Dil ve Konuşma Terapisi - Makale Koleksiyonu

Bu koleksiyon için kalıcı URI

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12695/303

Listeleniyor 1 - 20 / 20

SMARTPHONE-BASED EVALUATION OF VOICE QUALITY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS ON THE CLINICAL USE OF THE VOICESCREEN APPLICATION IN TURKISH-SPEAKING PARTICIPANTS
(KBB-Forum, 08/03/2026) Çobanoğlu Bengü; Özcelep Handan; Tulan Adalet; Kızıl Ece; Erkin Edanur
Aim: The objective of this study was to present the preliminary results of the efficacy of the VoiceScreen smartphone application in differentiating between normophonic and dysphonic individuals through the measurement of the Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) among Turkish-speaking participants. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 participants were included in the study, comprising 15 individuals with dysphonia and 15 normophonic participants. Voice recordings were collected utilizing the VoiceScreen application in a clinical setting. The participants read standard text and produced sustained vowel phonation as part of vocal tasks. The application automatically calculated AVQI scores. In addition, participants were assessed using the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and the GRBAS scale. Results: Results indicate a significant difference in VoiceScreen and VHI-10 scores between dysphonic and normophonic groups (p<0.05). VoiceScreen scores exhibited significant positive correlations with GRBAS (r=0.694, p=0.004) and VHI-10 (r=0.630, p=0.012) within the dysphonic group. Conclusions: This study's findings indicate that the VoiceScreen app can distinguish between normophonic and dysphonic individuals in Turkish. The results highlight its potential as an accessible and user-friendly tool for initial voice screening in Turkish-speaking clinical populations. Keywords: VoiceScreen App, AVQI, Smartphone App, Acoustic Analysis, Dysphonia
Fundamental frequency outcomes after type III thyroplasty in cisgender men: a prospective cohort study
(European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 15/03/2026) Alkan Ferhat; Yelken Kürşat
Purpose Persistent high-pitch voice in cisgender men can cause functional and psychosocial burden, and Type III thyroplasty is widely used to lower fundamental frequency (F0). Prospective data with standardized recordings and explicit estimates of F0 change are limited. This study quantified postoperative F0 change and examined whether it depended on elapsed days between recordings. Methods In a prospective single-center cohort, cisgender men undergoing Type III thyroplasty completed standardized smartphone recordings of sustained /a/ before surgery and at a single postoperative visit. F0 from a 3-s mid-segment was extracted in Praat. Pre- and postoperative F0 were compared with a paired-samples t-test (ΔF0 = post − pre). Linear regression tested the association between ΔF0 and elapsed days between recordings. Results Of 89 patients with a preoperative recording, 33 (37.1%) provided a postoperative sample. Mean F0 decreased from 123.32 Hz (SD 23.76) to 107.58 Hz (SD 19.15); the mean paired difference was ΔF0 = − 15.74 Hz (95% CI − 23.72 to − 7.76, p < 0.001). Postoperative recordings occurred a median of 254 days after the preoperative recording (IQR 182–344). ΔF0 was not associated with elapsed days (β = −0.016 Hz/day, p = 0.424, R² = 0.020). No intra- or postoperative complications were observed. Conclusion Type III thyroplasty in cisgender men yields a moderate, clinically interpretable reduction in F0 that appears robust to variation in postoperative timing. These estimates provide quantitative benchmarks for postoperative counseling and support standardized smartphone recordings in future outcome studies.
Effects of vocal hygiene education program delivered via videoconference on acoustic and self-reported voice outcomes in Muslim religious officials in Turkiye
(Scientific reports, 23/05/2026) Hanbal İbooğlu Elif; Karataylı Özgürsoy Selmin
This study examined the effects of a vocal hygiene education program delivered via videoconference on voice quality and self-perceived vocal outcomes among Muslim religious officials in Turkiye. The participants were 26 imams, aged between 28 and 51 years. All participants completed a seven-week study procedure, consisting of two structured videoconference-based vocal hygiene sessions and a four-week vocal hygiene implementation period. Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL), Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), Acoustic Voice Quality Index Version 2.06 (AVQIv2), jitter, shimmer, and harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR) were assessed before and after the program. V-RQOL scores increased from 82.60 ± 19.91 to 89.23 ± 11.61 (p = 0.006). VHI-10 scores declined from 9.58 ± 5.24 to 5.96 ± 4.43 (p < 0.001), and AVQIv2 scores decreased from 3.12 ± 0.85 to 2.35 ± 0.61 (p < 0.001). Jitter, shimmer, and HNR values showed improvement but did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that vocal hygiene education delivered via videoconference was associated with favorable changes in self-reported outcomes and AVQIv2 scores, among Muslim religious officials.
