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Voice-to-MIDI real-time conversion is a challenging problem that comes with a series of obstacles and complications. The main issue is the tracking of the human voice pitch. Extracting the voice fundamental frequency can be inaccurate and highly computationally exacting due to the spectral complexity of voice signals. In addition, on account of microphone usage, the presence of environmental noise can further affect voice processing. An analysis of the current research and status of the market shows a plethora of voice-to-MIDI implementations revolving around the processing of audio signals deriving from microphones. This paper addresses the above-mentioned issues by implementing a novel experimental method where electroglottography is employed instead of microphones as a source for pitch-tracking. In the proposed system, the signal is processed and converted through an embedded hardware device. The use of electroglottography improves both the accuracy of pitch evaluation and the ease of voice information processing; firstly, it provides a direct measurement of the vocal folds' activity and, secondly, it bypasses the interferences caused by external sound sources. This allows the extraction of a simpler and cleaner signal that yields a more effective evaluation of the fundamental frequency during phonation. The proposed method delivers a faster and less computationally demanding conversion thus in turn, allowing for an efficacious real-time voice-to-MIDI conversion.

Vocal effects - also called extreme or extended vocal techniques - with the intention to sound hoarse or rough are widely used as part of many genres and styles of singing, yet scarcely documented in research. Physiological studies detail the involvement of supraglottic structures for the production of vocal effects, yet the acoustic impact of such involvement has not been documented systematically across phonation types. To report acoustic measurements and electroglottography-specific measurements for the five rough-sounding vocal effects Distortion, Growl, Grunt, Rattle, and Creaking across phonation types to demonstrate differences between notes with and without vocal effects added. Thirty-two professional singers and singing teachers produced sustained vowels in each of the four vocal modes with alternations of adding and removing the vocal effects. The singers were recorded with a microphone at a constant distance as well as with EGG. The vocal effects Distortion, Growl, Grunt, Rattle, and Creaking impact the acoustic spectra in separate and systematic ways across genders and phonation types. Each vocal effect impacted the spectrum in specific and particular frequency regions between 0 and 3.5 KHz as well as in higher partials after 12 kHz with statistical significance. EGG-waveforms were un-impacted by most of the vocal effects produced using supraglottic sound sources, whereas Grunt and Creaking conditions did impact EGG-waveform signals, though not consistently between participants. EGG measures confirmed sustained and unchanged Qx and Fx for most conditions, with statically significant changes in noise measurements Harmonic-to-Noise Ratio, Normalised Noise Energy, Relative Average Perturbation, and Cepstral Peak Prominence, despite Sound Pressure Level differing significantly only for a few specific conditions. Singers scored an average of 5,95 on Voice Handicap Index questionnaires and were all reportedly healthy. Vocal effects added to phonation produce specific increases and specific decreases in particular frequency regions in a systematic way and can be produced in a healthy and sustainable manner, as measured by Voice Handicap Index. Vocal effects can be added to different phonation types with differing acoustic output and singers were able to sustain and control involvement of the supraglottic sound source(s) independently of phonation type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroglottography (EGG) is a low-cost, noninvasive technology for measuring changes of relative vocal fold contact area during laryngeal voice production. EGG was introduced about 60 years ago and has gone through a "golden era" of increased scientific attention in the late 1980s and early 90s. During that period, four eminent review papers were written. Here, an update to these reviews is given, recapitulating some earlier landmark contributions and documenting noteworthy developments during the past 25 years. After presenting an algorithmic bibliographic analysis, some methodological aspects pertaining to measurement technology, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and respective interpretation are discussed. In particular, the interpretation of landmarks in the (first derivative of the) EGG waveform is critically examined. It is argued that because of inferior-superior and anterior-posterior phase differences of vocal fold vibration, vocal fold (de)contacting does not occur instantaneously, but over an interval of time. For this reason, instants of vocal fold closing and opening cannot be resolved exactly from the EGG signal. Consequently, any quantitative analysis parameter relying on the determination of (de)contacting events (such as the EGG contact quotient) should be interpreted with care. Finally, recent developments are reviewed for the various fields of application of EGG, including basic voice science and voice production physiology, speech signal processing and classification, clinical practice including swallowing, phonetics, hearing sciences, psychology, singing, trumpet playing, and mammalian and avian bioacoustics. Overall, EGG has over the past six decades developed into a mature technology with a wide range of applications. However, due to current limitations, the full potential of the methodology has as yet not been fully exploited. Future development may occur on three levels: (a) rigorous validation of existent measurement approaches; (b) introduction and rigorous validation of novel quantitative and interpretative approaches; and (c) advancement of the measurement technology itself. [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]

