bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Report of Some Atypical Movement Patterns in the Tongue, Palate, Hypopharynx, and Larynx of Patients with Spasmodic Dysphonia
Authors: McCall Gerald N. , Skolnick M. Leon , Brewer David W.
Published: July 2014

The simultaneous recording of speech and fluoroscopic images for the definition of atypical muscular movements associated with spasmodic dysphonia is advocated. This technique is being employed in a continuing clinical study of laryngeal and pharyngeal function in patients with spasmodic dysphonia. Present data provide evidence that spasmodic dysphonia can be symptomatic of isolated, phonatory-related laryngospasms or may appear in association with a more general problem that affects the behavior of the laryngeal and pharyngeal musculature during quiet respiration as well as during contextual speech. Atypical movement patterns observed in the larynx and pharynx may be primarily tremor-related or may occur as apparent manifestations of muscular dystonia.
Parent Education in a Public School Program of Speech Therapy
Authors: McCroskey Robert L. , Baird Virginia Green
Published: July 2014

Forty second-grade children with functional articulatory speech problems who had normal hearing and intelligence were divided equally and randomly into experimental and control groups. Of those originally identified, 50% were still available for evaluation at the end of the school year. Recorded speech samples were obtained at the beginning and end of the experimental period; observers were trained and asked to judge the severity of the articulatory problem. The results suggest that where parents are randomly selected and caused to participate, there is no real effect upon the progress shown during therapy. Comments on procedures for conducting studies in public schools are included.
Informational Specificity: A Correlate of Verbal Output in the Diagnostic Interview
Authors: Woolf Gerald
Published: July 2014

The influence of clinicians' verbalizations on clients' verbal output in the diagnostic interview is examined. The clinician’s activity is viewed in terms of the construct of informational specificity and a specificity scale derived from this construct. Clinical and research evidence indicates an inverse relationship between specificity and verbal output: low specificity yields greater verbal output; high specificity is associated with limited productivity. These effects are illustrated with excerpts from two diagnostic interviews and indications for the use of low and high specificity by the interviewer are discussed.
Interrogation: A Model and Some Implications
Authors: Leach Edwin
Published: July 2014

Language is acquired as a result of communication interactions between a child and the language users around him. Proper inquiry into the nature of this process will eventually require extensive study of language acquisition in natural settings. A descriptive model is proposed for the study of these interactions, based upon a means to record and analyze the adult demands placed upon a child. It is hypothesized that these adult demands are correlated with a child’s language response capability and constitute a useful index of the child’s language environment. This avenue for the study of children’s language, either normal or deviant, apears to offer some potential advantages.
The Effects of Response-Contingent Reward on the Connected Speech of Children Who Stutter
Authors: Shaw Candyce K. , Shrum William F.
Published: July 2014

Through the use of response-contingent reward of fluent verbal responses, the frequency of stuttering behaviors of three children decreased. The frequency of fluent verbal behaviors increased. The experimental material consisted of spontaneous connected speech, the rewards were selected by the subjects, and the three conditioning periods were preceded with verbal instructions about the response contingency. Follow-up information on the subjects revealed spontaneous carry-over of the fluent speech obtained during the experimental sessions. The effects of the experimental sessions were useful in planning appropriate subsequent therapy.
Adult Voice Screening
Authors: Laguaite Jeannette K.
Published: July 2014

Voice screening by means of recordings was conducted on 428 adults going through a series of tests at a multiphasic health-screening unit. Judgments of voice quality made by a trained listener were compared with judgments made by the participant. Laryngeal examinations were obtained on selected cases. Between 5 and 10% had some type of laryngeal or nasopharyngeal pathology that produced a deviant voice quality, indicating that a health-screening program which includes voice screening can identify a significant segment of the affected adult population early enough to prevent the development of more serious laryngeal lesions.
A Critique of Speech Recognition Testing Preliminary to Hearing Therapy
Authors: Schultz Martin C.
Published: July 2014

Some current tests are better than others at evaluating hearing-impaired persons' hearing of speech. The reasons for these inequalities are discussed, and a supplementary battery of tests is proposed. The enhanced clinical appraisal procedures should give us information leading to more adequate estimation of reasonable goals in therapy and more accurate charting of the course of therapy.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Voice Disorders in School Children
Authors: Shearer William M.
Published: July 2014

A diagnostic program for children with voice disorders was established at Northern Illinois University at the request of local school speech clinicians. The diagnostic team, meeting four times a year, consisted of a speech pathologist, a laryngologist, and a school psychologist, with the clinic providing audiological services. Referring school clinicians accompanied the children through the diagnostic procedure and conferred with team members at the various stations. Vocal nodules were found in 57% of the children, most of whom had been referred because of hoarseness. The evaluation procedure and therapy recommendations are discussed in detail. The clinicians expressed an increased confidence in dealing with voice problems and tended to include voice disorders more readily in their regular case loads.
Direct Hearing Aid Referrals: A Three-Year Report
Authors: Wilson Lee A. , Linnell Craig O.
Published: July 2014

