Acoustic Features of Airway Protective Maneuvers as Biomarkers of Radiation-Associated Dysphagia and Penetration/Aspiration in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed at identifying acoustic features of airway protective maneuvers as biomarkers of radiation-associated dysphagia, involving penetration/aspiration and pharyngeal residue.

METHODS

Temporal and spectral acoustical analyses were carried out on voluntary coughs, voluntary throat clearings, and reflexive coughs. Head and neck cancer patients with and without penetration/aspiration were compared. The same was done for patients and healthy controls.

RESULTS

A decreased convexity of the amplitude contour and decreased salience of periodicity in the frequency band 0-400 Hz were observed in induced reflexive coughs of patients compared to healthy controls. A longer length and a less steep slope of the amplitude contour of voluntary throat clearings were observed in patients with penetration/aspiration versus those without.

CONCLUSIONS

Acoustic features of induced reflexive cough discriminate between patients and healthy controls, but do not relate to penetration/aspiration. However, acoustic features of voluntary throat clearing are associated with penetration/aspiration in head and neck cancer patients.