Voice characteristics of iron and steel workers: an acoustic and self-reported cross-sectional study
(Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 15/06/2026)
Background Occupational environments with dust, noise, and high vocal demands can adversely impact voice production. Iron and steel workers encounter several environmental risk factors that may impair vocal function, nevertheless, objective acoustic and self-reported voice outcomes in this population have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the acoustic and self-reported voice characteristics of iron and steel manufacturing workers and compare these findings with those of a normophonic control group. Methods This cross-sectional comparative research comprised 128 male participants: 64 steel and iron factory workers and 64 normophonic controls. Voice evaluation consisted of F0, jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonics ratio, smoothed cepstral peak prominence, Acoustic Voice Quality Index, maximum phonation time, Voice Handicap Index-10 and Voice-Related Quality of Life. Mann-Whitney U tests or Welch’s t-tests were used for between-group comparisons, as appropriate. Results Iron and steel workers had significantly lower F0 and smoothed cepstral peak prominence values and higher jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonics ratio, and Acoustic Voice Quality Index scores than controls (all p < 0.01). The maximum phonation time was significantly shorter in workers (p < 0.001). The mean Voice Handicap Index-10 score among workers exceeded the Turkish threshold, and the Voice-Related Quality of Life scores were significantly lower than those of controls (p < 0.001). Conclusions Iron and steel industry workers had lower acoustic and self-reported markers of voice quality than normophonic individuals. These findings indicate that exposure to industrial noise and airborne irritants may be associated with subclinical changes in voice characteristics. In occupational health, a comprehensive voice assessment can serve as a time-saving, non-invasive screening tool to support early diagnosis and prevention of work-related voice problems.
Investigation of communicative behaviors and communication functions of Turkish individuals with autism spectrum disorder through Communication Matrix
(Taylor & Francis, 2026) Şimşek, Kübra Nur; Günhan Şenol, Nazmiye Evra; Birol, Namık Yücel; Yaşar Gündüz, Esra
Objectives: This study investigates the communication functions and communicative behaviors of Turkish individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), using the Turkish adaptation of the Communication Matrix. Methods: Thirty participants with ASD (24 males, six females; age 2;5-22;11) were assessed using the Turkish Communication Matrix, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and Denver-II Developmental Screening Test. Based on the CARS scores, the participants were categorized into mild-moderate and moderate-severe autism groups. Differences in Communication Matrix scores between the groups were analyzed using the Mann Whitney-U Test, while the relationship between Communication Matrix and CARS scores was examined through Spearman's correlation. Results: Mild-to-moderate autistic participants exhibited more often and diverse communication functions and communicative behaviors, especially in behavior regulation (refuse and obtain), social interaction, and information-seeking or information-providing behaviors than those with moderate-to-severe autism. Significant differences emerged in communicative behaviors for social interaction and information-seeking or information-providing behaviors. A significant negative correlation was observed between CARS scores and communicative behaviors for social interaction and information-seeking or information-providing behaviors. Conclusions: Increased autism severity reduces the diversity and functionality of communicative behaviors. Social interaction and information-seeking or information-providing behaviors are the skills that are most impacted by autism severity.
Multidimensional Voice Profiles of Children With and Without Vitamin D Deficiency: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Comparative Study
(Elsevier, 2026) Kılıçaslan Hersekli, Buket; Birol, Namık Yücel; Alkan, Ferhat; Karaman Özcan, Müzeyyen; Akın Şenkal, Özgül; Çiyiltepe, Müge Müzeyyen
Objectives: This study aims to compare multidimensional voice profiles of children aged 3-12 years with and without vitamin D deficiency in a pilot pediatric sample and to examine whether low vitamin D status is associated with measurable differences in perceptual, parent-reported, acoustic, and aerodynamic voice characteristics. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included 47 children who presented for routine pediatric evaluations at a private pediatric clinic in Adana, Türkiye. Participants were classified according to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels as having vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL; n = 23) or normal vitamin D levels (≥ 20 ng/mL; n = 24). Voice assessment included the Turkish Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI), GRBAS scale, acoustic analysis of sustained /a/ including fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR), and cepstral peak prominence smoothed (CPPS), as well as maximum phonation time (MPT) and s/z ratio. Between-group comparisons were performed using independent-samples t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, as appropriate. Age- and sex-adjusted sensitivity analyses were also conducted for parent-reported, acoustic, and aerodynamic outcomes. Results: In the primary unadjusted analyses, no statistically significant differences were found between children with vitamin D deficiency and those with normal vitamin D levels for any GRBAS parameter, including Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain (all P > 0.05). Similarly, pVHI functional, physical, emotional, and total scores did not differ significantly between groups (all P > 0.05). No significant between-group differences were observed for any acoustic or aerodynamic measure, including fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, HNR, CPPS /a/, connected speech CPPS, MPT, or s/z ratio (all P > 0.05). In age- and sex-adjusted sensitivity analyses, acoustic and aerodynamic outcomes remained nonsignificant, although an isolated adjusted difference was observed for the pVHI Emotional subscale. Conclusion: In this pediatric pilot sample, vitamin D deficiency was not associated with significant differences in primary multidimensional voice measures. These findings suggest that low vitamin D status may not produce overt voice impairment detectable by conventional perceptual, parent-reported, acoustic, and aerodynamic assessment in children, although subtle or domain-specific effects cannot be excluded. Larger age-stratified studies using more sensitive voice measures are needed.
