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Introduction: Traditionally, fundamental frequency increase has been viewed as largely associated with vocal fold length as a consequence of tilting the thyroid cartilage forward and downward, a so-called thyroid tilt, caused by cricothyroid muscle contraction. Recent pilot studies in singers suggest vocal fold elongation independent from fo as related to a pedagogical parameter called “phonatory density,” suggesting a further discrete mechanism of the thyroid cartilage tilt related to voice quality. This study endoscopically, EGG, acoustically, and auditory perceptually explores different vocal modes in relation to degree of phonatory density independent of changes in fo across loudness and voice quality conditions. Methods: Case-control with 20 professional singers performing sustained-vowel samples (C4 males, B4 females) for 8 different voice quality conditions with different degrees of auditory-perceptual “density” while undergoing endoscopic examination and concurrent EGG and acoustic measurement. Endoscopic vocal tract assessments were blindly rated according to a 33-item systematic assessment tool and a forced consensus paradigm. MANOVA, Spearman’s rho, and factor density were calculated at p ≤ 0.05. Auditory-perceptual assessments of 64 samples of the 8 voicing conditions were performed by 33 professional singing teachers. Fleiss’ kappa and percentage agreement were used to calculate assessor accuracy and inter-rater reliability. Results: Forward and downward thyroid tilt was related to the perceptual category of “reduced density (RD)” as the only statistically significant endoscopic assessment variable: “fuller density” conditions exhibited little to no forward visible articulation of the thyroid cartilage, whereas RD conditions exhibited visible to marked forward articulation of the thyroid cartilage across tested conditions suggesting vocal fold elongation for RD conditions while maintaining an unchanged fo with high ICC for the assessors (r = 0.70 and r = 0.94 for male/female datasets, respectively). Correlation analyses revealed negative correlations for SPL, shimmer, and CPP measures for RD conditions, while Qx did not vary with statistical significance. Panel assessors accurately assessed the 8 tested conditions with 87% accuracy and good inter-rater reliability agreement (k: 0.772, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Phonatory density, as an auditory-perceptual denotation of vocal weight, is controlled by the degree of thyroid cartilage tilt. The study documents systematic variations in vocal fold lengths across several conditions of loudness while fo is maintained. The findings suggest a further mechanism of the thyroid cartilage related to voice quality beyond the control of fo. Further studies are needed to document pitch production mechanisms compensating for the maintenance of fo given vocal fold elongation during RD conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In voice analysis, the electroglottographic (EGG) signal has long been recognized as a useful complement to the acoustic signal, but only when the vocal folds are actually contacting, such that this signal has an appreciable amplitude. However, phonation can also occur without the vocal folds contacting, as in breathy voice, in which case the EGG amplitude is low, but not zero. It is of great interest to identify the transition from non-contacting to contacting, because this will substantially change the nature of the vocal fold oscillations; however, that transition is not in itself audible. The magnitude of the cycle-normalized peak derivative of the EGG signal is a convenient indicator of vocal fold contacting, but no current EGG hardware has a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio of the derivative. We show how the textbook techniques of spectral thresholding and static notch filtering are straightforward to implement, can run in real time, and can mitigate several noise problems in EGG hardware. This can be useful to researchers in vocology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though earlier studies have investigated the relationship between various subjective and instrumental measures of voice, determining a standardized set of voice parameters in evaluating dysphonic voices can help in better diagnostic distinctions and judgment of the treatment outcomes in voice disorders. Thus, the primary objective was to examine the differences in the objective and subjective measures of voice between the participants with dysphonia and participants with a clinically normal voice. The subsequent objective was to identify the group of parameters sensitive to vocal changes in dysphonia using discriminant analysis. Two groups of participants were included in the study. Group 1 comprised of 15 participants with dysphonia. Group 2 included 15 participants with a clinically normal voice. Sustained phonations of vowels were recorded from the participants of both groups and were analyzed perceptually using the GRBAS rating scale. Acoustic, cepstral, spectral, and electroglottographic measures were analyzed from dysphonic voices and normal controls. There were significant differences in both instrumental and perceptual measures between the participants with and without dysphonia. The set of five parameters that were significant predictors that discriminated the dysphonic voice from the clinically normal voice with 100% accuracy was also determined using discriminant analysis. Future investigations on the relation between the specific instrumental and perceptual measures of voice identified in the present study among individuals with various voice disorders can deliver more promising and comprehendible insights into better diagnostic distinctions of voice disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Electroglottography (EGG) is an instrumental measurement technique that provides a relative measure of the contact area between vocal folds. It is important to examine whether this measurement provides reliable data in Turkish. The aim of this study is to determine the level of reliability of EGG measurements made at different times related to some sustained vowel vocalizations. Methods: Seventy participants, 35 women and 35 men, aged between 18-25 and who have healthy voice, participated in the study. The Kay-PENTAX Electroglottograph model 6130 was used to study participants' production of/i/,/u/,/ɛ/and/ʌ/vowels. Data were collected from participants at four different time points: (1M) first week in the morning, (1E) first week in the evening, (2M) second week in the morning, and (2E) second week in the evening. The data obtained from all these measurements were matched in terms of time points; 1M-1E, 2M-2E, 1M-2E and 1E-2E. The consistency between measurements of these time points was studied by the inter-class correlation coefficient (ICC), a two-way mixed model. The gender differences of the parameters were analyzed with independent samples t-test. Results: According to repeated test results of all parameters obtained for the/ɛ/vowel for both sexes and the/i/vowel for men only, ICC values were statistically significant at levels ranging from moderate to excellent. In addition, when closed and open phase data were examined, values of all vowels did not differ according to gender during phonations. The frequency periodicity parameter of/ʌ/,/ɛ/and/i/vowels differs statistically significant in this respect. When the averages were examined, it was found that the measurements of women were higher than those of men in all parameters where significant differences were found. Conclusion: As a result of repeated measurements with EGG, regardless of the recording time, measurements of the/ɛ/vowel showed more reliable results compared to other vowels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTEs) helps to change the acoustic vocal tract impedance in relation to the glottal impedance, improving voice quality. SOVTE has been divided into two groups: steady and fluctuating SOVTEs based on their source of vibration and acoustic characteristics. Aims: The aim of the study was to examine and compare the difference between steady and fluctuating SOVTE with phonation of/a/and/E/on electroglottography and F1–F0 analysis. Settings and Design: Survey design. Study Type: Consort type of study. Materials and Methods: Hundred male participants within the age range of 18–25 years were selected for the study. All the participants were asked to phonate (a) and (E) vowels at a constant pitch for at least 3 s, then all samples were