Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the intraoperative evaluation of vocal fold leukoplakias

BACKGROUND Dysphonia influences the quality of life by interfering with communication. However, laryngoscopic examination is expensive and not readily accessible in primary care units. Experienced laryngologists are required to achieve an accurate diagnosis. OBJECTIVE This study sought to detect various vocal fold diseases through pathological voice recognition using artificial intelligence. METHODS We collected 29 normal voice samples and 527 samples of individuals with voice disorders, including vocal atrophy (n=210), unilateral vocal paralysis (n=43), organic vocal fold lesions (n=244), and adductor spasmodic dysphonia (n=30). The 556 samples were divided into two sets: 440 samples as the training set and 116 samples as the testing set. A convolutional neural network approach was applied to train the model and findings were compared with human specialists. RESULTS The convolutional neural network model achieved a sensitivity of 0.70, a specificity of 0.90, and an overall accuracy of 65.5% for distinguishing normal voice, vocal atrophy, unilateral vocal paralysis, organic vocal fold lesions, and adductor spasmodic dysphonia. Compared to human specialists, the overall accuracy was 58.6% and 49.1% for the two laryngologists, and 38.8% and 34.5% for the two general ear, nose, and throat doctors. CONCLUSIONS We developed an artificial intelligence-based screening tool for common vocal fold diseases, which possessed high specificity after training with our Mandarin pathological voice database. This approach has clinical potential to use artificial intelligence for general vocal fold disease screening via voice and includes a quick survey during a general health examination. It can be applied in telemedicine for areas that lack laryngoscopic abilities in primary care units.

Download Full-text

Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery

10.1039/9781788016841 ◽

2020 ◽

Keyword(s):

Artificial Intelligence ◽

Drug Discovery

Download Full-text

Assessment of Tongue Position and Laryngeal Height in Two Professional Voice Populations

Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research ◽

10.1044/2019_jslhr-19-00164 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 63 (1) ◽

pp. 109-124

Author(s):

Carly Jo Hosbach-Cannon ◽

Soren Y. Lowell ◽

Raymond H. Colton ◽

Richard T. Kelley ◽

Xue Bao

Keyword(s):

Vocal Fold ◽

Vocal Tract ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Acoustic Resonance ◽

Contact Dynamics ◽

Voice Disorder ◽

Music Program ◽

Tongue Position ◽

Singer Groups ◽

Professional Voice

Purpose To advance our current knowledge of singer physiology by using ultrasonography in combination with acoustic measures to compare physiological differences between musical theater (MT) and opera (OP) singers under controlled phonation conditions. Primary objectives addressed in this study were (a) to determine if differences in hyolaryngeal and vocal fold contact dynamics occur between two professional voice populations (MT and OP) during singing tasks and (b) to determine if differences occur between MT and OP singers in oral configuration and associated acoustic resonance during singing tasks. Method Twenty-one singers (10 MT and 11 OP) were included. All participants were currently enrolled in a music program. Experimental procedures consisted of sustained phonation on the vowels /i/ and /ɑ/ during both a low-pitch task and a high-pitch task. Measures of hyolaryngeal elevation, tongue height, and tongue advancement were assessed using ultrasonography. Vocal fold contact dynamics were measured using electroglottography. Simultaneous acoustic recordings were obtained during all ultrasonography procedures for analysis of the first two formant frequencies. Results Significant oral configuration differences, reflected by measures of tongue height and tongue advancement, were seen between groups. Measures of acoustic resonance also showed significant differences between groups during specific tasks. Both singer groups significantly raised their hyoid position when singing high-pitched vowels, but hyoid elevation was not statistically different between groups. Likewise, vocal fold contact dynamics did not significantly differentiate the two singer groups. Conclusions These findings suggest that, under controlled phonation conditions, MT singers alter their oral configuration and achieve differing resultant formants as compared with OP singers. Because singers are at a high risk of developing a voice disorder, understanding how these two groups of singers adjust their vocal tract configuration during their specific singing genre may help to identify risky vocal behavior and provide a basis for prevention of voice disorders.

Download Full-text

Update: Behavioral Management of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis and Paresis

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2019_pers-sig3-2018-0018 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 474-482

Author(s):

Sarah L. Schneider

Keyword(s):

Vocal Fold ◽

Treatment Plan ◽

Traumatic Injury ◽

Voice Therapy ◽

Valuable Insight ◽

Behavioral Management ◽

Use Patterns ◽

Vocal Quality ◽

And Function ◽

Voice Use

PurposeVocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) can be the result of iatrogenic or traumatic injury or may be idiopathic in nature. It can result in glottic incompetence leading to changes in vocal quality and ease. Associated voice complaints may include breathiness, roughness, diplophonia, reduced vocal intensity, feeling out of breath with talking, and vocal fatigue with voice use. A comprehensive interprofessional voice evaluation includes auditory-perceptual voice evaluation, laryngeal examination including videostroboscopy, acoustic and aerodynamic voice measures. These components provide valuable insight into laryngeal structure and function and individual voice use patterns and, in conjunction with stimulability testing, help identify candidacy for voice therapy and choice of therapeutic techniques.ConclusionA comprehensive, interprofessional evaluation of patients with VFMI is necessary to assess the role of voice therapy and develop a treatment plan. Although there is no efficacy data to support specific voice therapy techniques for treating VFMI, considerations for various techniques are provided.

Download Full-text

Acoustic Changes in Chinese Patients With Cancer-Related Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis After Medialization Thyroplasty

Contemporary Issues in Communication Science and Disorders ◽

10.1044/cicsd_35_s_17 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 35 (Spring) ◽

pp. 17-24 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Manwa L. Ng ◽

Ripley K. Wong ◽

William I. Wei ◽

Y. H. Wong ◽

Paul K. Y. Lam

Keyword(s):

Vocal Fold ◽

Vocal Fold Paralysis ◽

Chinese Patients ◽

Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Medialization Thyroplasty

Download Full-text

Pediatric Benign Vocal Fold Lesions: A Team Approach

Perspectives on Voice and Voice Disorders ◽

10.1044/vvd19.3.105 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 105-112 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Geralyn Harvey Woodnorth ◽

Roger C. Nuss

Keyword(s):

Vocal Fold ◽

Evaluation Process ◽

Team Approach ◽

Speech Language Pathologist ◽

Benign Vocal Fold Lesions ◽

Different Types ◽

Team Evaluation ◽

Surgical Treatments ◽

Review Current ◽

Vocal Fold Nodules

Abstract Many children with dysphonia present with benign vocal fold lesions, including bilateral vocal fold nodules, cysts, vocal fold varices, and scarring. Evaluation and treatment of these children are best undertaken in a thoughtful and coordinated manner involving both the speech-language pathologist and the otolaryngologist. The goals of this article are (a) to describe the team evaluation process based on a “whole system” approach; (b) to discuss etiological factors and diagnosis; and (c) to review current medical, behavioral, and surgical treatments for children with different types of dysphonia.

Download Full-text