A three-year report on the use of the direct recommendation method of hearing aid referral is discussed in detail. Five points are stressed: (1) the necessity for a complete otolaryngologic and audiologic evaluation of all potential hearing aid wearers, (2) the importance of the initial counseling session, (3) the value of patient reaction to an exposure period with the hearing aid, (4) the evaluation of the hearing aid and final counseling session, and (5) a summary of the three-year data.
Changes in Phonatory Aspects of Glossectomee Intelligibility through Vocal Parameter Manipulation
Authors: Skelly Madge , Donaldson Robert C. , Fust Rita Solovitz , Townsend Diana L.
Published: July 2014

Vocal parameter manipulation was explored in relation to improvement in intelligibility scores of glossectomee patients. Pre- and posttherapy spectrograms were examined for changes in any parameters. The improvement in intelligibility appeared to have phonatory components amenable to therapeutic manipulation of the vocal parameters of resonance and duration.
Speech, Language, and Hearing Problems in the Laurence-Moon-Biedl Syndrome
Authors: Garstecki Dean C. , Borton Thomas E. , Stark Earl W. , Kennedy Brenda T.
Published: July 2014

The speech, language, and hearing characteristics of three siblings medically diagnosed as having the Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome were evaluated. The type and degree of speech, language, and hearing deviations associated with this syndrome have not yet been adequately defined. Individual test results are compared, and the speech and language deviations observed appear to be related to the syndrome. It is doubtful, however, that the hearing loss evidenced in two of the affected siblings can be considered a primary characteristic of the syndrome. Thorough audiologic, otologic, speech, and language evaluations of children with the syndrome are needed.
Site of Lesion in Cases of Hearing Loss Associated with Rh Incompatibility: An Argument for Peripheral Impairment
Authors: Goldstein Robert , McRandle Carol C. , Rodman Leslie B.
Published: July 2014

Recent electrocochleographic findings of Portmann and Aran point to a peripheral rather than a central lesion as the basis for hearing loss associated with Rh incompatibility. The observations are consistent with other audiometric signs of cochlear impairment but not with the speculation that cochlear nuclei lesions in the brain stem could account for all of the apparent cochlear signs. No evidence has yet been presented for an impairment in sensitivity associated with central nervous system lesions in the presence of a normal peripheral auditory mechanism.
An Averaged Electroencephalic Audiometric Sensitivity (AEA-S) Procedure
Authors: Shepherd David C. , McCarren Kathy
Published: July 2014

An averaged electronencephalic audiometric sensitivity (AEA-S) procedure is described, and its clinical utilization for gaining estimates of auditory sensitivity with children and adults who will not or cannot reliably respond during routine behavioral audiometry is demonstrated. Several precautions that clinicians who administer AEA procedures in the clinic should take are offered.
The Personal Reactions of a Stuttering Adult to Delayed Auditory Feedback
Authors: McCabe Robert B. , McCollum Judith Dane
Published: July 2014

This report discloses, the personal reactions of a stuttering adult who successfully underwent a program of stuttering therapy utilizing operant techniques and delayed auditory feedback. Questions are raised about the relevancy of these reactions to the overall therapy process in terms of the operant model. Recognition of the patient’s reactions to this type of therapy program may prove beneficial in providing the most effective therapy for each patient.
The Nonverbal Child: Some Clinical Guidelines
Authors: Stark Joel , Rosenbaum Robert L. , Schwartz Dorothea , Wisan Arlene
Published: July 2014

This article describes some principles and procedures related to language training for nonverbal children. Reinforcement theory is discussed and illustrative cases are presented. Emphasis is on the application of an experimental approach to the modification of language behavior. The role of recent research in language acquisition as well as the relationship of the language training to the social environment is questioned and discussed.
Body-Baffle and Real-Ear Effects in the Selection of Hearing Aids for Deaf Children
Authors: Erber Norman P.
Published: July 2014

A difference between expected and obtained results in hearing-aid selection often can be explained on a physical basis alone. For example, the frequency response of a hearing aid typically is obtained by suspending the instrument in a free sound field and measuring the acoustic output of the receiver in a standard 2-cc coupler. However, when a body-type hearing aid is used by a deaf child, it normally is worn on his chest, and its receiver is coupled to an earmold in his ear canal. Under these conditions, the acoustic input to the hearing-aid microphone and the acoustic output of the receiver will differ from that measured in the laboratory. Because the dynamic range of sensitivity of profoundly deaf children typically is small, a neglected 5–10 dB of amplification can be critical in the selection of hearing aids. A clinical procedure is proposed by which the output of a hearing aid can be matched more accurately to the sensory capacities of an impaired ear. This method defines both thresholds and hearing-aid output in terms of sound pressures generated in a 2-cc coupler and considers only the specific body-baffle and real-ear effects that are produced by the patient himself.
A Clinical Evaluation of Group Audiometry Conducted with Patient-Controlled Audiometers
Authors: Hedgecock LeRoy D. , Miller Kenneth E. , Rose Darrell E.
Published: July 2014

