BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acoustic analysis is an objective instrumental method that makes more accurate and reliable assessments of vocal characteristics possible. The aim of the current study was to describe the vocal characteristics of Filipinos with perceptually normal voices in terms of (1) fundamental frequency, (2) intensity, (3) frequency and intensity perturbations, (4) speaking fundamental frequency range, and (5) nasalance.

METHODOLOGY: A total of 142 healthy adults aged 18 - 53 years participated in this study. The group was composed of 73 men (26.9 ± 6.4 years old) and 69 women (26.1 ± 6.5 years old). Voice samples were collected using Computerized Speech Laboratory™ (CSL; Model 4300B) during sustained phonation of vowel /a/ and spontaneous speech. Nasometer™ (Model 6200-3) was used to assess nasality while participants read plosive- and sibilant-loaded sentences.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The average acoustic values for males were F0 = 125.8 ± 23.4 Hz, SF0 = 122.6 ± 15.6 Hz, SF0 range = 85.8-269 Hz, SPL (speech) = 58.6 ± 5.3 dB, SPL (vowel) = 66.6 ± 6.2 dB, jitter = 0.92 ± 0.48%, shimmer = 2.21 ± 0.73%, nasalance = 12.5-17.1%; for females, F0 = 196.3 ± 23.0 Hz, SF0 = 194.8 ± 19.0 Hz, SF0 range = 97.1- 309.6Hz, SPL (speech) = 57.6 ± 4.3 dB, SPL (vowel) = 65.3 ± 4.5 dB, jitter = 1.12 ± 0.34%, shimmer = 2.7 ± 0.64%, nasalance = 13.1-19.1%. Significant differences were found between male and female subjects for F0, SF0, perturbation measures, and SPL during sustained phonation (p< 0.05). Acoustic data obtained also appear to be consistent with the results of local and international studies. While these can be used as tentative normative data for Filipinos, it is recommended that future studies be completed with more systematic analysis procedures and stringent participant selection to ensure balance for age, sex, and vocal history among subgroups.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged (a Person 45-64 Years Of Age) ; Adult (a Person 19-44 Years Of Age) ; Voice ; Speech

Background: Speech and language pathologists (SLPs) are responsible for the management of cognitive-communication disorders brought about by cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). These disorders are managed to support positive and functional changes in the skills needed to participate in the social, education, and vocational responsibilities of an individual. Objective: This study aimed to describe the demographic information and practices of Filipino SLPs through self-ratings of their knowledge, confidence, and experience in relation to their cognitive-communication assessment tools and intervention practices when working with clients with post-CVD and have cognitive-communication disorders. It also aimed to identify the felt needs of SLPs in this area of practice. Methodology: The survey tool was patterned after the questionnaire used by Reideman and Turkstra (2018) in a similar study, validated by SLP experts in cognitive-communication disorders, and pilot tested by SLPs who met inclusion criteria for study participants. Results: A total of 34 SLPs with at least one year of experience working with patients post-CVD responded to the survey. Results showed that the SLPs were most knowledgeable, experienced, and confident in the use of a nonstandardized translation of the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) and in the use of counseling and education as an intervention method for their patients with cognitive-communication disorders. Despite familiarity with the WAB, they showed a preference for informal assessment practices. Conclusion The SLPs felt the need for additional training on assessment and treatment practices in cognitive communication disorders and emphasized the need for culturally-appropriate materials and established practice guidelines for the Filipino clientele.
Cerebrovascular Disorders ; Surveys and Questionnaires