Laryngeal function: a comparative analysis between children and adults subsequent to traumatic brain injury

To evaluate laryngeal function and speech disorders in children and adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) by applying both perceptual and instrumental analysis.

15 children and 15 adults with moderate to severe acquired TBI and 2 control groups (19 adults and 16 children).

A battery of perceptual analyses (the Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment (FDA) and speech sample assessment) and instrumental techniques (electrolaryngographic and computerized airflow/air pressure analysis systems-Aerophone II).

While children with TBI exhibited fewer speech disorders (based on the deviant laryngeal features) than did the adult group with TBI during the perceptual assessments, the significant differences found between both groups using electroglottography (EGG) analysis for the laryngeal function investigation could be explained by the anatomical and physiological differences between adults and children. Consistent with the findings based on electroglottography, the aerodynamic analysis carried out in the present study failed to demonstrate significant changes in laryngeal function following TBI in either adults or children.

Four reasons may explain the differences between children and adults: (1) the different types of injury can vary the degree of neurologic impairment, (2) potential differences during recovery, (3) the developmental changes in, or level of maturation of, laryngeal function in the pediatric group and, (4) time postinjury. Because of these variations, children may be better able to compensate for any impairment.