recorded. Assessment of contact quotient percentage value in electroglottography and PRAAT software were used for F1–F0 analysis. Data processing was done on Excel spreadsheet and scoring was processed by SPSS software. Statistical analysis used: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS Statistics was used for statistical analysis. Results: Mean ± standard deviation and one-way ANOVA revealed that the significant difference was obtained at P < 0.05 in between the steady and fluctuating SOVTEs with phonation of/a/and/E/on EGG parameter and acoustic measure (F1–F0). Conclusions: The study suggested that contact quotient percentage and F1–FO (Hz) value in phonation of/E/are more than/a/. It indicates that phonation of/E/with SOVTEs has more effective in voice disorders than the phonation of/a/and that can be beneficial for treatment of organic voice disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern society there is an increased need for verbal communication in many professional categories, in which the voice must be clear, aesthetic and adequately strong. A functionally appropriate voice is estimated to be essential for about one third of current jobs. Nowadays, human communication has acquired impressive social dimensions, with the current technology providing the necessary means of communication, and man generating the message. Phoniatry manages the quality of the verbal transmission. Vocal disorders influence the daily activity of patients, having an impact on their quality of life. In order to identify these conditions as effectively as possible, the authors aim to review the main methods of evaluation and diagnosis of vocal pathology, insisting on their importance and interdependence. For the exact determination of anatomical changes of the vocal folds and for the therapeutic management, laryngeal videoendoscopic examination and videostroboscopy are indispensable. Electroglotography is a diagnostic method complementary to endoscopic techniques, but by no means a substitute. Acoustic examination methods such as computer-assisted techniques for recording complex vocal sounds and analyzing their spectral composition have reached a practicable level that allows their use in the medical offices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disorders of voice can limit an individual's participation and impair social interaction, thus affecting overall quality of life. Perceptual and objective evaluations can provide the clinician with detailed information regarding voice disorders. Methods: This study comprised 40 subjects aged 34–46 years, 20 of whom (10 male, 10 female) had unilateral vocal fold palsy. Data were obtained for all participants from: the Voice Handicap Index, the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia and strain ('GRBAS') scale, acoustic voice analysis, electroglottography, and voice range profiles. Results: The voice evaluations revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences between the controls and study group, both in males and females, pre- and post-therapy. Conclusion: Despite the normalisation of vocal parameters, acoustic, perceptual and self-rated assessments revealed statistically significant differences after therapy. Hence, acoustic measures, namely electroglottographic perturbation, and voice frequency and intensity range, are recommended prior to termination of therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vocal fold nodules are usually caused by voice overuse or vocal hyperfunction, and their symptoms include persistent hoarseness – a disturbance in the vocal fold vibrations which results in a turbulent passage of air in the glottis, manifested as a raspy, rough voice. The aim of the study was to present data concerning voice quality in patients with vocal nodules and to compare electroglottographic analysis (EGG) with acoustic analysis. The study examined 57 children with vocal fold nodules (Group 1). Each patient underwent a phoniatric evaluation of the vocal tract, a videolaryngoscopic examination, and a voice quality assessment, employing electroglottographic and acoustic analyses. The control group consisted of 37 healthy children (Group 2). The following parameters were analyzed: Closed Quotient (EGG signal), Peak Slope, Normalized Amplitude Quotient and Cepstral Peak Prominence (acoustic signal - waveform). Changes in the EGG signal could be detected in 95% of the patients with vocal nodules, indicating the occurrence of vocal nodules and glottal insufficiency. The acoustic analysis confirmed breathy phonation in 63% of the patients. The Closed Quotient parameter proved to be more effective than Peak Slope. Closed Quotient, Peak Slope and Normalized Amplitude Quotient allowed for the differentiation of the EGG signal and the acoustic signal in groups 1 and 2 in a statistically significant way. The results of electroglottographic and acoustic analysis show incorrect voice parameters in patients with vocal nodules with reference to the control group. At the same time, the EGG analysis proved to be more effective than the analysis of the acoustic signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The diagnostic procedure of phonation is dominated by subjective assessment tools. It seems reasonable to seek methods of quantitative glottal cycle assessment. Objective: The aim of our study was the analysis of open quotients (OQ) of the glottis. Methods: One hundred and twenty-four people were included in the study. Methodology was based on tools available in everyday phoniatrics practice – laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS) and electroglottography (EGG). There were statistically significant differences between control and studied group. Vocal fold polyps, nodules and edema influence glottal function in a different manner, what can be illustrated by objective glottal function parameters. Establishing Videostroboscopic Open Quotient values from three parts of glottis and Electroglottographic Quasi Open Quotient (QOQ) value, can help in dividing patients with benign lesions of vocal folds according to the type of disease. Results and conclusions: Measurement of the open quotient from three parts of the glottis helps to differentially diagnose and localize glottal vocal fold lesions. Videostroboscopic Open Quotient and Electroglottographic QOQ values can be used to quantify the glottal cycle. Videostroboscopic Open Quotient, Electroglottographic QOQ and their ratio varies depending on the type of organic dysphonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between lung volume (LV) conditions and vocal fold vibratory patterns using measurements of closed quotient (CQ), fundamental frequency (F0) and relative vocal intensity. Forty-three healthy and vocally untrained females were asked to produce the vowel /a/ following breathing instructions that cued for higher, habitual, or lower LV conditions. Closed quotient was measured by electroglottography (EGG) and analyzed using criterion-level method of 25%. An average of CQ, F0 and relative vocal intensity were obtained. No significant difference was observed in CQ between cued LV conditions; however, there was a trend for CQ to increase in the cued high LV condition. Relative vocal intensity and F0 differed significantly across all conditions with higher F0 and relative vocal intensity observed at the high LV condition. These findings suggested that the use of different cued LVs did not have a significant impact on CQ. This may have been due to (1) the phonatory task, (2) variability in responses to the breathing instructions between individuals, and (3) the measurement of CQ. However, F0 and relative vocal intensity were significantly influenced by the LV. This offers a possible alternative approach in cueing pitch and loudness in singing and voice therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Electroglottography (EGG) is the most commonly used method of indirect visual examination of vocal fold vibration.Aim: The study was conducted with an aim of assessing EGG quasi open quotient (QOQEGG) in different functional dysphonias to develop a differential diagnosis. The second aim was to check the influence of articulation on QOQEGG values.Material and methods: There were 20 people without voice problems, 20 patients with hypofunctional dysphonia and 20 patients with hyperfunctional dysphonia included in the study. Electroglottography was recorded during comfortable sustained phonation of [a], [e], [i], [o], [u].Results: There were no statistically significant differences in QOQEGG observed during phonation of different vowels in the control group and patients with hyperfunctional dysphonia. In patients with hypofunctional dysphonia, significantly higher values of QOQEGG were observed during [a] and [e]. Both in the control and in studied groups vowel [i] was vocalized significantly quieter.Conclusions: To conclude, EGG can be useful in differential diagnosis of functional dysphonia. QOQEGG is a parameter differentiating hypofunctional dysphonia from hyperfunctional dysphonia. Dissimilarities in articulation of different vowels in patients with various types of dysphonia influence values of QOQEGG. EGG study protocol in cases of functional dysphonia should include a comparison of [a], [e], [i] vowels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dysarthrophonia is often reported by hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) patients with SPG11 mutations but it has been poorly investigated.Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate dysarthrophonia in SPG11 patients using quantitative measures. The voice/speech of two patients and a non-affected mutation carrier was recorded and analyzed using electroglottography (EGG) and speech acoustics.Results: Dysarthrophonia showed a higher standard deviation of the average fundamental frequency, a three to eight times higher jitter, a 80-110 Hz higher mean fundamental frequency, and a two times higher fundamental frequency range. Diadochokinesis showed a pattern of a two to three times increase in the mean duration of the release burst of the phonemes /p/, /t/, /k/ as well as a 1.5 time increase in the mean vowel duration of the syllables /pa/, /ta/, /ka/.Conclusion: Non-invasive physiological methods (EGG and speech acoustics) offer essential tools for the assessment of dysarthrophonia in SPG11 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysarthrophonia is a predominant symptom in many neurological diseases, affecting the quality of life of the patients. In this study, we produced a discriminant function equation that can differentiate MS patients from healthy controls, using electroglottographic variables not analyzed in a previous study. We applied stepwise linear discriminant function analysis in order to produce a function and score derived from electroglottographic variables extracted from a previous study. The derived discriminant function's statistical significance was determined via Wilk's λ test (and the associated p value). Finally, a 2 × 2 confusion matrix was used to determine the function's predictive accuracy, whereas the cross-validated predictive accuracy is estimated via the "leave-one-out" classification process. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was used to create a linear function of continuous predictors. DFA produced the following model (Wilk's λ = 0.043, χ2 = 388.588, p < 0.0001, Tables 3 and 4): D (MS vs controls) = 0.728*DQx1 mean monologue + 0.325*CQx monologue + 0.298*DFx1 90% range monologue + 0.443*DQx1 90% range reading - 1.490*DQx1 90% range monologue. The derived discriminant score (S1) was used subsequently in order to form the coordinates of a ROC curve. Thus, a cutoff score of - 0.788 for S1 corresponded to a perfect classification (100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, p = 1.67e-22). Consistent with previous findings, electroglottographic evaluation represents an easy to implement and potentially important assessment in MS patients, achieving adequate classification accuracy. Further evaluation is needed to determine its use as a biomarker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The objective was to study the behavior of the larynx during shouted voice production, when the larynx is exposed to extremely high subglottic pressure. Materials and methods: The study involved electroglottographic, acoustic, and aerodynamic analyses of shouts produced at maximum effort by three male participants. Results and discussion: Under a normal speaking voice, the voice sound pressure level (SPL) is proportional to the subglottic pressure. However, when the subglottic pressure reached high levels, the voice SPL reached a maximum value and then decreased as subglottic pressure increased further. Furthermore, the electroglottographic signal sometimes lost its periodicity during the shout, suggesting irregular vocal fold vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolaryngography (Lx) and electroglottography (EGG) are noninvasive methods used to assess human vocal fold vibration and investigate speech and singing. This paper provides a systematic review of evidencebased studies using Lx/EGG in the analysis of the singing voice, identifying and critically appraising the thematic content and the research methodologies of the relevant investigations. Lx/EGG represents a powerful tool for the analysis of the singing voice in medical settings, and in support of research and teaching. Current research in this area is paving the way toward a better comprehension of singing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines age-related differences in voice quality between 15 young and 15 old speakers, using electroglottographic (EGG) recordings of three elicitation types: sustained vowels, hVd word lists, and readings of the Rainbow Passage. For each elicitation type, fundamental frequency (F0), contact quotient (Qx), and their standard deviations are analysed. Results found, for all three elicitations, that Qx was significantly lower for older speakers. F0 was higher for the older speakers, but this was only significant for the hVd word lists. Sustained vowels were used to examine the effect of target pitch and loudness on F0 and Qx. Both Qx and F0 were raised with increased target loudness. The hVd word lists were used to examine the phonetic effects of different vowels. Lip rounded vowels had higher Qx than non-lip rounded vowels. Readings of the Rainbow Passage encompassed prosodic and phonetic variations in F0 and Qx, in addition to voice quality. F0 and Qx contours of the hVd word lists and the vowel/ei/taken from the Rainbow Passage were analysed using the discrete cosine transform. The hVd frame produced coarticulation effects on the Qx contour, but no such effects were evident for the vowel /ei/. The study concluded that using multiple elicitation types is beneficial in the study of the effect of age on the voice, and that analysing contour tracks for F0 and Qx will allow further examination of how prosodic and phonetic effects interact with age-related changes in voice quality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Speech and voice symptomatology (dysarthrophonia) are often reported by patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). However, they have been poorly investigated despite their significant impact on quality of life. Quantitative methods for the assessment of dysarthrοphonia could facilitate the evaluation of these common MG symptoms. The goal of this study was to investigate the phonatory (sustained phonation and reading) and speech (diadochokinesis) function in MG patients using quantitative measures. The voice/speech of 12 MG patients (7 with anti-AchR and 5 with anti-MuSK antibodies) and 24 age-matched healthy controls was recorded and analyzed using electroglottography (EGG) and speech acoustics. For the analysis of voice, the variables that were found to distinguish MG patients compared to healthy controls were a higher average fundamental frequency ( P < 0.05), a higher standard deviation of the average fundamental frequency ( P < 0.001), a higher mean fundamental frequency of the vibrating vocal folds ( P < 0.005) and a higher fundamental frequency range ( P < 0.005). The analysis of diadochokinesis showed that MG patients had a higher mean duration of the silent interval between a series of repetitive /pa/ syllables ( P < 0.05), of the sound /t/ ( P = 0.05) and of the silent interval between a series of repetitive /ka/syllables ( P < 0.05). No statistical differences were found in any of these variables between the MG subgroups with anti-AchR or anti-MuSK antibodies. This study demonstrates that non-invasive physiological methods (EGG and speech acoustics) offer essential tools for the assessment of dysarthrophonia in MG patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pompe disease is a progressive metabolic myopathy. Disease progression is characterized, among other features, by progressive dysfunction of the voice apparatus. The aim of this study was to employ electroglottographic, acoustic and nasalance measurement methods on patients with late-onset Pompe disease in order to provide detailed information on the