LA0080 Voice Disorders

Code LA0080
Name Voice Disorders
Status Compulsory/Courses of Limited Choice
Level and type Undergraduate Studies, Professional
Field of study Pedagogy
Faculty Academy of Liepaja
Academic staff Baiba Trinīte
Credit points 5.0
Parts 1
Annotation The course introduces students with voice disorders and its aetiology, focuses attention to the occupation related voice disorders. The theoretical and practical knowledge about methods of voice assessment and treatment are included in the course..
Contents
Content Full- and part-time intramural studies Part time extramural studies
Contact hours Independent work Contact hours Independent work
Anatomy and Physiology of the Larynx: An exploration of the structural and functional characteristics of the vocal cords, detailing their anatomy and mechanisms of action. Focus on the central components of the vocal apparatus and an in-depth look at the physiology of phonation. 6 8 4 10
Acoustic Foundations of Voice: Key principles of sound in voice production, covering pitch, intensity, timbre, and resonance. 6 10 2 10
Ontogenetic Changes in Voice: Hormonal regulation of vocal function, including children's voices, vocal changes during puberty, premenstrual and menopausal vocal syndromes, and voice characteristics in individuals aged 65 and older. 6 8 4 10
Causes of Voice Disorders: Includes factors in vocal ergonomics, such as environmental conditions (acoustics, air quality), along with medical and psychological influences on vocal health. 4 8 2 10
Types of Voice Disorders: Covers conditions such as aphonia, dysphonia, phonastenia, pathological voice mutation, and voice issues in individuals post-laryngectomy, as well as occupation-related voice disorders. 4 8 2 10
Evaluation and Assessment of Vocal Function: Includes examination components such as case history, aerodynamic measurements, perceptual assessment (GRBAS), acoustic analysis, self-assessment (VHI), and instrumental laryngeal examination methods. 10 16 6 24
Therapeutic Methods for Voice Disorders: Principles and methodological approaches, including indirect therapy techniques and both general and specialized direct therapy methods. 10 16 4 22
Prevention of voice disorders 4 4 2 6
Novelties in voice research 6 6 2 10
Total: 56 84 28 112
Goals and objectives
of the course in terms
of competences and skills 		Aim: To gain a thorough understanding of voice disorders, develop practical skills in diagnosis and management, and acquire knowledge of effective prevention strategies. Objectives: 1. Build a strong foundation in the anatomy and physiology of voice production, the acoustics of the voice, the causes and clinical features of voice disorders, methods for vocal function assessment, and evidence-based approaches to treatment and prevention. 2. Develop practical expertise in assessing vocal function using a variety of techniques and implementing effective voice therapy methods. 3. Strengthen the ability to recognize when referral to other specialists is necessary to ensure timely and appropriate care. Learn to integrate assessment data with additional relevant information to formulate targeted therapeutic goals. 4. Understand the principles behind specific therapeutic interventions and apply evidence-based techniques effectively, using appropriate materials and specialized equipment.
Learning outcomes
and assessment 		Understands the anatomy and physiology of the voice production, knowledge of the voice acoustic, causes and clinical signs of voice disorders, methods for evaluating vocal function, and approaches to systematizing treatment techniques. Additionally, is familiar with specific methods for preventing voice disorders. - Final test.
Able to record vocal samples and analyze them using acoustic assessment methods. - Practical assignment.
Is knowledgeable about current trends and advancements in voice research. - Colloquium.
Evaluation criteria of study results
Practical assignment - 10%
Colloquium - 10%
Final test - 80%
 
Course prerequisites Students have prior knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the auditory and speech organs, as well as the physical foundations of speech and hearing.
Course planning
Part CP Hours Tests
Lectures Practical Lab. Test Exam Work
1 5.0 34.0 22.0 16.0 *
[Extended course information PDF]