Experience with patient-controlled audiometers in a clinical setting suggests that group testing can be accomplished satisfactorily with most adult subjects. Some of the findings and a comparison of results obtained with automatic and conventional audiometry are presented as a basis for evaluating this means of auditory screening. Generally, the findings justify the use of automatic screening audiometry as one means of handling large numbers of patients with relative convenience and economy. Certain problems inherent in the procedure appear to make it impractical for some clinical patients.
The Use of the Electrolarynx in Patients with Temporary Tracheostomies
Authors: Summers Jerry
Published: July 2014

The use of the electrolarynx to facilitate communication with patients having temporary tracheostomies is discussed. Five case histories are presented with a discussion of the indications and contraindications for the use of the electrolarynx. It is concluded that the electrolarynx can be used effectively by selected patients with temporary tracheostomy tubes.
Acoustic Neuromas and the Acoustic Impedance of the Ear
Authors: Macrae J. H.
Published: July 2014

The acoustic impedance at the tympanic membrane was measured at frequencies in the range 100–1000 Hz and found to be abnormal on the affected side in four patients with acoustic neuroma. In all four the resistance was abnormally high at low frequencies on the affected side, and in three the reactance of the affected ear was raised relative to that of the contralateral ear, particularly at low frequencies. The abnormality is attributed to an increase in the input acoustic impedance of the cochlea produced by the increase in protein content of the cochlear fluids and dilatation of the cochlear duct known to occur in acoustic neuroma. This explanation is supported by theoretical calculations carried out on an electric analogue of the conductive system, and it is suggested that similar abnormalities in the acoustic impedance at the tympanic membrane might occur in other pathologies which produce abnormal mechanical conditions in the cochlea.
An Auditory Integrational Problem with Associated Language Disability in an Adult Mental Patient
Authors: McGrew Winifred C. , Craig J. Marvin
Published: July 2014

A disorder of auditory integration associated with a language disability was identified and treated in a young adult male committed to a mental hospital with a history of mental retardation and lack of judgment. Psychiatric tests demonstrated no sign of mental or emotional illness. Physical and neurological findings were normal, and psychological tests indicated retardation and intellectual regression with no complicating emotional overlay. Treatment by amplification to one ear and later by occlusion of the other ear permitted normal discrimination and effective speech and language therapy. A case study describes the diagnostic and treatment procedures, the subject’s increase in receptive and expressive language skills, and the parallel growth in social competence that permitted his successful return to society. Significant associated symptoms observed are being studied in other individuals with a similar disorder.
The Bases of Speech Pathology and Audiology: Selecting a Therapy Model
Authors: Schultz Martin C. , Carpenter Mary A.
Published: July 2014

This paper describes the basis for therapeutic relationships in speech and hearing and presents two models of clinical interaction, one directed to behavior change and the other directed to attitude change. A third interaction model is also introduced for situations in which the direction of therapy is temporarily undetermined. The conditions determining the choice of model, a decision matrix for selecting the appropriate model, and some problems involved in model misselection are also presented.
On the Limitations of Language Comprehension Procedures and an Alternative
Authors: Waryas Carol , Ruder Kenneth
Published: July 2014

One of the problems associated with assessing children’s receptive control of language lies in the limitations of the traditional comprehension testing procedure. This paper presents an alternative to this procedure which is applicable to developmental research and clinical applications and which allows a greater range of receptive abilities to be assessed.
Markedness Theory and Articulation Errors
Authors: McReynolds Leija V. , Engmann Deedra , Dimmitt Kay
Published: July 2014

Articulation errors of 19 children were subjected to a markedness analysis to determine whether their substitutions consisted of phones that were less complex than the target phonemes with respect to articulatory and perceptual effort. The unit for the analysis consisted of individual distinctive features and distinctive feature bundles. The analysis explored changes in features from more complex to less complex and the reverse. The children did not substitute phonemes requiring less effort than the target phoneme consistently. Their substitutions also consisted of phonemes that, according to markedness theory, might be considered to require greater effort than the target phoneme.
The Tongue Thrust Controversy: Background and Recommendations
Authors: Mason Robert M. , Proffit William R.
Published: July 2014