effect of the disease on voice quality. Voice quality is the key factor for estimating the effectiveness of ERT in late-onset Pompe disease. The study compared clinical phoniatric examination with electroglottographic, acoustic and nasalance measurement methods. The consistency of the aforementioned analyses was assessed.Methods: The study examined 19 patients with late-onset Pompe disease (including 9 with the juvenile form of the disease). Of these, a total of 17 patients underwent otolaryngological examination with detailed phoniatric evaluation of their articulatory organs. Electroglottographic recordings and nasalance measurements (using the nasalance Separator Handle) were obtained from all patients. MATLAB (COVAREP toolkit) was used to analyse voice recording data.Results: Dysphonia observed in patients with late-onset Pompe disease is mainly caused by dysfunction of vocal fold closure and weakness of vocal muscle. However, substantial speech nasality is caused by insufficient closure of the soft palate. Electroglottographic signal analysis, acoustic and nasalance testing methods indicated that more significant changes in the function of the voice apparatus presented in the juvenile form than in the adult form of late-onset Pompe disease.Conclusions: It was found that speech nasality and electroglottographic tests are more repeatable, comparable and versatile than phoniatric examination, allowing for earlier detection of voice pathology in late-onset Pompe disease. These sensitive and non-invasive acoustic and electroglottographic methods allow for the tracking of changes in voice as patients undergo treatment or as the disease progresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phonation into glass tubes (‘resonance tubes’), keeping the free end of the tube in water, has been a frequently used voice therapy method in Finland and more recently also in other countries. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate what effects tube phonation with and without water has on the larynx. Two participants were included in the study. The methods used were high-speed imaging, electroglottographic observations of vocal fold vibrations, and measurements of oral pressure during tube phonation. Results showed that the fluctuation in the back pressure during tube phonation in water altered the vocal fold vibrations. In the high-speed imaging, effects were found in the open quotient and amplitude variation of the glottal opening. The open quotient increased with increasing water depth (from 2 cm to 6 cm). A modulation effect by the water bubbles on the vocal fold vibrations was seen both in the high-speed glottal area tracings and in the electroglottography signal. A second experiment revealed that the increased average oral pressure was largely determined by the water depth. The increased open quotient can possibly be explained by an increased abduction of the vocal folds and/or a reduced transglottal pressure. The back pressure of the bubbles also modulates glottal vibrations with a possible ‘massage’ effect on the vocal folds. This effect and the well-defined average pressure increase due to the known water depth are different from those of other methods using a semi-occluded vocal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The speech signal emitted by humans may be a source of useful diagnostic and prognostic information. The spectrum character of speech wave is connected with the fundamental frequency (F0) of human vocal folds vibration. As it is considered, F0 of the source during voicing contains an abundance of information on the larynx pathology, individual trait, the emotional state and ethnographic origin of speaker. The paper presents is the next, consecutive stage of author's research, concerning simultaneous measurement of fundamental frequency of vocal fold vibration by the electroglottography (EGG) and with the acoustic methods for both pathological and normal speech signals. The analysis of the glottogram function exactitude, its parametrization and the usefulness of these methods were executed too. The study has been carried out in cooperation with Otolaryngology Clinic in 5th Military Hospital with Policlinic in Krakow and the Chair and Clinic of Otolaryngology Collegium Medicum of Jagiellonian University in Krakow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the possible differential effects of 8 different semi-occluded vocal tract exercises on glottal contact quotient (CQ) as a measure of vocal fold impact stress. Patients and Methods: Eighty participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group with hyperfunctional dysphonia and a control group of vocally healthy subjects. The participants were recorded before, during and after the exercises. Electroglottographic samples were analyzed to obtain CQ. Results: For the experimental group, all exercises, except lip trills and tongue trills, had an overall significant effect when conditions before, during and after the exercises were compared. The CQ presented differently across the 8 semi-occluded postures during exercise for both groups. For the experimental group, most exercises increased the CQ during practice. Only lip and tongue trills demonstrated lower CQ during exercise. Conclusions: Different semi-occluded exercises differentially affect vocal fold adduction. Lip and tongue trills produced the lowest CQ. Therefore, they may be recommended for decreasing glottal adduction. A straw submerged 10 cm below the water surface presented the greatest CQ. A shallower depth led to a lower CQ, while deeper submersion produced a higher CQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sulcus vocalis is a condition of true vocal folds presenting as a linear furrow on the mucosal lining, lengthening toward the entire vibratory surface. Differential diagnosis between physiologic and pathologic sulcus vocalis has traditionally been based upon videostroboscopy that does not conclusively differentiate between the two. Hence, the present study was intended to utilize the electroglottograph (EGG), a routinely utilized voice evaluation tool to track morphological vibratory patterns in these conditions aiding in differential diagnosis. Method: A total of 40 individuals diagnosed as physiologic (17) and pathologic sulcus (23) based on stroboscopic examinations and history details were recruited as the participants for the study and were made to undergo the EGG procedure. Results: The majority of the participants with physiologic sulcus, obtained normal wave morphology barring four participants who demonstrated deviant patterns. In cases of pathologic sulcus, varied wave patterns obtained were prolonged open phase, pit such as undulation in closed phase, abrupt closing phase, and reduced amplitude waveform. Conclusions: The current study enhances the utility of EGG in cases of sulcus and its types (physiologic and pathologic sulcus) by revealing distinct waveform patterns in each and thereby aiding differential diagnosis too. These results from EGG are much relevant to voice clinicians especially in conditions where other evaluation tools are restricted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the clinic value of the vocal acoustics on voice evaluation in larynx leukoplakia patients. Methods Dr. Speech software was used to perform voice acoustic analysis and deduce EGG parameters in 48 subjects with larynx leukoplakia and 50 normal subjects. Voice acoustic analysis parameters (Jitter, Shimmer, NNE, HNR, SNR, MPT), EGG parameters ( EGG-Jitter、EGG-Shimmer、EGG-NNE、EGG-HNR、EGG-SNR, CQP,CIP) and EGG waveform were compared between two groups. Results For voice acoustic analysis, Jitter, Shimmer, NNE in larynx leukoplakia group were higher than those in normal group while HNR, SNR in larynx leukoplakia group were lower than those of normal group. What's more，MPT in larynx leukoplakia group was obviously shorter than that in normal group with, statistically significant difference (P＜0.05). For EGG analysis, EGG-Jitter, EGG-Shimmer, EGG-NNE were higher in larynx leukoplakia group than those in normal group with significant difference (P＜0.05). EGG-HNR and EGG-SNR in larynx leukoplakia group were lower than those in normal group. Furthermore, CQP and CIP in larynx leukoplakia group were higher than those normal group with statistically significant difference (P＜0.05). Most patients' (72.9%) EGG waveform showed gradually accelerate phase velocity and fast close phase, which represent a spike-like shape. Conclusion Voice acoustic analysis combined with EGG provide objective indicators to assess degree of