Multidimensional Voice Profiles in Pediatric Professional Voice Users: Objective and Subjective Comparisons between Hifz Students and Normophonic Peers
(Istanbul University Press, 2026) Arıbeniz, Remziye Beyzanur; Birol, Namık Yücel
Objective: Hifz students, who undergo intensive Qur’an memorization training from childhood, are considered “pediatric professional voice users” due to their prolonged daily recitation and high vocal demands. Such training involves repetitive, loud, and melodic voice use, which may predispose them to early voice disorders. This study aimed to compare the multidimensional voice characteristics of Hifz students, who undergo intensive Qur’an memorization training, with age-matched normophonic peers. Material and Methods: A total of 124 Turkish-speaking children (62 Hifz, 62 controls; aged 11–14 years) were assessed using the Turkish Children’s Voice Handicap Index–10 (TR-CVHI-10), GRBAS scale, aerodynamic measure (maximum phonation time, /s/ and /z/ durations, s/z ratio), and acoustic analyses (fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, harmonic-to-noise ratio, cepstral peak prominence smoothed). Results: Hifz students reported significantly higher TR-CVHI-10 scores (p<0.001). They exhibited elevated s/z ratios (p<0.01), whereas the maximum phonation time did not differ. Acoustically, Hifz students showed lower fundamental frequency (p<0.05), higher perturbation (jitter and shimmer; both p<0.01), and reduced harmonic-to-noise ratio and cepstral peak prominence (p<0.01). GRBAS ratings indicated predominantly mild-to-moderate dysphonia. Conclusion: Hifz students demonstrated an elevated risk profile for voice disorders, with adverse self-perceptual, acoustic, aerodynamic, and perceptual indicators. Integrating voice hygiene and structured training into Hifz curricula is recommended to support vocal health.
Pragmatic Language Use and Parent–Child Interaction Among Children at Risk for Developmental Language Disorder and Typically Developing Peers
(Wiley, 2026) Kolbaşı, Mısra; Birol, Namık Yücel
Background: Pragmatic language skills, which enable children to use language effectively for social communication, develop rapidly during early childhood and are closely intertwined with parent-child interaction patterns. Children at risk for developmental language disorder (rDLD) often exhibit early difficulties not only in structural language abilities but also in pragmatic language use and social interaction, which may adversely affect their social-emotional development. Although parent-child interaction is recognized as a critical environmental factor shaping early language and communication outcomes, studies simultaneously examining pragmatic language use and parent-child interaction in young children at risk for DLD, particularly within the Turkish context, remain limited. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare pragmatic language use and parent-child interaction behaviours in Turkish children with rDLD and typically developing children, and to examine the relationships among these variables. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included a total of 54 children aged 24-48 months (27 rDLD, 27 typically developing) and their parents. Pragmatic language use was assessed using the parent-report Language Use Inventory-Turkish (LUI-Turkish). Parent-child interaction behaviours were observed during structured free-play sessions using the Maternal Behaviour Rating Scale (MBRS) and the Child Behaviour Rating Scale (CBRS). Independent samples t-tests were used for between-group comparisons, and Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine associations among variables. Results: The LUI-Turkish results indicated that the rDLD group demonstrated significantly lower performance than the typically developing group in early verbal communication and word use, long sentence production and complex pragmatic language use, as well as in the total score (p < 0.001). Parental responsiveness and emotional expressiveness were higher in the typically developing group (p < 0.01), whereas directive parental behaviours were significantly more frequent in the rDLD group (p = 0.011-0.033). Typically developing children showed higher performance on attention, initiation, and total scores on the CBRS (p < 0.001). Correlation analyses revealed significant positive associations among TEDIL verbal language, LUI-Turkish total, and CBRS total scores, and showed that parental responsiveness and emotional expressiveness were associated with these variables (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings indicate that pragmatic language difficulties in children at risk for DLD are closely associated with parental interaction styles and child interaction behaviours. Early assessment and intervention processes should address pragmatic language, parental behaviours, and child interaction skills within a holistic framework.
