The Effect of Speaking Sample Duration on Determination of Habitual Pitch

The purpose of this study was to investigate if there was an effect of duration of speaking on determination of habitual pitch. Five speaking periods commonly used to elicit habitual pitch in clinical voice evaluations were compared (1, 5, 15, 30, and 60 seconds). Thirty female speakers with normal voices participated. Results of a within-subject univariate F-test revealed a statistically significant (p < 0.001) difference in habitual pitch among the speaking periods. Habitual pitch for the 1-second and 60-second speaking periods were found to be statistically significantly (p < 0.05) different than all remaining speaking periods, and the habitual pitch for the 30-second speaking period was found to be statistically significantly (p < 0.05) different than 60-second speaking period. Implications for the use of various speaking durations when determining habitual pitch are discussed, as is the possibility of a speaking duration effect on determination of other pitch-related voice parameters.     

The effect of task on determination of habitual pitch

The purpose of this study was to investigate if there was an effect of task on determination of habitual pitch, or speaking fundamental frequency (SFF). Seven tasks commonly used to elicit habitual pitch in clinical voice evaluations were compared. Three groups of normal subjects (N = 36) were examined (adult males, adult females, and male and female prepubescent children). For the adult male (n = 12) and pediatric (n = 12) subjects, no significant effect of task was found. For the adult female (n = 12) subjects, a statistically significant (P < .001) effect of task was found. All tasks were found to have high (>0.90) test-retest reliability for all subjects. Implications of the use of one task for determination of habitual pitch are discussed, as is the possibility of a task effect on determination of other voice parameters.     

Intensity range as a function of task and training

This study examined intensity range as a function of elicitation task (reading and automatic speech sequences), musical training, and the interaction between task and musical training in 31 college students. The results indicated significant differences in loudness range by experiental task. Intensity range for the descending automatic sequence was significantly greater than that for the ascending and reading tasks. While the overall effect of musical training was nonsignificant, there was a significant interaction between task and training, with musicians having a significantly greater mean range on the ascending task. A comparison between ascending and descending tasks indicated a significant mean difference between lower limits and no significant mean difference between upper limits. The range for the reading probe was located approximately in the middle of the total available intensity range.     

Periodic variation in inspiratory volume characterizes speech as well as quiet breathing

Variability in inspired lung volume prior to speech is only partially accounted for by speech-related concerns such as the length and loudness of the planned utterance. Control mechanisms known to influence volume variability in non-speech breathing could potentially account for some of this variability, but only if they operate during speech as well. This investigation was designed to test for the presence of several such mechanisms during reading aloud. Lung volumes were recorded from 5 normal females as they read silently, then aloud. Inspired volumes were correlated with the volumes of the previous and following expirations and with inspiratory duration. Coefficients of variation were calculated for inspiratory volume, duration, and mean flow. Time-series analyses were used to compare periodicity in inspired volume for quiet and speech breathing. Control mechanisms operating during both quiet breathing and reading aloud included slow oscillations in inspired volume and minimized variability in mean flow. Inspired volume prior to speech was weakly but significantly correlated with preceding and following expired volume. It is concluded that some control strategies typical of quiet breathing contribute to volume variability in speech breathing.     

The effect of task on determination of maximum phonational frequency range

The purpose of this study was to investigate if there was an effect of task on determination of maximum phonational frequency range (MPFR). Two tasks commonly used to elicit MPFR in clinical voice evaluations were compared. Normal adult females (N = 30) were examined. No statistically significant effect of task was found. Both tasks (glissando and discrete-step) were found to have a high positive correlation (0.84). Implications of the use of one task for determination of maximum phonational frequency range are discussed, as is the possibility of a task effect on determination of other voice parameters.     

Mid-Basal-to-Ceiling Versus Mid-Ceiling-to-Basal Elicitation of Maximum Phonational Frequency Range

The purpose of this study was to investigate if there was an effect of task on the determination of maximum phonational frequency range (MPFR). Two tasks commonly used to elicit MPFR in clinical voice evaluations were compared. Normal adult females (n = 30) were examined. No statistically significant effect of task was found. Both tasks (mid-basal-to-ceiling and mid-ceiling-to-basal) were found to have a high positive correlation (0.89). Implications of the use on one task to determine maximum phonational frequency range are discussed, as is the possibility of a task effect on determination of other voice parameters.     

Effects of HearFones on speaking and singing voice quality

HearFones (HF) have been designed to enhance auditory feedback during phonation. This study investigated the effects of HF (1) on sound perceivable by the subject, (2) on voice quality in reading and singing, and (3) on voice production in speech and singing at the same pitch and sound level.

