The human voice is created by
the vibration of muscles (vocal folds) behind
the adam's apple. The Duquesne University Speech-Language-Hearing
Clinic has a state-of-the-art Kay Elemetrics digital
videostroboscope for the direct viewing of the
vocal folds during speech. Students have the opportunity
to learn how to use the digital videostroboscope
to view the larynges (voice boxes, including the
vocal folds) of patients who have problems producing
clear normal sounding voice. They then learn to
interpret the pictures of the larynx in the context
of other diagnostic information including an acoustic
analysis, behavioral assessment, and medical evaluation.
One part of the clinical Voice
Program includes a collaborative diagnostic clinic.
This involves otolaryngologists (Ear, Nose and
Throat physicians) from the Metropolitan ENT group
in Pittsburgh. Drs. Philip Pollice and/or John
E. Blaugrund, who are adjunct faculty members,
come to the Clinic and as part of a comprehensive
voice evaluation conduct medical evaluations of
voice patients. They, along with speech-language
pathology faculty member Linda Duff, help teach
students how to administer and interpret digital
videostroboscopic evaluations. As part of this
evaluation students behaviorally evaluate each
voice patient. Using Kay Elemetrics Computerized
Speech Lab (CSL) hardware and software students
also record a digital sample of each patient's
voice while they sit in a "sound proof room".
The recorded sample is then analyzed using the
CSL. Finally, the students, faculty member and
physician meet to review all the data and generate
a diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Physicians
who referred the patients for evaluation receive
comprehensive evaluation reports. When speech
therapy is recommended patients have the option
of receiving those services at the Duquesne University
Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.
AAC
& Computer Lab | Hearing
and Voice Facilities | Student
Resources
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