This article reviews oral form and function interactions pertinent to tongue thrust and provides guidelines for selecting cases and planning treatment. Anterior tongue positioning during speech and swallowing, commonly called tongue thrusting, is seen in about 50% of normal eight-year-old children. Open bite malocclusion, the most frequent related dental problem, occurs in about 4%. Both percentages decline with advancing years. Certain anatomical conditions, particularly related to pharyngeal airway dimensions, predispose normal children to anterior tongue positioning which disappears during puberty. In these children, the tongue thrust is a normal, if delayed, transition stage. In other children, it is a necessary adaptation. Swallowing therapy is not indicated in the absence of speech or dental problems, and, in our view, is not indicated before puberty. If tongue thrust and an associated malocclusion persist to puberty, swallowing therapy may be indicated. The therapy then is most effective when combined with orthodontic treatment to reposition teeth, rather than preceding orthodontic treatment. Articulation therapy techniques involving phonetic placement may be particularly helpful in modifying speech errors in tongue thrusters while also repositioning the tongue tip posteriorly.
Audiometric Bing Test for Determination of Minimum Masking Levels for Bone-Conduction Tests
Authors: Martin Frederick N. , Butler Ernest C. , Burns Paul
Published: July 2014

Occlusion effects were determined and compared on three groups of subjects (20 normal hearers, 20 with conductive hearing loss, and 20 with sensorineural hearing loss). As in previous studies, the occlusion effects of the conductive group were clearly different from those of the other two groups, especially at 250 Hz. Two procedures are discussed which use the principle of the Bing test to determine when and how to compensate for the occlusion effect while masking for bone conduction.
Changes in Voice Production During Radiotherapy for Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Murry Thomas , Bone Robert C. , Von Essen Carl
Published: July 2014

This report describes certain changes in voice production that occurred in a patient undergoing radiation therapy for laryngeal carcinoma. The increasing use of radiation as well as conservation surgery for treatment of early-stage laryngeal cancer results in overall improved survival. These techniques also require new directions in vocal rehabilitation. In this study a patient with laryngeal cancer undergoing radiation therapy was studied before, during, and after treatment. Airflow rate, phonational range, most comfortable frequency of phonation, and intraoral air pressure were measured. Eight weeks after the termination of radiation therapy, hoarseness persisted, but airflow rate was continuing to drop, the phonational range was increasing, and the most comfortable frequency of phonation appeared stable. Intraoral air pressure for voiced and voiceless consonants was not systematically affected by the changing status of the vocal cords.
Variations in Velopharyngeal Closure Assessed by Endoscopy
Authors: Zwitman Daniel H. , Sonderman Judith C. , Ward Paul H.
Published: July 2014

Velopharyngeal closure may be observed directly with a laryngeal telescope 6 mm in diameter. The speech sample used during the endoscopic examination should include several repetitions of a plosive consonant to insure sustained closure. Thirty-four normal subjects were observed, and the percentage of occurrence in four categories of velar and lateral wall approximation was calculated and categorized. To confirm the observations, cineradiographic (lateral and submentovertical projections) and telescopic observations were compared. Parallel observations were made for both methods. The procedure for using the telescope is explained, and issues relating to interpretation of telescopic observations are discussed.
A Sudden Onset of High-Pitched Voice Associated with Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis: A Case Report
Authors: Yairi Ehud
Published: July 2014

A case history of a patient with an acquired high-pitched voice is presented, emphasizing unusual history and symptoms. Successful remediation was accomplished through traditional therapeutic procedures.
Nasal Emission as a Component of the Misarticulation of Sibilants and Affricates
Authors: Peterson Sally J.
Published: July 2014

Nasal emission confined solely to the sibilants or sibilants and affricates may be encountered as an articulatory phenomenon in speakers who do not demonstrate velopharyngeal incompetency. This phenomenon may occur both in patients who previously had an incompetent mechanism and in patients in whom such incompetency has never been documented. In the latter case, the patient may be referred to a cleft palate clinic on suspicion of a submucous cleft or other form of palatopharyngeal incompetency. Typically the nasal emission is combined with incorrect tongue placement. The persistent oral-nasal misarticulation may be viewed simplistically as a residual of earlier velopharyngeal incompetency, documented or undocumented. The speaker’s own acoustic target for these consonants is grossly deviant, perhaps owing to such factors as malocclusion and earlier compensatory articulation gestures. Many such cases prove impervious to extensive articulation therapy, yet physical management may constitute “over-correction” with undesirable sequelae. Inventive approaches to articulation therapy may be required in these cases, since correction of the combined oral-nasal distortion requires the speaker to make many simultaneous changes in articulator placement without benefit of visual cues.
Experimental Modification of the Western Electric #5 Electrolarynx to a Mouth-Type Instrument
Authors: Zwitman Daniel H. , Disinger Ray S.
Published: July 2014

A modification of the Western Electric #5 A electrolarynx is described and evaluated. The modification involved insertion of a bypass plug into the circuitry of this neck-type instrument thus converting it to a mouth-type electrolarynx. Intensity readings at the one-third octaves and intelligibility data were obtained with the modified instrument and with a Cooper-Rand electrolarynx. The instruments were judged to be equal in overall performance.
A Response Evocation Program for /ɝ/
Authors: Shriberg Lawrence D.
Published: July 2014