Summary Objectives The study aimed to investigate whether humming can immediately improve the regularity of vocal fold vibration on electroglottography (EGG) and laryngeal high-speed digital imaging (HSDI) in patients with organic dysphonia (OD). Methods In a series of 49 dysphonic patients who were diagnosed to have benign mass lesions in the vocal folds and an equal number of non-dysphonic speakers, perturbation parameters were calculated on the acoustic (Ac) and EGG signals during natural and humming phonation. In addition, 11 OD patients and as many non-dysphonic speakers underwent simultaneous EGG and HSDI video recording under laryngofiberscopy while performing the two tasks. The perturbation parameters of the EGG signals as well as the glottal area waveforms (GAW), which were extracted from the HSDI movies, were calculated, and the correlations between both perturbation parameters were analyzed. Results Humming achieved significant improvements in the EGG perturbation parameters in both groups. More than half of the OD patients showed decreased EGG perturbation parameters to the level of those during natural phonation in the control group. With respect to the GAW analysis, moderate correlations were observed between both period and amplitude perturbation parameters (period: r  = 0.63, amplitude: r  = 0.41). Humming decreased both GAW perturbation parameters significantly in the OD and control subjects combined. Conclusions These results demonstrate that in OD patients, humming has a potential to improve voice quality by stabilizing the vocal fold oscillation, and suggest that humming can remove the functional component in the vocal disturbance instead of the mechanical effect of the mass lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective To make a comparative analysis on the closed quotient (CQ) of the sustained vowel /e/ while fasting and nonfasting. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Methods A total of 20 male subjects were enrolled. The mean age was 30.45 ± 8.79 years with a range of 20–48 years. The mean weight while nonfasting was 79.66 ± 12.91 kg and while fasting was 78.51 ± 12.70 kg. Demographic data included age, history of smoking, and weight. All subjects were evaluated while fasting and nonfasting. All subjects underwent laryngeal electroglottography while phonating the vowel /e/ at a comfortable pitch and loudness. The mean CQ, range, and standard deviations were computed while fasting and nonfasting. The degree of phonatory effort and vocal fatigue was also reported on a scale of 0–3. Results The difference in weight while fasting and nonfasting was statistically significant ( P = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the mean CQ while fasting versus nonfasting (44.49 ± 1.15 and 44.30 ± 1.41, P = 0.94). The difference in the mean grade of phonatory effort was borderline significant ( P = 0.059) with 40% of the subjects having an increase in effort. With respect to vocal fatigue, there was an increase in the average while fasting by 0.25, which was statistically nonsignificant ( P = 0.109). Conclusions The mean CQ during sustained /e/ is not affected by fasting. The presence of increased vocal effort and vocal fatigue could be secondary either to dehydration or respiratory muscle fatigue accompanying the weight loss. [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]

The activation of the musculature of the larynx of six professional trumpeters during performance was analysed using audio, electroglottography (EGG), oxygen saturation, and heart rate signals. Two university trumpet teachers listened to the audio recordings, to evaluate the participants’ laryngeal effort during performance. Statistical analysis was performed to explore if there were any correlations between parameters extracted from the EGG data and the responses to the audio stimuli by the listeners. Two hundred and fifty (250) laryngeal articulations were identified where laryngeal raising and effort was observed during trumpet performance. It was not possible to find any correlation between the EGG data and the auditory evaluation results, but both listeners could clearly hear the laryngeal effort.