hoarseness, and to provide sonic evidences for prevention, recurrence, assessment and pronunciation correction of the larynx leukoplakia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vocal changes in emotional situations may identify contributing factors in behavioral voice disorders and direct more efficient therapies. Finding appropriate measures of voicing that detect emotional conditions is a first step in this line of investigation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether electroglottography (EGG) contact quotient is a viable measure to detect vocal changes in different emotion states. Vocal responses in 18 vocally healthy participants were measured using EGG contact quotient during picture viewing from the International Affective Picture System. Results demonstrated that in negative emotional conditions participants employed significantly greater EGG contact quotient than in neutral or positive conditions. EGG contact quotient appears to be a viable measure to investigate voice and emotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has suggested that the peaks in the first derivative (dEGG) of the electroglottographic (EGG) signal are good approximate indicators of the events of glottal opening and closing. These findings were based on high-speed video (HSV) recordings with frame rates 10 times lower than the sampling frequencies of the corresponding EGG data. The present study attempts to corroborate these previous findings, utilizing super-HSV recordings. The HSV and EGG recordings (sampled at 27 and 44 kHz, respectively) of an excised canine larynx phonation were synchronized by an external TTL signal to within 0.037 ms. Data were analyzed by means of glottovibrograms, digital kymograms, the glottal area waveform and the vocal fold contact length (VFCL), a new parameter representing the time-varying degree of 'zippering' closure along the anterior-posterior (A-P) glottal axis. The temporal offsets between glottal events (depicted in the HSV recordings) and dEGG peaks in the opening and closing phase of glottal vibration ranged from 0.02 to 0.61 ms, amounting to 0.24-10.88% of the respective glottal cycle durations. All dEGG double peaks coincided with vibratory A-P phase differences. In two out of the three analyzed video sequences, peaks in the first derivative of the VFCL coincided with dEGG peaks, again co-occurring with A-P phase differences. The findings suggest that dEGG peaks do not always coincide with the events of glottal closure and initial opening. Vocal fold contacting and de-contacting do not occur at infinitesimally small instants of time, but extend over a certain interval, particularly under the influence of A-P phase differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has suggested that the peaks in the first derivative (dEGG) of the electroglottographic (EGG) signal are good approximate indicators of the events of glottal opening and closing. These findings were based on high-speed video (HSV) recordings with frame rates 10 times lower than the sampling frequencies of the corresponding EGG data. The present study attempts to corroborate these previous findings, utilizing super-HSV recordings. The HSV and EGG recordings (sampled at 27 and 44 kHz, respectively) of an excised canine larynx phonation were synchronized by an external TTL signal to within 0.037 ms. Data were analyzed by means of glottovibrograms, digital kymograms, the glottal area waveform and the vocal fold contact length (VFCL), a new parameter representing the time-varying degree of 'zippering' closure along the anterior-posterior (A-P) glottal axis. The temporal offsets between glottal events (depicted in the HSV recordings) and dEGG peaks in the opening and closing phase of glottal vibration ranged from 0.02 to 0.61 ms, amounting to 0.24-10.88% of the respective glottal cycle durations. All dEGG double peaks coincided with vibratory A-P phase differences. In two out of the three analyzed video sequences, peaks in the first derivative of the VFCL coincided with dEGG peaks, again co-occurring with A-P phase differences. The findings suggest that dEGG peaks do not always coincide with the events of glottal closure and initial opening. Vocal fold contacting and de-contacting do not occur at infinitesimally small instants of time, but extend over a certain interval, particularly under the influence of A-P phase differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deleterious effects of smoking on laryngeal mucosa are indisputable. Smoking not only causes histologic (microscopic) alterations in the vocal fold epithelium but also affect the acoustic property of voice. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of smoking on the laryngeal structures and phonatory physiology via videostroboscopy, acoustic voice analysis and electroglottography. Cross-sectional and observational study was carried out in Department of ENT, Pt. J. N. M. Medical College, Raipur, in 100 male volunteers (50 smokers and 50 nonsmokers) between the ages of 18 and 60 years with no voice complaints. All subjects were analyzed for detailed history and underwent videostroboscopic, acoustic voice analysis and electroglottographic examination. Videostroboscopic examination results showed significant relationships between smoking and abnormal vocal fold edge, abnormal texture, edema, erythema, abnormal mucosal cover, abnormal phase symmetry and abnormal pliability/stiffness. Voice analysis showed that smoking has a clear effect on some acoustic voice and electroglottographic parameters. The parameters most commonly affected by smoking are fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, shimmer, F0 tremor, normalized noise energy, signal noise ratio, maximum phonation time (MPT), s/z ratio, opening rate and closing rate. The results indicate that smoking has a significant effect on laryngeal structures and phonatory physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contact quotient (CQ), measured by electroglottogram (EGG), is a ratio which illustrates the duration of vocal fold contact during one vocal fold period. In the present study CQEGG was calculated from a sustained vowel phonation in three different phonation types (breathy, normal, pressed) at three amplitude threshold levels (25%, 35%, 50%). CQEGG values were compared with experts' perceptual evaluation of the firmness of phonation. The contact time of the vocal folds differed significantly between the different phonation types at all threshold levels ( P < 0.01). Perceptual evaluation correlated best with CQEGG at threshold levels 25% and 35%. The results of the linear regression model suggested that by using threshold level 25% the effect of F0 and SPL on CQEGG were not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The use of high-speed videoendoscopy (HSV) for the assessment of vocal-fold vibrations dictates the development of efficient techniques for glottal image segmentation. We present a new glottal segmentation method using a local-based active contour framework. The use of local-based features and the exploitation of the vibratory pattern allows for dealing effectively with image noise and cases where the glottal area consists of multiple regions. A scheme for precise glottis localization is introduced, which facilitates the segmentation procedure. The method has been tested on a database of 60 HSV recordings. Comparisons with manual verification resulted in less than 1% difference on the average glottal area. These errors mainly come from detection failure in the posterior or anterior parts of the glottal area. Comparisons with automatic threshold-based glottal detection point out the necessity of complete frameworks for automatic detection. The glottovibrogram (GVG), a representation of glottal vibration is also presented. This easily readable representation depicts the time-varying distance of the vocal-fold edges. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To investigate the usefulness of electroglottography (EGG) parameters in the diagnosis and estimation of efficacy of voice therapy for muscle tension dysphonia (MTD). Patients and Methods: Nineteen MTD participants, an equivalent number of dysphonic ('organic') patients with vocal fold lesions and as many normal speakers were enrolled. Acoustic (Ac) and EGG signals during sustained phonation were recorded simultaneously. The period and amplitude perturbation quotient of both signals, the closed quotient (CQ) of EGG signals (mean CQ) and its standard deviation (CQSD) were calculated, and subsequently compared among the three groups. These parameters in the MTD group were compared before and after voice therapy. Results: The perturbation measures of both signals in the MTD group were either as high as or significantly higher than those in the organic group or the control group, respectively. Both the Ac and EGG parameters after therapy significantly decreased. The CQSD, but not mean CQ, also decreased after therapy. Conclusion: EGG parameters related to the regularity of vocal fold vibration, but not to the degree of vocal fold contact (mean CQ), are useful for the diagnosis and estimation of voice therapy outcome in MTD. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined efficacy of the innate immune defence via the mannose binding lectin (MBL) in a cohort of 55 dystonic patients prospectively referred to the clinic with laryngeal mucosal complaints, who were placed on local steroids (budesonid inhaler, 400 μg 2 times daily) and antihistamines (fexofenadin 180 mg mostly 3 times daily) with adjuvant lifestyle corrections. Treatment efficacy of the larynx was assessed based on mucosal findings of the vocal folds examined with phonatory function studies (PhFS) comprising simultaneous high-speed digital images, kymography, electroglottography and voice acoustics combined with a visual score of arytenoids oedema, as these measures are indicative of the magnitude of laryngitis. Lactose and gluten intolerance and immunological analyses of the innate system were made systematically. Results showed that the genetic aspects of immunology did not reveal a role for the innate immune system, represented by the MBL. But an unexpected positive effect of the larynx treatment on dystonia symptoms was found evidenced by reduction of dystonic complaints and more normative results of PhFS, and a reduction of oedema of the inter arytenoids region. Symptoms relieve and better quality of life was observed on follow-up for the dystonia complaints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate voice changes as they develop over time due to cigarette smoking, women who never smoked (NS), women who smoked less than 10 years (S1), and women who smoked 10 or more years (S2) were compared. Acoustic (fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, signal-to-noise ratio), electroglottographic (open, closing, and speed quotients), aerodynamic (subglottal pressure, airflow, laryngeal airway resistance), and perceptual measures were obtained. Fundamental frequency and open quotient significantly decreased and speed quotient significantly increased in S1 and S2; jitter and shimmer significantly increased in S2 only. NS were perceived as non-smokers more reliably than S1 and S2 as smokers. Fundamental frequency, open quotient, and speed quotient were the most sensitive indicators of smoking effects on the female voice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysarthria and phonatory symptomatology are often reported by patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), but have been poorly investigated, although related to life quality. The objective of the study was to investigate the phonatory function in MS patients using objective measures. The speech of 64 MS patients and 64 pair-matched controls was recorded and analyzed using electroglottography, a physiological method that measures the electrical conductance during the opening and closing phases of the vibrating vocal folds. Electroglottographic parameters were correlated with clinical and MRI features. Most of the variables that have been used for the analysis of voice (vocal jitter P = 0.041, standard deviation of the average fundamental frequency P = 0.018, and the mean fundamental frequency of the vibrating vocal folds P = 0.025) differentiated the MS group from the control group. Phonatory function is impaired in MS patients, and physiological methods, such as electroglottography, are useful tools to assess it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe their use of electrolaryngographic (ELG) analysis in four clinical cases: vocal fold lesions (one case); two cases of disordered mobility; and a case with vocal fold structural anomalies. The value of ELG-based analysis is shown both in the description of the pathologies and in the evaluation of the results of surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phonation threshold pressure (PTP), frequently used for characterizing vocal fold properties, is often difficult to measure. This investigation analyses the lowest pressure initiating vocal fold collision (CTP). Microphone, electroglottograph (EGG), and oral pressure signals were recorded, before and after vocal warm-up, in 15 amateur singers, repeating the syllable /pa:/ at several fundamental frequencies with gradually decreasing vocal loudness. Subglottal pressure was estimated from oral pressure during the p-occlusion, using the audio and the EGG amplitudes as criteria for PTP and CTP. The coefficient of variation was mostly lower for CTP than for PTP. Both CTP and PTP tended to be higher before than after the warm-up. The results support the conclusion that CTP is a promising parameter in investigations of vocal fold characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: A detailed understanding of clinical and voice characteristics will help to differentiate sulcus configuration and plan rational management strategies for each type. Objectives: To investigate the clinical and voice characteristics of patients with sulcus configuration of vocal folds during phonation. Patients and methods: A total of 146 patients with bilateral sulcus configuration of vocal folds were enrolled in this study. Based on videostroboscopic findings, patients were classified into three groups: physiologic sulcus configuration group (type I), pathologic sulcus configuration group, including sulcus vergeture (type II), and sulcus vocalis (type III). Voice analyses were obtained from a recorded speech sample. Results: Thirty-two patients (21.9%) were type I, 61 (41.8%) were type II, and 53 (36.3%) were type III. Different sulcus configuration groups had significantly different roughness and mean fundamental frequency. Type III was significantly different from type I and type II in grade, breathiness, mean flow rate, subglottic pressure, maximum phonation time, Jitter%, and harmonics to noise ratio. The pathologic sulcus showed distinctive features in electroglottograph waveform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impedance glottography, or electroglottography, is a noninvasive technique for monitoring the variation of the degree of contact between the vibrating vocal cords during voice production. Electrical impedance is sensed using a pair of electrodes placed on either side of the larynx, by injecting a low-level high-frequency current. A wide-band impedance detector circuit has been developed using a precision rectifier based on voltage feedback clamping amplifier and approximately linear-phase lowpass filter. The circuit can be used for obtaining electroglottogram signal for diagnosis of vocal fold disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To use an electroglottography (EGG)-based videostroboscopy tool to assess the anatomical and morphologic characteristics of the pharyngoesophageal (PE) segment in tracheoesophageal (TO) speakers. Study design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Subjects: Fifty-two post-laryngectomy patients with no recurrence and using prosthetic (Blom-Singer) speech. Intervention: An electroglottography (EGG)-based videostroboscopy tool EGG-based rigid videostroboscopy as well as perceptual evaluation. outcome Measures: Stroboscopic protocol included nine subjective/visual parameters to evaluate the neoglottis and study correlation of the G (GRBAS scale) and the overall voice quality (OVQ) with the treatment variables. Results: Of the 52 laryngectomees, videostroboscopic recordings were possible in 46 patients (36 males and 10 females) with a mean age of 63.4 ±10.5 (SD) an electroglottography (EGG)-based videostroboscopy tool years. All used the Blom-Singer valve and the median time since Total Laryngectomy was 2 years. The neoglottis was assessable in 26 patients. We were able to strobe only 9 patients. There was excellent correlation between G and OVQ (Spearman rho > 0.9). Statistically significant correlation was found between G1 and saliva (P = 0.03) and between good OVQ and saliva (P = 0.02); similarly, there was significant correlation between G1 and LVV (P = 0.05) and between good OVQ and LVV (P = 0.03). Conclusions: This study is the first to examine the use of an EGG-based stroboscopy instrument to