Exploring Microstructure Measures and Topics in Personal Narratives of Turkish School-Age Children: Findings From the Global TALES-TR Protocol
(March, 2026) Yaşar Gündüz, Esra; Selvi Balo, Semra; Maviş, İlknur
Background: The Global TALES protocol is an internationally used personal narrative assessment tool designed to elicit and analyse children’s personal narratives across languages and cultures. Aim: The aim of this study is to provide the Turkish literature with assessment data derived from typically developing (TD) children aged 7–10 years and to examine the applicability of the Turkish-adapted version within a Turkish linguistic and cultural context. Methods and Procedures: This descriptive, cross-sectional study included eighty monolingual Turkish-speaking TD children, with 20 children in each age group (7 10 years). The Turkish-adapted Global TALES-TR protocol was conducted online with the children. The narratives were assessed for microstructure measures using the Turkish Research Version of the Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT) program. SPSS22.0 and TURCOSA software were used for statistical analysis. Results: Some age-related differences were observed in children’s narrative microstructure, with significant contrasts between the youngest and oldest groups in verbal productivity and semantic diversity, while a more limited age effect was observed for semantic diversity between the age-8 and age-9 groups. Gender-related differences were limited. When the full sample was considered, a measure reflecting syntactic complexity showed a gender effect. Age-specific analyses indicated that gender related differences in verbal productivity and syntactic complexity were observed only in the age-9 group. All observed gender-related differences favoured girls. The frequency of follow-up prompts and unanswered prompts showed that the ‘problem’ narrative was the most challenging for children. Narratives primarily focused on topics such as family, friends, school and success. Conclusions: The results show that the adapted protocol can be used in personal narrative assessment. These findings may inform future research and clinical assessment practices. Furthermore, using this protocol, broader information can also be gathered about groups such as those with language disorders.
Exploring Personal Narrative Coherence in 10-Year-Old Children: A Global Study Using the Global TALES Protocol
(June, 2026) Westerveld, Marleen F.; Stephanie, Malone; Westby, Carol; Amato, Cibelle; Bampoe, Josephine Ohenewa; Chan, Angel; Chen, Kai-Mei; Chrysostomou, Maria; Claessen, Mary; Einarsdóttir, Jóhanna; Ferman, Sara; Fernandes, Fernanda Dreux; Filiatrault-Veilleux, Pamela; Gabaj, Mateja; Geronikou, Eleftheria; Gupta, Vani; de López, Kristine Jensen; Kawar, Khaloob; Kuvač Kraljević, Jelena; Lee, HaeJi; Lee, Jisun; Lyons, Rena; Maviş, İlknur; Nørgaard, Nadia; O'Malley Keighran, Mary-Pat; Quintanilla, Laura; Selvi Balo, Semra; Theodorou, Elena; Peng Wong, Tze; Wong, Anita Mei-Yin; Yaşar Gündüz, Esra; Zhu, Wanlin; Nelson, Nickola
Purpose: The overall aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate personal narrative coherence in groups of children representing a range of cultural and/or linguistic backgrounds. Based on previous research, we expected to find effects based on culture/language participant group and the emotional valence of the prompt (positive, negative, neutral). We also anticipated potential interactions between culture/language participant group and prompt type. Method: Four hundred seventeen 10-year-old children from 21 culture/language participant groups took part in this cross-sectional study. The children were from 19 countries or regions, speaking 18 different languages or dialects. All children were seen individually, either face-to-face or online, and asked to produce personal narratives in response to the Global Talking About Lived Experiences in Stories (TALES) protocol. Three of their narratives, each representing a different emotional valence—happy, angry, and a problem situation—were included in the current study. All narratives were coded for coherence using the multidimensional Narrative Coherence Coding Scheme (NaCCS), which yields a total coherence score and three coherence dimension subscores: context, chronology, and theme. Linear mixed models were used to identify differences in narrative coherence between culture/language participant groups and narrative prompt types. Results: We found significant main effects for both participant group and narrative prompt type on total coherence scores, as well as a significant interaction effect. Overall, the problem prompt elicited more coherent narratives than the angry prompt. Performance varied notably across culture/language participant groups, with no consistent pattern of strength linked to prompt type. Additionally, some culture/language participant groups scored significantly lower on total coherence than others. Significant participant group effects were also observed across all three coherence dimension subscores, with the theme dimension showing the greatest number of between-groups differences. Conclusions: In an increasingly multicultural and plurilingual world, the need for ecologically valid tools to assess children's spoken language skills is more critical than ever. Findings from this exploratory study offer further support for the use of the Global TALES protocol for eliciting personal narratives in children from diverse cultural and/or linguistic backgrounds. Furthermore, results indicated that the NaCCS is a viable method for describing differences and similarities in personal narrative coherence among these diverse groups of children. Our next steps involve refining the coding framework and expanding our participant pool to include larger, more age- and ability-representative samples—with the ultimate aim of integrating personal narrative assessment and analysis into routine clinical practice worldwide.
