Date of Award

2019

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology

Department

College of Sciences and Health Professions

First Advisor

Cox, Violet

Subject Headings

Health Sciences, Speech Therapy

Abstract

The thyroid is an important gland that aids in development. Located anteriorly at the base of the neck, the thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Thyroid dysfunction can lead to excess or reduced production of hormones known as hyper and hypothyroidism. Usually affecting women, hyper and hypothyroidism can be life-threatening. A well-known treatment is a thyroidectomy, or removal of the thyroid gland. Many people report vocal change secondary to thyroidectomy. Dysfunction can result from intubation during surgery or damage to laryngeal nerves and/or muscles. A participant’s low intensity and difficulty with projection prompted a case-study to examine the laryngeal area for differences. KayPENTAX Visi-Pitch and Videostrobe instrumentation were utilized to provide instant video feedback and acoustic parameters that were compared to typical parameters/structures. Using videostroboscopy, a rigid scope was placed over the base of the tongue containing a miniature camera. The participant phonated syllables such as “ee” and “ah” from low to high pitch ranges at Cleveland State University (CSU). A voice sample was also analyzed through Visi-Pitch instrumentation to assess parameters including jitter, shimmer, and fundamental frequency among others. Structural and acoustic parameters from Cleveland State were compared to results from an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor also utilizing videostroboscopy. Both CSU and ENT results note structural and acoustic differences despite no reported laryngeal nerve damage post-thyroidectomy.

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