evaluate TO speech. Our observations suggest that from the standpoint of functional voice, saliva and the LVV had statistically significant effect in determining voice quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and purpose: To measure voice outcomes following accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy for larynx cancer. Materials and methods: Twenty-five patients with T1/T2 glottic cancer underwent serial electroglottographic and acoustic analysis (sustained vowel/i/ and connected speech) before radiotherapy and 1, 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Twenty-five normal subjects served as a reference control population. Results: Pre-treatment measures were significantly worse for larynx cancer patients. Median jitter (0.23% vs 0.97%, p =0.001) and shimmer (0.62dB vs 0.98dB, p =0.05) and differences in data ranges reflected greater frequency and amplitude perturbation in the larynx cancer patients. Pre-treatment Mean Phonation Time (MPT) was significantly reduced (21s vs 14.8s, p =0.002) in larynx cancer patients. There was a trend towards improvement of jitter, shimmer and normalized noise energy at 12 months post-treatment. MPT improved but remained significantly worse than for normal subjects (21s vs 16.4s, p =0.013). Average fundamental frequency resembled normal subjects, including improvement of the measured range (91.4–244.6Hz in controls vs 100–201Hz in post-treatment larynx cancer patients). Conclusions: This non-invasive technique effectively measures post-treatment vocal function in larynx cancer patients. This study demonstrated improvement of many key parameters that influence voice function over 12 months after radiotherapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Twenty-seven total laryngectomy patients (19 males and 8 females) and 18 normal control subjects (10 males and 8 females) were subjected to electroglottography-based single voice recordings using sustained vowels and connected speech. The results showed poorer values and larger variability for all the voice measures for the total laryngectomy patients (TO speech) as compared to that of normal subjects. There were statistically significant differences (p<0.05) for all study parameters between the TO and normal speech. This study shows that robust and reliable data can be obtained using electroglottography in laryngectomees with both a sustained vowel and connected speech. Using these parameters, TO speech is significantly different from normal speech and is highly variable. This methodology has enormous potential for further investigations in laryngectomees and other patients with head and neck cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To conduct prospective electroglottographic analyses of voice outcomes after radical chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced laryngopharyngeal cancers and to compare them with patients who have undergone total laryngectomy (TL). Patients and Methods: Twenty-one patients (19 male, 2 female, median age [range] 65 [50–85] years) with Stage III/IV laryngopharyngeal cancer received induction chemotherapy followed by radical chemoradiotherapy. Electroglottography, using the sustained vowel /i/ and connected speech, was performed before treatment and 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment. In addition, single voice recordings were taken from 21 patients (16 male, 5 female, aged 65 [50–84] years) who had undergone TL and surgical voice restoration and from 21 normal controls (18 male, 3 female, aged 65 [33–80] years). Results: Before treatment the vocal measures for the chemoradiotherapy patients were significantly different from normal controls in jitter (p = 0.02), maximum phonation time (MPT) (p = 0.001), and words per minute (WPM) (p = 0.01). At 12 months after treatment MPT and WPM had normalized, but jitter and normalized noise energy were significantly worse than in normal controls. Comparison of voice outcomes at 12 months for chemoradiotherapy patients revealed superiority over the TL group in all parameters except MPT (18.2 s vs. 10.4 s, p = 0.06). Analysis of the recovery of voice up to 12 months after treatment revealed progressive improvement in most electroglottographic measures. Conclusions: This prospective study demonstrates significantly better outcome for patients treated with chemoradiotherapy as compared with TL. Progressive normalization of many voice parameters occurs over the 12 months following chemoradiotherapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To examine the basis of emotional changes to the voice, physiological and electroglottal measures were combined with acoustic speech analysis of 30 men performing a computer task in which they lost or gained points under two levels of difficulty. Predictions of the main effects of difficulty and reward on the voice were not borne out by the data. Instead, vocal changes depended largely on interactions between gain versus loss and difficulty. The rate at which the vocal folds open and close (fundamental frequency; f 0) was higher for loss than for gain when difficulty was high, but not when difficulty was low. Electroglottal measures revealed that f 0 changes corresponded to shorter glottal open times for the loss conditions. Longer closed and shorter open phases were consistent with raised laryngeal tension in difficult loss conditions. Similarly, skin conductance indicated higher sympathetic arousal in loss than gain conditions, particularly when difficulty was high. The results provide evidence of the physiological basis of affective vocal responses, confirming the utility of measuring physiology and voice in the study of emotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results from six published electroglottographic (EGG-based) methods for calculating the EGG contact quotient (CQ EGG ) were compared to closed quotients derived from simultaneous videokymographic imaging (CQ KYM ). Two trained male singers phonated in falsetto and in chest register, with two degrees of adduction in both registers. The maximum difference between methods in the CQ EGG was 0.3 (out of 1.0). The CQ EGG was generally lower than the CQ KYM . Within subjects, the CQ EGG co-varied with the CQkym, but with changing offsets depending on method. The CQ EGG cannot be calculated for falsetto phonation with little adduction, since there is no complete glottal closure. Basic criterion-level methods with thresholds of 0.2 or 0.25 gave the best match to the CQ KYM data. The results suggest that contacting and de-contacting in the EGG might not refer to the same physical events as do the beginning and cessation of airflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Our previous findings have indicated that the thyropharyngeal muscles form a retropharyngeal prominence during alaryngeal phonation via the TE fistula. This prominence forms a so-called ‘neoglottis’, which is thought to function as the vibratory source. To better understand the mechanism of TE phonation, we analyzed the vibration of the neoglottis using electroglottography (EGG) and a high-speed digital imaging system . Patients and methods. Two volunteers who use TE phonation for their daily speech communication were subjected to this study. The vibrations of the neoglottis were recorded simultaneously as EGG and high-speed imaging with acoustic signals. Results. The vibrations of the neoglottis, recorded by means of high-speed digital imaging, were exactly synchronized with the waveforms of the acoustic signals and EGG. Conclusions. These results further confirm the neoglottis as the source of vibration during tracheoesophageal (TE) phonation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions . Reinke's edema shows a variety of clinical patterns and differences in voice analysis depending on its type. Electroglottographic measurements help to objectively assess the severity of edema and voice quality before and after surgery. Objectives . Reinke's edema manifests various clinical findings and different voice characteristics depending on the degree of swelling and the severity of voice impairment. The aim of this study was to compare the aerodynamic, acoustic and electroglottographic parameters for the different types of Reinke's edema according to its morphological, perceptual and histopathological classifications, and to assess voice quality in patients with Reinke's edema before and after laryngomicrosurgery. We also aimed to determine which parameter was most associated with the improvement in postoperative voice quality and to investigate the clinical usefulness of