Prevalence and risk factors of voice disorders among tour guides in Cappadocia
(May, 2026) Birol, Namık Yücel; Yaşar Gündüz, Esra; Alkan, Ferhat; Tutuş, Zübeyir
Purpose This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of voice disorders among professional tour guides working in the Cappadocia region of Türkiye, a globally renowned tourism destination with high tourist density. Methods A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed. Eighty-five licensed tour guides (41 females, 44 males; mean age = 42.9 ± 12.2 years) participated by completing an online self-report questionnaire developed for the Cappadocia context. The 61-item survey assessed demographics, vocal symptoms, phonotraumatic behaviors, occupational, lifestyle, and health-related risk factors. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 27. Results Voice problems were reported by 42.4% of guides during their careers (95% CI: 32.4–53.0) and 16.5% currently (95% CI: 10.1–25.8), while 23.5% experienced aphonia at least once annually (95% CI: 15.8–33.6). The most prevalent symptoms were throat dryness (77.6%), vocal fatigue (65.9%), and hoarseness (56.5%). Speaking loudly and continuing to talk despite voice problems were significantly associated with vocal complaints (p = .039 and p < .001, respectively). Environmental and health factors, including guiding noisy groups, long tour durations, and ear–nose–throat (ENT)-related conditions (sinus and other ENT disorders), increased the likelihood of voice problems. Logistic regression identified ENT disorders as an independent predictor (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 6.12, 95% CI: 1.33–28.17, p = .020). Conclusion Voice disorders are common among Cappadocia tour guides and are associated with both occupational and health-related factors. These findings suggest that implementing voice hygiene education, ergonomic adaptations, and occupational health monitoring may help reduce risk and support vocal sustainability in this professional group.
Communication Functions and Communicative Behaviours in Children With Cerebral Palsy
(2026) Aşıroğlu, Büşra; Birol, Namık Yücel
Background Children with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently experience communication difficulties that limit their participation and social interaction. While previous studies have addressed communication in CP, few have systematically examined communication functions and communicative behaviours using the structured framework of the Communication Matrix, particularly in contexts where augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is underutilized. Aims This study aimed to examine the communication functions and communicative behaviours of Turkish children with CP using the Communication Matrix and to investigate how these outcomes differ according to levels of gross motor function. Methods This cross-sectional study included 64 children with CP aged 4–18 years who attended special education and rehabilitation centres in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Communication Matrix, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Viking Speech Scale (VSS) and Communication Function Classification System (CFCS). Descriptive statistics were obtained. Given the violation of normality assumptions, non-parametric analyses (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests with Bonferroni correction) were employed to compare communication outcomes across GMFCS levels. Results Among communication functions, obtaining and social interaction were the most prominent, while refusal and providing information were less frequently observed. Visual behaviours (41.88%) and conventional gestures (37.75%) were most common, whereas abstract symbols (9.51%), concrete symbols (19.53%) and body movements (13.45%) were less frequently employed. Across GMFCS levels, children at Level V showed significantly lower abstract symbols and language use than those at Levels I–IV (p = 0.003) and also demonstrated markedly lower scores across all communication functions (refusal, obtaining, social interaction, and providing information) compared to Levels I–IV (p < 0.01). Overall communicative competence decreased in parallel with increasing severity of motor impairment. Conclusions The findings indicate that children with CP predominantly rely on nonverbal strategies such as gestures and visual behaviours, while symbolic communication is considerably limited, especially among those with severe motor impairments. In addition, communication functions showed a similar pattern: higher-level functions such as providing information were used much less frequently than obtaining or social interaction and all functions declined with increasing GMFCS level. The results underscore the strong link between gross motor functioning and communicative complexity and highlight the importance of early interventions and AAC integration.
Prevalence of voice problems and associated risk factors in electronic sports players
(Springer Nature, 2026) Birol, Namık Yücel; Yaşar Gündüz, Esra; Tutuş, Zübeyir
Background Electronic sports (esports) has rapidly emerged as a global phenomenon, engaging millions of players and viewers. Previous research has extensively examined health concerns in this population, including musculoskeletal disorders, ocular fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cardiometabolic risks. However, despite the intensive and prolonged vocal use required during team-based gaming communication, voice disorders have not been investigated in esports players. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of voice problems and associated risk factors in this population. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 87 esports players aged 18–32 years in Türkiye. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire that addressed vocal symptoms, phonotraumatic behaviors, lifestyle, and health-related factors. In addition, the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10-TR) was administered. A cutoff score of ≥ 7 on the VHI-10-TR was used to identify players at risk for voice disorders. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Based on the VHI-10-TR cutoff score (≥ 7), 20.7% of the participants were classified as having voice problems. Significant associations were found between voice problems and longer daily speaking time during gameplay (p = .009) as well as weekly gaming hours exceeding 21 (p = .009). Commonly reported symptoms included throat dryness (49.4%), vocal fatigue (35.6%), and throat discomfort (26.4%). Poor air quality in gaming environments (p = .036) and frequent consumption of spicy/fatty foods (p = .037) were significant lifestyle-related risk factors. Difficulty hearing conversational speech was also associated with increased likelihood of voice problems (p = .045). Logistic regression indicated that unadjusted odds of reporting voice problems were three to five times higher in relation to these factors, though none remained significant in the adjusted model. Conclusions Approximately one in five esports players reported voice problems, highlighting their potential vulnerability as a risk group. Environmental and lifestyle conditions, alongside prolonged gaming and communication, contribute to vocal strain. Preventive strategies focusing on vocal hygiene, gaming environment improvement, and early screening may help safeguard vocal health in this population.
