Purpose: A retrospective study is presented to correlate the inter-judge consistency for the different psycho-perceptual parameters of the recently proposed Impression Noise Fluency Voicing (INFVo) perceptual rating scale for substitution voices, and the vocal function as perceived by the patient. Methods: The scale Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQoL) and the SECEL (Self Evaluation of Communication Experiences After Laryngectomy) scale—a self-evaluation questionnaire of communicative experience after laryngectomy surgery—were administered to 89 total laryngectomees, subdivided in four groups depending on their type of alaryngeal voice (i.e., tracheoesophageal and esophageal speakers, electro larynx users, voiceless patients), in order to evaluate the impact of the impairment of the phonatory function on the quality of life. Results: No significant differences exist among the various groups on their perception of QoL using subjective questionnaires, whereas the INFVo scale has proven to be a useful tool for the description and analysis of the psychoacoustic characteristics of the vocal signal and a reliable instrument to correctly classify the patients. It is also notable that the judgement of the patients on their own voice and those of the referees are highly significant. Conclusion: Although speech rehabilitation for the acquisition of a substitution voice offers a new way of communication for the laryngectomized patients, nonetheless, their QoL is not significantly related to the type of substitution voice. Therefore, improving the patient’s adaptation to the new phonatory condition is mandatory.
Forestier’s disease is a systemic, degenerative metabolic condition, which is still insufficiently investigated and understood, characterized by the progressive ossification of the ligaments and entheses. This case describes a 63-year-old man admitted to our department after several years of failed attempts to obtain a definitive diagnosis presenting with a painless mass in the pre-auricular region, gradually worsening dysphonia, severe dysphagia relating to solids, stiffness, and mild pain at the back of the neck. After performing further diagnostic tests, in addition to a pleomorphic adenoma, the simultaneous presence of diffuse spondylarthrosis on the cervical spine was highlighted, with beak-like osteophytes at C2–C5 resulting in esophageal compression. Given the absence of upper digestive endoscopy abnormalities, we initiated an intense logopedic and postural rehabilitative treatment, which led to a significant improvement in the patient’s dysphagia symptoms. In addition, we limited the use of medical therapy to solely indomethacin in order to control the osteophytic process.
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