in patients with LPR.

Methods: Patients with LPR symptoms were assigned randomly to receive rabeprazole (20 mg, twice daily, n = 42) or placebo (n = 40) for 12 weeks.

Long-term average spectral characteristics of Cantonese alaryngeal speech.

Objective: In Hong Kong, esophageal (SE), tracheoesophageal (TE), electrolaryngeal (EL), and pneumatic artificial laryngeal (PA) speech are commonly used by laryngectomees as a means to regain verbal communication after total laryngectomy. While SE and TE speech has been studied to some extent, little is known regarding the EL and PA sound quality. The present study examined the sound quality associated with SE, TE, EL, and PA speech, and compared with that associated with laryngeal (NL) speech by using long-term average speech spectra (LTAS).

Quality of life in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Background: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease is an extraesophageal manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The impact of GERD-related LPR on the psychological well-being and quality of life (QOL) in Chinese is not known.

Aim: To assess the QOL in patients with LPR disease.

Medialisation thyroplasty for unilateral vocal fold paralysis associated with chronic pulmonary tuberculosis.

Improved hygiene and public awareness have led to a steady decline in the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in developed countries. Nonetheless, long-term sequelae like unilateral vocal fold paralysis should not be underestimated in a modern society. We report three patients with chronic lung fibrosis following pulmonary tuberculosis leading to unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Medialization thyroplasty for cancer-related unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Objective: To justify the application of medialization thyroplasty in Chinese patients with symptomatic cancer-related unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP).

Study Design And Setting: Retrospective chart review from February 2000 to March 2006.

Results: Eighty-seven Chinese patients undergoing medialization thyroplasty for UVFP were included; there were no significant differences between the cancer-related and benign groups in terms of the speech and swallowing rehabilitation outcome and the perioperative complication rate (P > 0.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Chinese Voice Handicap Index-10.

Objectives/hypothesis: Recent developments in voice assessment propose the use of quality of life measurements. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) is one of the most psychometrically robust and well-studied instruments among the various instruments for measuring quality of life. Two versions of VHI (VHI-30 and VHI-10) have been shown to be valid instruments for distinguishing dysphonic from nondysphonic individuals and also for documenting treatment effect for dysphonic patients.

Time course in the relief of nasal blockage after septal and turbinate surgery: a prospective study.

Objective: To evaluate prospectively the time course of the change in efficacy of septal and turbinate surgery in relieving nasal obstruction.

Design: Interventional study, before-after trial.

Setting: Referral center, institutional practice, hospitalized care.

Myxofibrosarcoma of the sphenoid sinus.

Myxofibrosarcoma was originally described as the myxoid variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH). It is uncommon in the head and neck region. We hereby report a case of myxofibrosarcoma in the sphenoid sinuses.