A response evocation program, some principles underlying its development and administration, and a review of some clinical experiences with the program are presented. Sixty-five children with developmental articulation errors of the /ɝ/ phoneme were administered the program by one of 19 clinicians. Approximately 70% of program administrations resulted in a child emitting a good /ɝ/ within six minutes. Approximately 10% of children who were given additional training on program step failures emitted good /ɝ/'s in subsequent sessions. These preliminary observations are discussed in relation to the role of task analysis and motor skills learning principles in response evocation, clinician influences in program outcomes, and professional issues in service delivery to children with developmental articulation errors.
Some Suggestions on How to Evaluate a Transposer Hearing Aid
Authors: Gengel Roy W. , Foust Kathleen O.
Published: July 2014

The research presented here indicates that transposer hearing aids, which are now available commercially, might be helpful to some people. Specifically, it might help some people to detect the /s/, /∫/, /t/, /t∫/, and possibly /k/ phonemes in speech. Any person considering the purchase of a transposer should be properly tested with one to determine whether the information provided by frequency transposition is helpful. It appears this evaluation cannot be done properly using procedures developed to evaluate a conventional hearing aid for a person with a mild or moderate communication impairment. Rather than outline a specific procedure, this report makes suggestions that a clinician might find useful when asked to evaluate the possible benefits of a transposer hearing aid for a client.
The Effects of Sophistication on Type V Bekesy Patterns in Simulated Hearing Loss
Authors: Martin Frederick N. , Monro Deborah A.
Published: July 2014

Forty-five normal-hearing subjects were divided into three groups according to sophistication regarding Bekesy audiometry in simulated hearing loss. Both standard pulsed (200 msec on/200 msec off) and lengthened off-time (200 msec on/800 msec off) were compared with a continuous tone tracing at 1000 Hz. Data revealed a general decrease in the number of Type V patterns observed as sophistication increased.
Use of a High-Risk Register in Newborn Hearing Screening
Authors: Meyer Dianne H. , Wolfe Virginia I.
Published: July 2014

High-risk newborns were routinely screened for hearing loss by observing their behavioral responses to a 3000-Hz warbled tone at 90 or 100 dB SPL. Infants were identified as high risk if they presented any of the conditions listed by the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing Screening or if they were placed in the special care or intensive care sections of the newborn nursery. During the program’s first 12 months, 17% of the total newborn population were included in the screening, and 7% of those screened failed to respond. Approximately half of the infants who failed the screening returned for follow-up testing. No hearing loss has been identified among these infants. Special steps have been required to improve the screening’s effectiveness.
Patient-Controlled Delivery of Monosyllabic Words in a Test of Auditory Discrimination
Authors: McLennan Roderick O. , Knox Albert W.
Published: July 2014

Normal- and sensorineural-hearing subjects repeated monosyllabic words under a conventional and subject-controlled method of presentation at 0, 8, 16, and 44 dB SL. Results of the study revealed little difference between discrimination scores obtained with the two methods of presentation. Discussion of clinical relevance was concerned with (1) saving of time, (2) standardization of test, and (3) favorable subjective reports of the new procedure.
Some Common Problems in the Design and Conduct of Experiments in Stuttering
Authors: Adams Martin R.
Published: July 2014

This paper focuses upon and discusses some common problems in the design and conduct of various types of stuttering research. Apparent problems are dealt with under the following headings: (1) circular definitions of hypothetical constructs, (2) operational definitions of stuttering that lack denotative specificity, (3) research designs based on invalid assumptions about stuttering, and (4) omitted or inadequate measurement of speech rate in operant studies of stuttering. In each of these sections, a problem is identified and then some suggestions are offered for resolving it. This article pertains to research that underlies clinical management, and some implications for clinicians are drawn.
Paroxysmal Ataxic Dysarthria
Authors: Netsell Ronald , Kent Raymond D.
Published: July 2014

This report reviews 13 cases in which a dysarthria appeared, remitted, and reappeared within seconds. The speech pattern of each case was characteristic of ataxic dysarthria. A cinefluorographic film for one of the subjects provided a rare opportunity to study the articulatory dynamics of this disorder. Multiple sclerosis either was given as a diagnosis or was strongly suspected in each case, and carbamazepine has been an effective treatment. Speculations concerning the origin of the paroxysmal and ataxic character of the dysarthria are presented along with a preliminary checklist for identifying the disorder.
Tongue Thrust: A Point of View
Authors: Hanson Marvin L.
Published: July 2014

The purpose of the present paper is to present evidence to support the following hypotheses: (1) there is a relationship between tongue thrust and malocclusion, and it is probably a reciprocal one; (2) tongue thrust may yield spontaneously to nonthrusting patterns; (3) if tongue thrust does not yield spontaneously to nonthrusting patterns, some form of treatment should be considered; (4) if myofunctional therapy is the treatment of choice, its timing with respect to patient age, developmental factors, and orthodontic treatment should be an individual matter. The need for more definitive research is described. In order for such research to be meaningful, a standard definition of tongue thrust is required. Such a definition is proposed.
Acquisition of Esophageal Speech Subsequent to Learning Pharyngeal Speech: An Unusual Case Study
Authors: Torgerson John K. , Martin Daniel E.
Published: July 2014