electroglottographic analysis in Reinke's edema. Material and methods . The clinical and voice records of 61 patients with Reinke's edema were reviewed. All the patients were classified according to stroboscopic findings (Yonekawa's classification), perceptual grade and histopathological findings. Voice analysis of the perceptual, acoustic, aerodynamic and electroglottographic measurements was carried out using various classifications, and the voices of 23 patients who underwent laryngomicrosurgery were evaluated 2 months after surgery. Furthermore, the voices of 30 normal speakers (controls) were recorded and analyzed. Results . The fundamental frequency (FxM) of Yonekawa Type III was significantly lower than those of the other types of Reinke's edema, and the SD of the FxM, the percentage irregularity of the FxM (CFx) and the percentage irregularity of the amplitude were larger than those of the other types of Reinke's edema. The closed quotient was significantly higher in Yonekawa Type III. In addition, the mean flow rate (MFR), maximum phonation time and harmonics:noise ratio (HNR) differed significantly among the different types of Reinke's edema. The postoperative results showed an increase in the FxM and an improvement in the MFR, subglottic pressure, shimmer and HNR. Correlation analysis showed that jitter, the HNR, the mean closed quotient and the irregularity of the frequency were the parameters that had the best correlation with improvement in postoperative voice quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental method for quantifying the amount of voicing over time is described in a tutorial manner. A new procedure for obtaining calibrated sound pressure levels ( SPL) of speech from a head-mounted microphone is offered. An algorithm for voicing detection ( k v ) and fundamental frequency ( F 0 ) extraction from an electroglottographic signal is described. The extracted values of SPL , F 0 , and k v are used to derive five vocal doses: the time dose (total voicing time), the cycle dose (total number of vocal fold oscillatory cycles), the distance dose (total distance travelled by the vocal folds in an oscillatory path), the energy dissipation dose (total amount of heat energy dissipated in the vocal folds) and the radiated energy dose (total acoustic energy radiated from the mouth). The doses measure the vocal load and can be used for studying the effects of vocal fold tissue exposure to vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Singing voice is a human quality that requires the precise coordination of numerous kinetic functions and results in a perceptually variable auditory outcome. The use of multi-sensor systems can facilitate the study of correlations between the vocal mechanism kinetic functions and the voice output. This is directly relevant to vocal education, rehabilitation, and prevention of vocal health issues in educators; professionals; and students of singing, music, and acting. In this work, we present the initial design of a modular multi-sensor system for singing voice analysis, and describe its first assessment experiment on the 'vocal breathiness' qualitative characteristic. A system case study with two professional singers was conducted, utilizing signals from four sensors. Participants sung a protocol of vocal trials in various degrees of intended vocal breathiness. Their (i) vocal output, (ii) phonatory function, and (iii) respiratory behavior-per-condition were recorded through a condenser microphone (CM), an Electroglottograph (EGG), and thoracic and abdominal respiratory effort transducers (RET), respectively. Participants' individual respiratory management strategies were studied through qualitative analysis of RET data. Microphone audio samples breathiness degree was rated perceptually, and correlation analysis was performed between sample ratings and parameters extracted from CM and EGG data. Smoothed Cepstral Peak Prominence (CPPS) and vocal folds' Open Quotient (OQ), as computed with the Howard method (HOQ), demonstrated the higher correlation coefficients, when analyzed individually. DECOM method-computed OQ (DOQ) was also examined. Interestingly, the correlation coefficient of pitch difference between estimates from CM and EGG signals appeared to be (based on the Pearson correlation coefficient) statistically insignificant (a result that warrants investigation in larger populations). The study of multi-variate models revealed even higher correlation coefficients. Models studied were the Acoustic Breathiness Index (ABI) and the proposed multiple regression model CDH (CPPS, DOQ, and HOQ), which was attempted in order to combine analysis results from microphone and EGG signals. The model combination of ABI and the proposed CDH appeared to yield the highest correlation with perceptual breathiness ratings. Study results suggest potential for the use of a completed system version in vocal pedagogy and research, as the case study indicated system practicality, a number of pertinent correlations, and introduced topics with further research possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voice endurance tests are often used to evaluate vocal fatigue or to test the suitability of an individual for voice demands. It is assumed that these tests help to identify subjects with laryngeal or vocal fatigue out of a population of persons with complaints of discomfort in the throat, recurrent hoarseness and decreased voice power. In this study we evaluated the Voice Interval Test with respect to its discriminative power by comparison of voice performances in 20 patients with a history of vocal fatigue with that in 12 healthy subjects. Voice performance was studied during the Voice Interval Test as well as during regular use of the voice on a working day by electroglottography (EGG), acoustic analysis and a self-rating scale for pain and fatigue. Despite the number of tests the data did not reveal any significant difference between the patients and the healthy subjects. Voice fatigue could therefore not be identified and the clinical relevance of the Voice Interval Test appears to be questionable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a metabolic myopathy disorder characterized by progressive muscle damage and among others dysfunction of the voice apparatus, which affects speech and - above all - voice quality. Symptoms include dysphonia, instability, glottic insufficiency, and tense voice. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare voice quality disorder in a group of 15 LOPD patients who were first examined in 2014 and then re-examined in 2017.Methods: In both 2014 and 2017, the same 15 LOPD patients, ranging in age from 15 to 57, from 10 different families, underwent the following examinations: perceptual assessment of voice quality on the RBH scale, electroglottographic recordings, and acoustic recordings. All the patients were on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT).Results: Three years after the 2014 study, the LOPD patients demonstrated a deterioration in voice quality. A statistically significant increase in glottic insufficiency (p = 0.0399) and a shift towards tense voice (p = 0.0417) were observed. Two patients - out of three who had received presymptomatic treatment - demonstrated stable voice quality compared with 2014.Conclusions: The results suggest increased muscle weakness and progression of LOPD. The parameters Closed Quotient (calculated on the basis of an electroglottographic signal) and Peak Slope (calculated on the basis of an acoustic signal) proved to be the most sensitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to determine how electroglottographic measures change with voice recovery in women with vocal fold palsy compared with healthy speakers, and which coefficient best represents dysphonia. An electroglottograph with speech studio 1.04 software was used to record and analyse the data. Electroglottographic data were collected from 22 female patients and 16 healthy female speakers. Our findings show that the mean values of open quotient (OpQ), closing quotient (ClQ), % Irregularity and contact quotient (Qx) differ between the groups of patients and controls. % Irregularity, Qx and OpQ significantly correlated with the perceptual degree of dysphonia. Electroglottographic recordings can objectify dysphonia in patients with vocal fold palsy. Electroglottography is a suitable non-invasive tool for tracking the patients' long-term progress. % Irregularity best represents the vocal fold dysfunction in patients with a vocal fold palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]