Experiences of International Speech–Language Pathology Students: A Phenomenological Study
(3 October 2025) Cankuvvet, Nurdan; Selvi-Balo, Semra; Yaşar-Gündüz, Esra; Yırtık, Havva Nur
Background International students often encounter systemic and individual challenges, especially in language-intensive fields like Speech–Language Pathology (SLP). Although their experiences are documented in well-established contexts, little is known about newer host countries such as Türkiye, where enrolments have recently risen. Understanding this is crucial for identifying barriers and support needs, impacting outcomes, and the internationalisation of SLP education. Aim This study explores the educational experiences of international undergraduates in the Speech–Language Pathology program at Anadolu University, Türkiye. Methods and Procedures Using a phenomenological design, data were collected through focus group interviews with nine female students and were analysed thematically. Conclusions and Implications International SLP students in Türkiye encountered familiar challenges—language barriers, uneven preparation, and integration difficulties—amplified by diverse entry pathways and local dynamics. Nevertheless, they demonstrated resilience by developing self-discipline and valuing educational quality despite mismatched expectations. The findings emphasise the need for institutional support: clearer communication of norms, structured orientation, and culturally responsive supervision could help reduce systemic barriers, while mentoring and buddy systems might further aid integration and clinical readiness, benefiting both students and the profession.
‘It Is Not Possible to Go Back to Normal, but It Is Possible to Start Again’: Experiences of Speech–Language Pathologists After the 2023 Earthquakes in Türkiye
(December 2025) Birol, Namık Yücel; Yaşar Gündüz, Esra; Tutuş, Zübeyir
Background Earthquakes severely disrupt health and rehabilitation services. However, little is known about the professional and personal experiences of speech–language pathologists (SLPs) in such disaster contexts. Aim This study aimed to examine the professional and personal experiences of SLPs working in the provinces affected by the 6 February 2023, earthquakes in Türkiye. It explored challenges faced by SLPs, continuity of client services and psychosocial impacts. Methods and Procedures A phenomenological design was adopted. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 16 SLPs actively working in the disaster region. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis with MAXQDA 2020. Interviews were recorded, transcribed with the AI-based Turboscribe program and verified by the researchers. Results Four main themes emerged as follows: (1) working conditions of SLPs after the earthquake (living conditions, professional performance, physical environment and support mechanisms), (2) status of clients after the earthquake (interruptions in therapy processes, new and increased speech and language difficulties), (3) psychological effects of the earthquake on SLPs and clients (anxiety, burnout, and grief among therapists, clients and families) and (4) post-disaster interventions and preparedness (short-term needs in the field, and long-term strategies such as digitalization, teletherapy and trauma-focused professional training). Findings indicated multi-dimensional challenges for SLPs, major disruptions in therapy access and psychological impacts directly reflected in therapy processes. Conclusions This study highlights the critical role of SLPs in disaster conditions and emphasizes the need for policy development in this field. To ensure the continuity and effectiveness of speech and language therapy services, it is necessary in the short term to increase the number of specialists in the field and to strengthen psychosocial support mechanisms. In the long term, it is recommended to establish digital material and record systems, expand the use of teletherapy practices, develop programs to prepare families for disasters and integrate trauma-focused professional training into both undergraduate and in-service education processes of SLPs.
Auditory-Perceptual Voice Quality, Self-Perceived Voice Handicap, and Vocal Fatigue in Street Vendors
(İstanbul University Press, 2025) Birol, Namık Yücel; Alkan, Ferhat; Tutuş, Zübeyir
Objective: In rural labour sectors, individuals who rely heavily on their voices—such as street vendors— are at increased risk of developing voice disorders due to prolonged voice use in noisy environments. Understanding their vocal health needs is essential for developing targeted voice therapy interventions within rural rehabilitation frameworks. This study investigates the auditory-perceptual voice quality, self perceived voice handicap, and vocal fatigue among street vendors in the Cappadocia region, Türkiye. Material and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 street vendors. Data collection involved the GRBAS scale for perceptual voice evaluation, the Turkish versions of the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10-TR), and the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI-TR). Non-parametric tests were used for the statistical analysis. Results: Voice problems were reported by 40% of the participants. Significant differences were observed in the GRBAS scores, with higher impairments in grade, breathiness, asthenia, and strain among those with voice problems. Participants with voice issues also scored significantly higher on the VHI-10-TR and VFI-TR, indicating a greater voice-related handicap and vocal fatigue. A moderate positive correlation was found between the VHI-10-TR and VFI-TR scores. Conclusion: Street vendors in Cappadocia face significant vocal challenges due to occupational voice use, with notable impacts on perceptual voice quality, vocal fatigue, and quality of life. Preventive measures, including vocal health education and workplace interventions, are essential for reducing these risks.