Summary: The incidence of dysphonia in healthy elderly people is high. In individuals with iatrogenic vocal-fold paresis following thyroid surgery, serious aggravation of vocal skills contributes to impaired quality of life and requires proper management. Electroglottography is a common method for providing noninvasive measurements of glottal activity, yielding reliable indicators of glottal closing instants. The purpose of the study was to determine how electroglottography measures change with voice recovery in elderly speakers with vocal-fold palsy, compared with healthy elderly individuals, and which coefficient best represents dysphonia. An electroglottograph with Speech Studio 1.04 software was used to record and analyze the data. Electroglottography data were collected from 12 patients aged 65–78 years (mean=71.3, S.D.=3.8, median=71) and 10 healthy speakers aged 65–77 years (mean=70.9, S.D.=3.9, median=72). The findings show that the distribution of values of % irregularity differs between the groups of patients and controls. % Irregularity and closing quotient significantly correlate with the perceptual degree of dysphonia. Electroglottography can objectify dysphonia in elderly patients with vocal-fold palsy and is a suitable noninvasive tool for tracking the elderly patients’ long-term progress. % Irregularity best represents the vocal-fold dysfunction in elderly patients with a vocal-fold palsy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. To compare the mean and standard deviation (SD) of the contact quotient (CQ) of the sustained vowels ([a] and [e]) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients versus controls. Study Design. Cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods. Thirty-nine subjects (24 patients and 15 controls) participated in this study. Laryngeal electroglottography was performed on all subjects while phonating the vowels [a] and [e] at a comfortable pitch and loudness. The fundamental frequency, mean CQ, SDs, and jitter were computed for both vocal tasks. Results. The mean age of the MS group was 36.25 + 10.61 years. All laryngeal examinations were normal and five patients with MS had dysphonia described as voice breaks and fatigue in connected speech. For both vowels [a] and [e], the mean closed quotients were comparable in groups, MS and control (43.90 vs 53 for [a] and 44.75 vs 43.63 for [e]) with no significant difference. When comparing five MS patients with dysphonia versus controls, for the vowel [a], the mean closed quotient was significantly lower in MS patients with dysphonia (P values of 0.043). Conclusion. The mean closed quotient for sustained vowels [a] and [e] are comparable in MS patients and healthy controls except in patients with dysphonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human voice is notoriously variable, and conventional measurement paradigms are weak in terms of providing evidence for effects of treatment and/or training of voices. New methods are needed that can take into account the variability of metrics and types of phonation across the voice range. The “voice map” is a generalization of the Voice Range Profile (a.k.a. the phonetogram), with the potential to be used in many ways, for teaching, training, therapy and research. FonaDyn is intended as a proof-of concept workbench for education and research on phonation, and for exploring and validating the analysis paradigm of voice-mapping. Version 3.1 of the FonaDyn system adds many new functions, including listening from maps; displaying multiple maps and difference maps to track effects of voice interventions; smoothing/interpolation of voice maps; clustering not only of EGG shapes but also of acoustic and EGG metrics into phonation types; extended multichannel acquisition; 24-bit recording with optional max 140 dB SPL; a built-in SPL calibration and signal diagnostics tool; EGG noise suppression; more Matlab integration; script control; the acoustic metrics Spectrum Balance, Cepstral Peak Prominence and Harmonic Richness Factor (of the EGG); and better window layout control. Stability and usability are further improved. Apple M-series processors are now supported natively.