Laryngectomees who are delayed in obtaining alaryngeal voice therapy may develop pharyngeal voice, an undesirable type of alaryngeal voice. Pharyngeal voice is usually self-developed; however, it may also be acquired in the clinical setting when the patient is being taught to inject air for esophageal sound production. This report describes the principal findings involving a laryngectomee who had developed and used pharyngeal speech as his primary method of communication for two years prior to enrollment in alaryngeal voice therapy. A clinical technique that was found to be successful in altering the pharyngeal voice to esophageal voice is reported. Findings pertaining to the overall intelligibility as well as vocal fundamental frequency of the two different types of alaryngeal speech are included.
Effects of Stimulus Presentation and Instructions on Pure-Tone Thresholds and False-Alarm Responses
Authors: Dancer Jess , Ventry Ira M. , Hill Wathina
Published: July 2014

The effects of three instructional sets (conventional Carhart-Jerger, strict, and lax) and of two stimulus presentation methods (continuous tones, pulsed tones) on puretone thresholds and false-alarm responses were determined for 20 male subjects. False alarms were tallied during hearing measurement periods and during 30-second time-out periods totaling nine minutes of time-out per subject. Results showed that 50% of the subjects made false-alarm responses to some extent at 250, 1000, and 4000 Hz. Instructions and stimulus mode, along with frequency, affected the number of false alarms, but thresholds under the experimental conditions were unchanged. It is suggested that a method for assessing and controlling false alarms is an important clinical consideration.
Identification, Evaluation, Therapy, and Follow-Up for Children with Vocal Nodules in a Public School Setting
Authors: Deal Randolph E. , McClain Blanche , Sudderth Jerry F.
Published: July 2014

This paper describes procedures used by speech and otorhinolaryngology specialists in the Independent School District of Carrollton and Farmers Branch, Texas, to identify, evaluate, treat, and follow up children with voice disorders and presents some initial findings resulting from the use of these procedures. In the identification process, 34 children were found to have vocal nodules, of which 31 children received treatment and underwent appropriate follow-up. After two months of voice therapy, 21 (68%) of the children exhibited reduced nodule size and seven (23%) exhibited normal larynges. Following six months of therapy, 26 (84%) children exhibited reduced nodule size, and 20 (65%) had normal larynges.
Stutterers' Perceptions of Therapy Improvement and of Posttherapy Regression: Effects of Certain Program Modifications
Authors: Prins David
Published: July 2014

In an attempt to improve its effectiveness, a traditional, symptomatic stuttering therapy program for school-age children was modified to (1) focus more upon selftherapy activities while reducing group work emphasis; (2) specify more precisely the target responses used to replace stuttering; (3) establish clearly the criteria for client progress; and (4) provide well-defined activities for the transfer of speech change. Participants used a questionnaire to evaluate their improvement and posttherapy regression in various dimensions of stuttering severity, and results were compared with questionnaire findings from an earlier treatment program. Significantly greater improvement in speech fluency was perceived by the participants following the modified program, and follow-up videotape samples confirmed their perceptions as revealed on the questionnaire.
Facilitating Transfer and Maintenance of Fluency in Stuttering Therapy
Authors: Hanna Richmond , Owen Neville
Published: July 2014

The present state of stuttering therapy programs enables the clinician to render many stutterers virtually stutter-free in the clinic. A major clinical problem, however, is the transfer of fluency to nonclinical situations and its maintenance over time. Concepts and techniques extrapolated from the literature on behavior change are applied to assessment, treatment objectives, treatment techniques, and to a number of procedures designed to facilitate transfer and maintenance during therapy. When fluency has been established, self-control techniques based on speech practice, self-monitoring, and the deliberate use of self-administered and social contingencies are stressed. Guidelines for termination of therapy and follow-up are given. For many of these techniques, specific examples are offered from clinical work with stutterers. Other techniques are presented because of their potential relevance and their demonstrated effectiveness with a variety of clinical problems.
Confrontation in the Treatment of Stuttering
Authors: Gendelman Evelyn G.
Published: July 2014

A procedure is described for the reduction of stuttering behavior by means of reality confrontations in structured verbal exchanges.
The Efficacy of Cueing Techniques in Broca’s Aphasia
Authors: Love Russell J. , Webb Wanda G.
Published: July 2014

Twenty Broca’s aphasia patients were stimulated with four cues in a picture-naming task. Among the severe aphasics in the group, presentation of a word to be imitated was the most effective cue and presentation of the initial syllable of the word ranked second. Sentence completion and printed word cues were equally effective and ranked third. Mild aphasic patients responded equally well to all four classes of cues. Reliability measures indicated that the order of potency of cues for the severe group was stable over time. Oral apraxia did not appear to contribute significantly to the severity of Broca’s aphasia in any of these subjects. Possible explanations are presented for the effectiveness of cues studied.
A Comparison of Two Spanish Tests of Receptive Language
Authors: Rueda Rubina , Perozzi Joseph A.
Published: July 2014