Test 1: Text reading was recorded with two identical microphones in the ears of a subject. One ear was covered with HF, and the other was free. Four subjects attended this test. Tests 2 and 3: A reading sample was recorded from 13 subjects and a song from 12 subjects without and with HF on. Test 4: Six females repeated [pa:p:a] in speaking and singing modes without and with HF on same pitch and sound level.

Long-term average spectra were made (Tests 1–3), and formant frequencies, fundamental frequency, and sound level were measured (Tests 2 and 3). Subglottic pressure was estimated from oral pressure in [p], and simultaneously electroglottography (EGG) was registered during voicing on [a:] (Test 4). Voice quality in speech and singing was evaluated by three professional voice trainers (Tests 2–4).

HF seemed to enhance sound perceivable at the whole range studied (0–8 kHz), with the greatest enhancement (up to ca 25 dB) being at 1–3 kHz and at 4–7 kHz. The subjects tended to decrease loudness with HF (when sound level was not being monitored). In more than half of the cases, voice quality was evaluated “less strained” and “better controlled” with HF. When pitch and loudness were constant, no clear differences were heard but closed quotient of the EGG signal was higher and the signal more skewed, suggesting a better glottal closure and/or diminished activity of the thyroarytenoid muscle.     

Incidence of supraglottic activity in males and females: a preliminary report

Supraglottic activity was rated from flexible endoscopic video recordings of subjects with normal laryngeal structure and function as they sustained vowels and repeated syllables and sentences. Judges rated these recordings for false vocal fold (FVF) adduction and anterior-to-posterior (A-P) compression at the initiation of the speech task, throughout the whole speech task (static supraglottic activity), and as brief individual adductions within a speech task (dynamic supraglottic activity). Significant differences in A-P (p < 0.0003) and FVF (p < 0.0000001) compression were found between tasks. Dynamic FVF activity was associated with glottal stops. Static A-P and FVF activities were present in males significantly more (p < 0.0001) than females. FVF activity associated with speech initiation was found in females significantly more (p = 0.0256) than males. Supraglottic activity plays a role in normal speech production, and should not necessarily be considered suggestive of a voice use pattern with excessive muscle tension.     

The Effect of Speaking Context on Elicitation of Habitual Pitch

The purpose of this study was to investigate if there was an effect of speaking context on the elicitation of habitual pitch [speaking fundamental frequency (SFF)]. Six simulated speaking contexts were created (speaking during a voice evaluation, speaking in public, speaking to a peer, speaking to a superior, speaking to a subordinate, and speaking to a parent or spouse), and the SFF for 30 adult women with normal voice was compared across these contexts. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a statistically significant (P < 0.001) effect of simulated speaking context on SFF, with post hoc analyses indicating a statistically significant difference in SFF while "speaking to a superior" (P < 0.001) and "speaking to a subordinate" (P < 0.001). Possible reasons for an effect of speaking context are discussed. Also, the implications of the use of varied speaking contexts when eliciting SFF are discussed, as is the possibility of an effect of speaking context on the elicitation of other clinically useful voice parameters.     

The Effect of Hemodialysis on Voice: An Acoustic Analysis

Because respiration is part of the well-coordinated process necessary for phonation, this study was conducted with the purpose of analyzing the effect of chronic hemodialysis on voice characteristics of patients with chronic renal failure. A total of 57 patients were recruited for the study, including 31 males and 26 females ranging in age from 16 to 85 years. Patients underwent evaluation of their voice directly before and after hemodialysis using the Kay Elemetric VISI Pitch (Model 330; Kay Elemetric Corporation, Lincoln Park, New Jersey). The vocal acoustic parameters studied include habitual pitch, pitch range, relative average perturbation, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, voice turbulence index, maximum phonation time, and voice energy. The data were analyzed using the paired t-test for the total sample and the nonparametric test for the female and male subgroups. The total sample analysis showed a statistically significant increase in the habitual pitch after the hemodialyis (p < 0.05), with a borderline increase in the pitch range and maximum phonation time (p < 0.10). In the female group, there was a statistically significant increase in the habitual pitch and a borderline increase in the relative average perturbation. In the male group, there was a significant increase in the habitual pitch with a borderline increase in maximum phonation time. Discussion of the after-mentioned results is presented.     

Fundamental Frequency in Speakers of Portuguese for Different Voice Samples

The purpose of this research was to obtain information on the mean fundamental frequency (Fo) levels of Portuguese speakers and to investigate (1) whether differences exist between two groups with different voice qualities (normal and dysphonia), genders, ages, and speech tasks; and (2) which variables contribute to the variance. To this end, 109 subjects (52 dysphonics and 57 controls) participated in the study. Speech material included three sustained vowels ([u], [i], and [a]), a standard written passage, and a conversation produced at a comfortable conversational pitch and loudness level. Electroglottographic (EGG) data were obtained. Although the results show that, overall, the dysphonics had lower Fo than did controls for all speaking conditions, and that there were differences according to age, these contrasts were not statistically significant. Gender and speech task effects were statistically significant. Additionally, the mean Fo variance is explained by a high prediction model (between 59% and 73%).     

