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Cochlear implantation (CI) improves the quality of voice and speech output. However, there are various factors that may interfere with the use of CI to accede desirable voice outcomes. The primary aim of the current study was first to measure three acoustic voice outcomes in postlingual deaf adult CI users who were Persian-speaking, and then, to compare these according to surgery- and auditory-related factors. Of interest was also to determine whether these acoustic measures were influenced by surgery- and auditory-related factors. A number of 113 postlingual deaf adults with CI were recruited. The voice samples were recorded in the same silent room to equalize the noise of the environment. The measures of interest were analyzed with the Praat software. Our findings revealed that time duration of CI use (P ≤ 0.008), pattern of deafness onset (P ≤ 0.011), and the interaction between them (P ≤ 0.022) significantly affected all vocal parameters. This means that the quality of voice was significantly better in the participants using CI for more than 2 years than in those using CIs for less than 2 years. On the other hand, patients suffering sudden postlingual deafness for less than 2 years had the best acoustic voice parameters compared with those suffering gradual postlingual deafness for more than 2 years. Some of the surgery- and auditory-related factors could be the reason for changes of voice parameters in postlingual deaf adult CI users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Introduction The relationship between handicaps because of voice disorders and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) severity was examined. Method Fifty-two Persian women with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) were examined by two dentists in separate sessions and the assessment protocol of the Dentistry Clinic of Tehran University of Medical Sciences was filled by both dentists and finally they gave their opinion separately about the existence of TMD and categorized the severity of TMD as mild, moderate, and severe. To assess perceived disability resulting from voice disorders in TMD patients, the voice handicap index (VHI) questionnaire was used. Results The total score of VHI in 80.8% of patients with TMD was equal to or more than 14.5. A significant positive relationship was found between the severity of TMD and the total score of VHI ( P = 0.000, r = 0.79). Conclusions It seems that a comprehensive voice assessment should be included in the evaluation of TMD, and considering different effects of voice disorders on patients' lives, a complete voice evaluation including voice-related disability is necessary to understand the nature of pathophysiology of TMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The purpose of this study was to adapt and determine reliability, validity, and responsiveness of voice-related quality of life (V-RQOL) for Persian. A total of 300 patients with voice disorders participated in the study. Also, 116 people without any voice disorders volunteered to participate in the study as a control group. All participants filled in the Persian version of V-RQOL. The reliability, validity, and responsiveness were studied. Results demonstrated that the discrimination coefficient is significant for all items. The V-RQOL measure showed a strong internal consistency (Cronbach alpha coefficient = 0.88−0.91) and a good test-retest reliability ( r = 0.93−0.95). Pre- and post-treatment results showed a significant responsiveness (functioning, 0.000; social-emotional, 0.001; and total, 0.000). Effect size range of 1.26–1.59 and the standardized response mean range of 1.07–1.41 were obtained for V-RQOL. It seems that the Persian version of V-RQOL is valid, reliable, and responsive to change, and this questionnaire can be used for completing voice evaluation for patients with dysphonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]