Twenty Spanish-speaking Mexican-American children were administered the receptive portion of the Screening Test of Spanish Grammar (STSG) and the Spanish version of the Test of Auditory Comprehension of Language (TACL). The correlation obtained between the two tests was not statistically significant. The correlation obtained between 24 syntactical items common to both tests was also not statistically significant. The probable reasons for the nonsignificant correlations obtained are discussed. In addition, a detailed critique of the Spanish version of the TACL is presented.
A Therapeutic Model for Communicative Disorders Among Children Who Speak Black English Vernacular
Authors: Seymour Harry N. , Seymour Charlena M.
Published: July 2014

A therapeutic model of communicative pathology is proposed for children who speak black English vernacular. The model establishes a conceptual framework in which normal communicative behavior encompasses linguistic features that characterize black English vernacular. The model accounts for children’s linguistic utterances as being either variant or invariant with Standard English and black English vernacular. Variant linguistic features are classified as either developmental or pathological deviations. Both Standard English and black English vernacular constitute normative referents against which pathological deviations are assessed.
Effect on Phoneme Duration Control of Three Utterance-Length Conditions in an Apractic Patient
Authors: DiSimoni Frank G. , Darley Frederic L.
Published: July 2014

Phoneme duration control in utterances of various lengths was investigated in one apractic subject. Results indicate a loss of segment duration control and a speeding of intrasyllabic articulatory rates in apraxia. Findings are related to a theory of apractic speech dysfunction.
Automatization of Correct Production at Two Levels of Articulatory Acquisition
Authors: Manning Walter H. , Wittstruck Marcia L. , Loyd Rebecca R. , Campbell Thomas F.
Published: July 2014

This study investigated the assumption that children who are in the process of acquiring correct production of a misarticulated phoneme are also in the process of developing automatization of correct production. Using the McDonald Deep Test of Articulation, children’s articulation was tested under two conditions: Condition 1 without masking and Condition 2 with 85 dB SPL of competing speech masking. Children were classified into one of two levels of articulatory acquisition according to their performance during Condition 1. Children scoring below 80% correct were classified as demonstrating low acquisition. Children scoring above 80% correct were classified as demonstrating high acquisition. Only children with /s/ or /r/ misarticulations were studied. Results indicated that the correct articulation of children demonstrating low acquisition was significantly more affected by the auditory masking than the correct articulation of those children demonstrating higher levels of acquisition. There was no significant difference in the performance of the children with the /s/ or /r/ misarticulations. The results support the concept that articulatory acquisition and automatization of correct articulation relate in a predictable manner.
Use of Performance-Intensity Functions for Diagnosis
Authors: Dirks Donald D. , Kamm Candace , Bower Deborah , Betsworth Anne
Published: July 2014

Performance-intensity (PI) functions for phonetically balanced (PB) word lists were obtained for a group of normal listeners (27 ears), and for two groups of patients with cochlear (89 ears) and retrocochlear disorders (eight ears). Listeners with normal hearing or cochlear disorders exhibited mild to moderate reductions in discrimination score as the speech level was raised above the PB maximum. In contrast, patients with retrocochlear disorders showed a pronounced rollover phenomenon, characterized by a rapid decline in performance as the speech level was raised above the maximum discrimination score.
The Changing Face of a Discipline: Isn’t it “Romantic”?
Authors: Abkarian G. G.
Published: July 2014

During the past few years fundamental shifts have taken place in the way students of language acquisition and language disorders approach their work. Altered viewpoints have evolved concurrent with changes in methodology in the behavioral sciences and appear related to (have cooccurred with) changes in the politico-social climate.
Some Suggested Criteria for Evaluation of Language Programs
Authors: Connell Phil J. , Spradlin Joseph E. , McReynolds Leija V.
Published: July 2014

Authors of language programs have failed to present adequate information concerning the usefulness of their programs. This paper advocates minimum standards of information for present and future program authors and suggests that clinicians not obtain language programs that do not meet the standards.
Analysis of Abnormal Articulatory Dynamics in Two Dysarthric Patients
Authors: Hirose Hajime , Kiritani Shigeru , Ushijima Tatsujiro , Sawashima Masayuki
Published: July 2014