Summary: Vocal fold oscillation patterns in vocal register transitions are still unclarified. The vocal fold oscillations and the open quotient were analyzed with high-speed digital imaging (HSDI) and electroglottography (EGG) in 18 male untrained subjects singing a glissando from modal to the falsetto register. Results reveal that the open quotient changed with register in both HSDI and EGG. The in-class correlations for different HSDI and EGG determinations of the open quotient were high. However, we found only weak interclass correlations between both methods. In 10 subjects, irregularities of vocal fold vibration occurred during the register transition. Our results confirm previous observations that falsetto register is associated with a higher open quotient compared with modal register. These data suggest furthermore that irregularities typically observed in audio and electroglottographic signals during register transitions are caused by irregularities in vocal fold vibration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: This study was designed to develop a database for the electroglottographic measurement of fundamental frequency (Fo) in normal subjects in running speech, for reference in the diagnosis and follow-up of dysphonic patients. A prospective pilot study included 20 healthy male volunteers without laryngeal disorder. Electroglottographic recordings of speaking Fo during connected speech (French) were obtained from two texts with different prosodic content. Fo histograms were sensitive to the variation of speaking Fo between both texts. Graphic representation of the range and distribution of the Fo of the speaker were designed as normalized Fo histograms with plot lines at 5th and 95th percentiles. Less than 5% variability of Fo histograms was recorded when recording more than 15 subjects. This pilot study designed a graphic display of standardized electroglottographic Fo measurements during the physiological condition of connected speech. As the degree of Fo variability depends on the phonetic contents of the text and on the language spoken, a separate histogram for normal subjects needs to be developed in each country or at least for each voice laboratory, with a standard, previously chosen text. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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.

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]

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]

Summary Background Acoustic analysis of voice (AAV) and electroglottography (EGG) have been used for assessing vocal quality in patients with voice disorders. The effectiveness of these procedures for detecting mild disturbances in vocal quality in elite vocal performers has been controversial. Objective To compare acoustic parameters obtained by AAV and EGG before and after vocal training to determine the effectiveness of these procedures for detecting vocal improvements in elite vocal performers. Materials and Methods Thirty-three elite vocal performers were studied. The study group included 14 males and 19 females, ages 18–40 years, without a history of voice disorders. Acoustic parameters were obtained through AAV and EGG before and after vocal training using the Linklater method. Results Nonsignificant differences ( P  > 0.05) were found between values of fundamental frequency ( F 0 ), shimmer, and jitter obtained by both procedures before vocal training. Mean F 0 was similar after vocal training. Jitter percentage as measured by AAV showed nonsignificant differences ( P  > 0.05) before and after vocal training. Shimmer percentage as measured by AAV demonstrated a significant reduction ( P  < 0.05) after vocal training. As measured by EGG after vocal training, shimmer and jitter were significantly reduced ( P  < 0.05); open quotient was significantly increased ( P  < 0.05); and irregularity was significantly reduced ( P  < 0.05). Conclusions AAV and EGG were effective for detecting improvements in vocal function after vocal training in male and female elite vocal performers undergoing vocal training. EGG demonstrated better efficacy for detecting improvements and provided additional parameters as compared to AAV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to present an analysis of the feasibility of voice quality prediction on the roughness, breathiness, hoarseness (RBH) scale for children with vocal nodules on the basis of both acoustic parameters and electroglottographic (EGG) examination. The first step to achieve this goal involved the creation of a dedicated database, Voice Pathology Analysis Database (VPADB), containing voice recordings from patients, the EGG signal, medical diagnosis, and the classification of voice quality on the above-mentioned scale. The database also contains data concerning the patients' age and sex. The next step involved performing statistical analyses to test the relationship between the values of objective parameters, such as peak slope and normalized amplitude quotient, and the classification of voice quality. The study made use of voice recordings of 57 patients with vocal nodules and 37 healthy individuals. The RBH classification was carried out by two independent voice specialists. It was found that speech signal parameters can be used to predict expert evaluation with regard to roughness and hoarseness.

