Vocal evaluation in patients with face and neck burns

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the voice of patients with face and neck burns. Methods: An exploratory-descriptive and cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, was carried out in the period of December, 2006 to April, 2007 in which twelve (12) patients from the Center of Treatment of Burns at Doutor José Frota Institute were evaluated. A protocol that contained data from the patient’s identification, morphological analysis of the stomatognathic system and vocal characteristics of the patient was applied. Results: It was verified that the articulation of speech had been reduced associated with failures of vocal instability, rough and crackle voice. Significant findings of the research were the changes in breathing, mostly on insufficient reloading (41.7%) and the use of air reserve (33.3%). The breath is an indispensable factor for vocal production. As a result of breathing alteration, the patient can produce an effort at the beginning of vocal production and/or even use the air reserve, which, concomitant to the reduction in the articulation of speech, may cause a laryngeal hyper-function. Conclusion: All the patients presented lack of bridle at the face and neck regions, which allowed good cervical movement, without compromising laryngeal extrinsic muscles or hindering vocal production due to tension. However, alterations on breath level, associated to reduction in the articulation of speech may generate a vocal disorder, in case they are not corrected