By means of pellet tracking techniques using an X-ray microbeam system, observations of the articulatory movements of various types of dysarthric subjects were conducted. In selected cases, electromyography (EMG) was also performed. The data were specifically examined for range, velocity, and consistency (reproducibility) of the movements of the articulators, as well as the pattern of coordination of the different articulators involved. It was found in the case of ataxic dysarthria of cerebellar origin, for example, that the dynamic patterns were best represented as a difficulty in the initiation of purposeful movements and an inconsistency of articulatory movements, particularly in the repetitive production of a monosyllable. On EMG, breakdown of the rhythmical patterns in the articulatory muscles was quite obvious in the repetition of a monosyllable. In the case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), decrease in the range and velocity of movements was noted. This resulted from reduced neuromuscular units (NMU) activities manifested in clinical EMG. Analysis of the dynamic aspects of the dysarthrias is a promising approach for elucidating the nature of central problems of speech production and for a differential diagnosis of various types of dysarthrias.
Learning Visual Correlates of Fricative Production by Normal-Hearing Subjects: A Preliminary Evaluation of the Video Articulator
Authors: Bargstadt Grace Haugland , Hutchinson John M. , Nerbonne Michael A.
Published: July 2014

This investigation provides a preliminary evaluation of the use of the video articulator, a phonemic recognition device for the hearing impaired. The subjects were five young adults with normal hearing and vision (corrected) who were matched with respect to age, sex, dialect, education, and phonological sophistication. Each subject received 150 min of programmed training to learn the video configurations of the eight English fricatives both in isolation and consonant-vowel contexts. Following the training period, the subjects were given a test to determine adequacy of learning and retention of the video configurations for the training stimuli, in the absence of auditory cues. The subjects' responses were analyzed using a common covariance measure. The results demonstrated generally low transmission values for consonants in isolation. Moreover, identification of consonants in context was less accurate. The subjects, as a group, had greater difficulty in recognizing the productions of other subjects when compared with recognition of their own utterances. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Physical and Physiological Constraints on the Use of Bone-Conduction Speech Audiometry
Authors: Barry S. Joseph , Gaddis Sherry
Published: July 2014

Several authors have recommended the use of bone-conduction speech audiometry, and the literature supports the clinical value of this procedure. It has been claimed that bone-conduction output for speech can be increased to 110-dB HL with the Radioear B-70-A vibrator through supplementary amplification, but this claim is unsubstantiated by objective measurements. Available technical data indicate that the maximum output level attainable with this vibrator without incurring serious distortion is 65- to 70-dB HL at midfrequencies and substantially less at lower frequencies. Both behavioral and electromechanical data are presented which show, not only that 70-dB HL is the absolute maximum hearing level for speech attainable through the B-70-A vibrator without serious deterioration of speech-discrimination scores in normal listeners, but also that this appears to be very close to the maximum vibratory level that human observers can comfortably tolerate.
EMG Biofeedback in the Treatment of Hyperfunctional Voice Disorders
Authors: Prosek Robert A. , Montgomery Allen A. , Walden Brian E. , Schwartz Daniel M.
Published: July 2014

In this study, six patients who were judged to produce speech with excessive laryngeal tension participated in 14 30-min biofeedback training sessions. The EMG signal, measured by bipolar surface electrodes placed over the cricothyroid region, was amplified, integrated, and used to control the output of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and a noise generator. A voltage comparator was used as a threshold device. Thus, the noise generator was activated when the EMG activity exceeded the value selected on the comparator, and the VCO was activated when the EMG signal was below threshold. The results demonstrated that three of the subjects reduced the laryngeal EMG activity used during speech production with a concomitant improvement in voice quality. The voice quality of the three remaining subjects was unchanged. Suggestions are made for modifying the equipment and procedures used in this study for routine clinical use of EMG biofeedback.
Articulatory Abnormalities in Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Kent Raymond , Netsell Ronald
Published: July 2014

This report presents cinefluorographic data on the articulation of isolated vowels, VCV nonsense utterances, and short sentences by five subjects with athetoid cerebral palsy. Articulatory abnormalities were identified from tracings of vocal tract shapes and from displacement-by-time plots of articulatory events. The most frequent abnormalities were large ranges of jaw movement, inappropriate positioning of the tongue for various phonetic segments (especially because of a reduced range of tongue movement in the anteroposterior dimension), intermittency of velopharyngeal closure caused by an instability of velar elevation, prolonged transition times for articulatory movements, and retrusion of the lower lip. The speech disorder associated with athetosis is considered with respect to a model of motor learning.
The Effect of the Gestural Prompt on Syntax Training
Authors: Weaver Kathy S. , Ruder Kenneth F.
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the facilitative effects of prompts in syntax training as compared to the same procedure without the gestural prompt. Ten normal children, ranging in age from four years to five years, five months were trained to produce the double object syntactic structure. In training the double object, the experimental group was presented a picture and asked by the examiner “What is the (person) doing? The (person) is (verbing) the____________.” The subject was to complete the intraverbal lead with the appropriate indirect-direct object combination. A gestural prompt was given at this point to aid the child in producing the correct response. The prompt was also presented in the subsequent event as corrective feedback or verbal reinforcement. The control group was presented the same picture stimuli and verbal stimuli, but without the gestural prompt accompanying the antecedent event or the subsequent events. The results obtained from this study indicated that there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the number of sessions required to reach criterion. The data did show, however, that the experimental group made fewer errors within any one session than did the control group up to the sessions in which criterion was reached.