Türkiye’deki Dil ve Konuşma Terapistlerinin Enfeksiyon Kontrolü Uygulamaları: Tanımlayıcı Araştırma
(Türkiye Klinikleri Yayınevi, 2025) Teke, Teke; Birol, Namık Yücel
Amaç: Dil ve konuşma terapistleri (DKT), herhangi bir danışan grubuyla çalışırken doğrudan ya da dolaylı olarak temas hâlindedir. Bu duruma bağlı olarak DKT’lerin sa ğladığı değerlendirme ve müdahale hizmetlerinin enfeksiyon kontrolü aç ısından bazı gereklilikleri bulun- maktadır. Bu çalışmada, Türkiye’de özel ve kamu hastanelerinde, özel eğitim ve rehabilitasyon merkezlerinde, özel dil ve konuşma terapisi kli- niklerinde çalışan DKT’lerin enfeksiyon kontrolü uygulamalar ının in- celenmesi amaçlanmaktır. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Araştırmanın deseni genel tarama modelidir. Ara ştırmaya toplamda 117 DKT kat ılmıştır. Veri toplama araçları Demografik Bilgi Formu ve Dil ve Konuşma Te- rapistlerinin Enfeksiyon Kontrolü Uygulamaları Anketi’dir. Demogra- fik Bilgi Formu ile kat ılımcıların yaşları, çalışma yılları ve çalıştıkları alanlar hakkında bilgi al ınmıştır. Enfeksiyon Kontrolü Uygulamalar ı Anketi, el yıkama, oral değerlendirme, enfeksiyon eğitimi, dezenfeksi- yon, kişisel koruyucu ekipman kullan ımı, öksürük görgü kurallar ına uyumu, enfeksiyon bulaşmasını azaltmak için kullanılan kontrol strate- jileri kullanımı ve diğer enfeksiyon kontrol uygulamalar ı olmak üzere toplamda 8 bölüm ve 41 maddeden olu şmaktadır. Elde edilen veriler IBM SPSS 27.0 programı ile analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular: Araştırmanın bulguları, katılımcıların büyük bir kısmının el hijyeni ve oral değerlen- dirme sırasında eldiven kullanımı gibi enfeksiyon kontrolü prosedürle- rini sık sık veya her zaman uygulad ıklarını göstermektedir. Bununla birlikte, katılımcıların önemli bir kısmı çalıştıkları yerlerde enfeksiyon kontrol kılavuzlarının bulunmadığını (%61,54) ve bu konuda düzenli eğitim almad ıklarını (%70,09) ifade etmi ştir. Sonuç: Türkiye’deki DKT’lerin enfeksiyon kontrolü uygulamalar ı genel olarak yeterli ol- makla birlikte, iş yerlerinde enfeksiyon kontrolüne yönelik kılavuz ek- sikliği ve e ğitimin yaygın olmayışı dikkat çekmektedir. Bu nedenle, enfeksiyon kontrolü konusunda daha kapsaml ı eğitim programlarının düzenlenmesi ve standart kılavuzların oluşturulması önerilmektedir.
An Overview of Speech and Language Therapy Undergraduate Programs and Students in Türkiye: Descriptive Research
(2025) Birol, Namık Yücel; Yaşar Gündüz, Esra; Tutuş, Zübeyir
Amaç: Türkiye'de dil ve konuşma terapisi (DKT) lisans programları 2012 yılında öğrenci alımına başlamıştır. Bu programlar ve öğrenci profilleri ise henüz ayrıntılı olarak araştırılmamıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı Türkiye'deki DKT lisans programlarını ve lisans öğrenci profillerini incelemektir. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Kurumların resmi web sitelerinden elde edilen kamuya açık veriler kullanılarak, 27 aktif ve 34 aktif olmayan DKT lisans programı doküman analizi yoluyla incelenmiştir. Bu veriler aracılığıyla DKT lisans programlarına yerleşen öğrenci ve mezunların sayısı, cinsiyet dağılımı, öğrencilerin mesleki tercih eğilimleri, lisans programlarının özellikleri, 2012-2024 yılları arasında DKT lisans programlarının sayısı ve öğrenci sayıları, DKT programlarındaki akademik personelin ünvanlara göre dağılımı belirlenmiştir. Bulgular: DKT öğrencileri ve mezunlarına dair veriler incelendiğinde, kadınların oranının %78-85 arasında değiştiği görülmektedir. 2012 ve 2024 yılları arasında aktif DKT programlarının sayısı 1'den 27'e, bu programlara kayıt yaptıran öğrenci sayısı ise 31'den 1661'ye yükselmiştir. Aktif DKT lisans programlarında profesör ve doçent kadrosundaki akademisyenlerin oranı ise %14,73 olarak raporlanmıştır. Sonuç: DKT lisans programları, 2012 yılından itibaren hızlı bir büyüme göstermiştir. Ancak, bu büyümenin sürdürülebilir olması için dikkatli bir planlama gerekmektedir. Çalışma bulguları, kadın öğrencilerin alandaki belirgin üstünlüğünü, akademik personel sayısının yetersizliğini ve programların büyük ölçüde belirli şehirlerde yoğunlaştığını ortaya koymaktadır. Türkiye'deki DKT lisans programlarındaki büyüme, akademik personel sayısına dikkat edilerek gerçekleştirilmelidir.
“Lombard Effect” and Voice Changes in Adductor Laryngeal Dystonia: A Pilot Study.
(Wiley Periodicals LLC onbehalf of The American Laryngological,Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc., 2024) Maria Raffaella Marchese; Ylenia Longobardi; Rosa Libero; Gamze Yesilli-Puzella; Lucia D’Alatri; Jacopo Galli
Objectives: The aim was to describe the acoustic, auditory-perceptive, and subjective voice changes under the Lombardeffect (LE) in adductor laryngeal dystonia (AdLD) patients.Methods: Subjective perception of vocal effort (OMNI Vocal Effort Scale OMNI-VES), Maximum Phonation Time (MPT),and the perceptual severity of dysphonia (GRBAS scale) were assessed in condition of stillness and under LE in 10 AdLDpatients and in 10 patients with typical voice. Speakers were asked to produce the sustained vowel /a/ and to read a phoneti-cally balanced text aloud. Using the PRAAT software, the following acoustic parameters were analyzed: Mean Pitch (Hz), Mini-mum and Maximum Intensity (dB), the Fraction of Locally Unvoiced Frames, the Number of Voice Breaks, the Degree of VoiceBreaks (%), the Cepstral Peak Prominence-Smoothed (CPPS) (dB).Results: Under LE, the AdLD group showed a decrease of both G and S parameters of GRBAS and subjective effort, meanMPT increased signi?cantly; in the controls there were no signi?cant changes. In both groups under LE, pitch and intensity ofthe sustained vowel /a/ signi?cantly increased consistently with LE. In the AdLD group the mean gain of OMNI-VES score andthe mean gain of each parameter of the speech analysis were signi?cantly greater than the controls’ ones.Conclusion: Auditory feedback deprivation obtained under LE improves subjective, perceptual-auditory, and acousticsparameters of AdLD patients. These ?ndings encourage further research to provide new knowledge into the role of the audi-tory system in the pathogenesis of AdLD and to develop new therapeutic strategies.Key Words: acoustic analysis, adductor laryngeal dystonia, audio-vocal feedback control, Lombard effect.Level of Evidence: 4Laryngoscope, 134:3754–3760, 2024
The Normative Study of Acoustic and Aerodynamic Characteristics of Voice among Healthy Adult Turkish Speaker Population
(Hindawi, 2021) Şen, Ayşegül; Toğram, Bülent
Phonatory Aerodynamic System (PAS Model 6600) is an evaluation instrument that assesses the effectiveness of surgical interventions, treatments, and therapy for voice disorders. It can be used for the assessment of voice disorders by supporting other perceptual and instrumental methods. It is important to establish normative data, because the use of appropriate norms is necessary for diagnostic and descriptive accuracy. Therefore, this study is aimed primarily at establishing adult normative databases for phonatory aerodynamic measures obtained with the KayPENTAX PAS Model 6600 among healthy adult Turkish speakers and then examining the effect of age, gender, and age-gender interaction variables on these measures. The contribution of the study is considered so important since it will generate normative data for all measurements—except the mean pitch—by the five protocols of PAS for the first time. Two hundred and six healthy Turkish speakers with normal voice (106 women and 100 men) were included in the study and stratified into three age groups. Forty-five phonatory aerodynamic measures across five PAS protocols (vital capacity, maximum sustained phonation, comfortable sustained phonation, variation in sound pressure level, and voicing efficiency) were collected. Age, gender, and age-gender interaction variables were analyzed for 45 PAS parameters. Significant gender and age effect was found for 30 and 19 variables, respectively. Gender-age interaction together was observed for only 6 parameters. Significant differences were not found for the remaining 10 parameters. Significant age and gender effects were observed for 35 phonatory and aerodynamic measures which are essential part of the objective clinical assessment of voice. Consequently, normative data used as reference in voice assessment should be generated according to age and gender differences.

Güncel Gönderiler