The application of IT solutions in medicine makes it possible to develop new, more accurate, and noninvasive medical diagnostics. The aim of this study was to propose this kind of solution. It enables the accurate assessment of vocal nodules in children while measuring glottal insufficiency. The input data includes voice and electroglottographic recordings of patients' voices as well as diagnoses made by practitioners. The recordings were parameterized and used to develop a classifier to assess glottal insufficiency of vocal nodules. The classifier was designed with the help of a genetic algorithm. The diagnoses established thanks to the classifier show a 92% agreement with those reached through medical examination. Such effective performance renders the classifier a useful noninvasive screening tool. We compared our method with Deep Neural Network classifier and the Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy (CMA-ES) evolutionary algorithm. The solution that we propose offers a more accurate continuous diagnosis in comparison with the discrete diagnosis of a deep neural network as well as greater accuracy in relation to the CMA-ES algorithm. Another advantage of the proposed solution is the ease with which it can be implemented by healthcare professionals. A Visual Basic for the Applications (VBA) code for LibreOffice macro for the classifier is attached at the end of this paper.

Abstract 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.

Purpose To combine vocal tract measurements with dynamic MRI of the lungs to provide fundamental insights into the lung physiology during singing. Methods To analyze vocal fold oscillatory patterns during dynamic lung MRI, an electroglottography (EGG) system was modified to allow for simultaneous EGG measurements during MR image acquisitions. A low-pass filter was introduced to suppress residual radiofrequency (RF) coupling into the EGG signal. RF heating was tested in a gel phantom to ensure MR safety, and functionality of the EGG device was assessed in a volunteer experiment at singing frequencies from A5 to A3. In the recorded EGG signals, remaining RF interferences were removed by independent component analysis post processing, and standard EGG parameters such as fundamental frequency, contact quotient and jitter were calculated. In a second volunteer experiment, EGG recordings were compared with lung diameter measurements from 2D time-resolved trueFISP acquisitions. Results RF heating measurements resulted in less than 1.2°C temperature increase in the gel phantom. EGG parameters measured during MR imaging are within the range of ideal values. In the lung measurement, both the lung diameter and the EGG recordings could be successfully performed with only minimal interference. Conclusion EGG recording is pos sible during dynamic lung MRI, and glottal activity can be studied safely at 1.5T. Magn Reson Med 76:1629-1635, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine [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.

Summary: Objective: This investigation used synchronous high-speed videoendoscopy and electroglottography (EGG) to systematically study contact and separation behavior along the length of the vocal folds. Design: Repeated measures. Methods: Facilitated by EGG and digital kymograms derived at 20%, 35%, 50%, 65%, and 80% of the posteroanterior length of the vocal folds, the pattern of vocal-fold contact and separation was determined for seven female and seven male vocally healthy subjects while producing “breathy,” “comfortable,” and “pressed” phonations. Results: The female subjects consistently used an anterior-to-posterior contact pattern and posterior-to-anterior separation pattern when producing a breathy or comfortable voice, with several using a simultaneous pattern of contact and/or separation for pressed phonation. The male subjects showed more variable “zipperlike” separation patterns, but consistently used a simultaneous contact pattern for pressed voice that was also commonly used when producing comfortable phonation. Conclusions: Findings indicate longitudinal phase differences in vocal-fold vibration are both common and expected in vocally healthy speakers. The implications for vocal assessment, as well as for the use and interpretation of the EGG signal, are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The phonation types used in the young male role in Kunqu Opera were investigated. Two national young male role singers volunteered as the subjects. Each singer performed three voice conditions: singing, stage speech, and reading lyrics. Three electroglottogram parameters, the fundamental frequency, contact quotient, and speed quotient, were analyzed. Electroglottogram parameters were different between voice conditions. Five phonation types were found by clustering analysis in singing and stage speech: (1) breathy voice, (2) high adduction modal voice, (3) modal voice, (4) untrained falsetto, and (5) high adduction falsetto. The proportion of each phonation type was not identical in singing and stage speech. The relationship between phonation type and pitch was multiple to one in the low pitch range, and one to one in the high pitch range. The sound pressure levels were related to the phonation types. Five phonation types, instead of only the two phonation types (modal voice and falsetto) that are identified in traditional Kunqu Opera singing theory, were concomitantly used in the young male role’s artistic voices. These phonation types were more similar to those of the young female roles than to those of the other male roles in the Kunqu Opera.