Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

How Online Therapy Can Leverage Research on Speech After Tongue Reconstruction

How Online Therapy Can Leverage Research on Speech After Tongue Reconstruction

Practitioners in the field of speech therapy often face challenges when dealing with patients who have undergone tongue reconstruction. The research article titled Speech After Tongue Reconstruction and Use of a Palatal Augmentation Prosthesis: An acoustic case study provides valuable insights that can significantly improve therapy outcomes for these patients. This blog post aims to distill the key findings from this study and suggest ways practitioners can incorporate these findings into their therapeutic practices.

Understanding the Study

The study focused on a 64-year-old female patient who underwent a tongue resection of the anterior two-thirds, followed by a reconstruction using a radial forearm free flap and the use of a palatal augmentation prosthesis (PAP). The acoustic properties of her speech were analyzed at three stages: before the tongue resection, one year after the resection, and two years post-reconstruction while using the PAP.

Key Findings

The study observed acoustic changes in the formant frequencies (F1, F2) of vowels and the spectral moments (mean, skewness) of sibilants (/s/, /z/, /ʃ/). Notably, the use of the PAP resulted in improvements in the production of sibilants /s/ and /z/, although its effect on vowel production was less pronounced.

Practical Implications for Therapists

Based on these findings, here are some practical steps that speech therapists can take to improve therapy outcomes for patients with similar conditions:

  1. Monitor Acoustic Changes: Regularly measure formant frequencies and spectral moments to track the progress of vowel and sibilant production.
  2. Use of PAP: Consider the use of a palatal augmentation prosthesis for patients with significant tongue reconstruction. While the benefits may vary, the PAP has shown potential in improving the articulation of sibilants.
  3. Customized Therapy Plans: Develop individualized therapy plans that focus on the specific acoustic deficits identified in the patient. For instance, if the patient shows reduced tongue-palate contact, exercises to enhance this contact can be beneficial.
  4. Collaborative Approach: Work closely with prosthodontists to design effective PAPs tailored to the patient's unique anatomical and functional needs.
  5. Further Research: Encourage ongoing research and data collection to better understand the long-term effects of PAPs and other prosthetic interventions on speech outcomes.

Conclusion

The research article provides a detailed acoustic analysis that can serve as a valuable resource for speech therapists working with patients who have undergone tongue reconstruction. By integrating these findings into clinical practice, therapists can enhance the effectiveness of their interventions and contribute to the overall improvement of speech outcomes in their patients.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Speech After Tongue Reconstruction and Use of a Palatal Augmentation Prosthesis: An acoustic case study.


Citation: Laaksonen, J.-P., Loewen, I. J., Wolfaardt, J., Rieger, J., Seikaly, H., & Harris, J. (2009). Speech after tongue reconstruction and use of a palatal augmentation prosthesis: An acoustic case study. Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, 33(4), 196-203.
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP