What methods are used in voice and speech assessments?
Voice and speech assessments typically involve a combination of subjective and objective methods:
- Patient Interviews: SLPs conduct detailed interviews to understand the patient’s concerns, medical history, and the impact of cancer on their daily life. - Visual Examination: Using tools like a laryngoscope, SLPs can visually inspect the vocal cords and other structures involved in speech production. - Acoustic Analysis: This involves measuring the sound properties of the voice, such as pitch, volume, and quality, using specialized software. - Aerodynamic Measurements: These tests measure airflow and pressure during speech to assess the efficiency of the respiratory system in voice production. - Swallowing Evaluations: Since swallowing and voice production share anatomical structures, assessments like a modified barium swallow study may be conducted.
