Acoustic, Aerodynamic, and Electroglottographic Properties of True Vocal Fold Body-Cover Conditions

• Main Author: Barone, Nicholas A
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2011
• Subjects: Physical therapy; Speech therapy
• ISBN: 1303165457; 9781303165450

The voice has been defined using the same perceptual terms for nearly 2000 years (Kreiman & Gerratt, 2010). Recent scientific research has uncovered the mechanisms involved in the production of the voice, but the antiquated perceptual definitions used do not match was is happening physiologically. In understanding the dynamic relationship between how the voice works and what the listener perceives, new definitions of voice qualities based in physiology are needed. The terms for voice qualities, therefore, can stay the same, its how they are defined that needs to change. When the voice is broken down into its different physiological components, the ability arises to assess and evaluate the voice in much finer detail. The purpose of this study was to collect and evaluate the differences in the aerodynamic, acoustic, and vocal fold closure pattern properties of the four conditions of True Vocal Folds: Body-Cover (TVFBC) mass, length, and tension. The four conditions assessed were thick, thin, stiff, and slack. Data were collected from 24 females trained in producing these true vocal fold body cover conditions using the Phonatory Aerodynamic Systems (PAS), Electroglottograph, and the Multidimensional Voice Program (MDVP) on the Visi-Pitch IV. Results indicated that the TVFBC conditions are significantly distinguishable through aerodynamic, acoustic, and electroglottographic (EGG) parameters. EGG waveforms also provided a valuable tool for assessing vocal fold physiology (i.e., depth of vocal fold contact). The physiological terminology proposed in this study is a start to a viable option for defining voice qualities.