Vocal Range and Intensity in Actors: A Studio Versus Stage Comparison

A voice range profile (VRP) was obtained from each of eight professional actors and compared with two speech range profiles (SRPs). One speech profile was obtained during the dramatic reading of a scene in the laboratory and the other during a performance on stage in a professional theater. The objective was to determine the pitch and loudness ranges used by the actors in speech relative to the VRP. The principal question of interest was whether the actors stayed within the center of the VRP, or whether they tended to drift toward the boundaries of intensity and frequency. A second question was whether the performance within the laboratory accurately reflects that of a stage performance. The results suggest that some subjects tend to exceed the center of the VRP during the stage performance. It is hypothesized that these actors may stress their vocal mechanism during performance and are more likely candidates for vocal injury.     

Effects of Vocal Training and Phonatory Task on Voice Onset Time

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to examine the temporal-acoustic differences between trained singers and nonsingers during speech and singing tasks. METHODS: Thirty male participants were separated into two groups of 15 according to level of vocal training (ie, trained or untrained). The participants spoke and sang carrier phrases containing English voiced and voiceless bilabial stops, and voice onset time (VOT) was measured for the stop consonant productions. RESULTS: Mixed analyses of variance revealed a significant main effect between speech and singing for /p/ and /b/, with VOT durations longer during speech than singing for /p/, and the opposite true for /b/. Furthermore, a significant phonatory task by vocal training interaction was observed for /p/ productions. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that the type of phonatory task influences VOT and that these influences are most obvious in trained singers secondary to the articulatory and phonatory adjustments learned during vocal training.     

Acoustic and Perceptual Analyses of Brazilian Male Actors' and Nonactors' Voices: Long-term Average Spectrum and the “Actor's Formant”

SUMMARY: This study investigates the possible differences between actors' and nonactors' vocal projection strategies using acoustic and perceptual analyses. A total of 11 male actors and 10 male nonactors volunteered as subjects, reading an extended text sample in habitual, moderate, and loud levels. The samples were analyzed for sound pressure level (SPL), alpha ratio (difference between the average SPL of the 1-5kHz region and the average SPL of the 50Hz-1kHz region), fundamental frequency (F0), and long-term average spectrum (LTAS). Through LTAS, the mean frequency of the first formant (F1) range, the mean frequency of the "actor's formant," the level differences between the F1 frequency region and the F0 region (L1-L0), and the level differences between the strongest peak at 0-1kHz and that at 3-4kHz were measured. Eight voice specialists evaluated perceptually the degree of projection, loudness, and tension in the samples. The actors had a greater alpha ratio, stronger level of the "actor's formant" range, and a higher degree of perceived projection and loudness in all loudness levels. SPL, however, did not differ significantly between the actors and nonactors, and no differences were found in the mean formant frequencies ranges. The alpha ratio and the relative level of the "actor's formant" range seemed to be related to the degree of perceived loudness. From the physiological point of view, a more favorable glottal setting, providing a higher glottal closing speed, may be characteristic of these actors' projected voices. So, the projected voices, in this group of actors, were more related to the glottic source than to the resonance of the vocal tract.     

The Effects of a Specific Speech and Language Training Program on Students of a Radio Announcing Course

The purpose of this study was to determine whether individuals show differences in speech and voice during reading of the same news before and after attending a radio announcing course. Twenty-five students of a Radio Announcing Course in Sao Paulo city, 17 men and 8 women, aged 19 to 55 years, participated in this study. The readings were recorded in a professional audio studio, and the speech samples were submitted to perceptual and acoustic analysis. For the perceptual analysis, the samples were randomly presented in pairs and five trained speech pathologists identified each recording as pre- and posttraining, and also justified their choices by indicating what parameters better based their judgment: type of voice, articulation and pronunciation, loudness, pitch, resonance, speech rate, respiratory coordination, and use of emphasis. The acoustic parameters analyzed were mean, minimum, and maximum fundamental frequency, frequency range, text duration, and pause duration. The perceptual analysis showed that the posttraining speech samples were considered the best productions in 80% of the evaluations. Emphasis characterized the readings (70.4%), followed by type of voice (44.8%) and pitch (40.8%). Acoustic analysis showed higher mean fundamental frequency and increase of frequency range posttraining. These results indicated richer modulation in the posttraining readings. There are differences in the readings of the same news pre- and posttraining in a radio announcing course, and the posttraining reading was considered the best production, indicating the positive effect of the training.     

Voice Analysis of Postlingually Deaf Adults Pre- and Postcochlear Implantation

Objectives

To ascertain whether cochlear implantation (CI), without specific vocal rehabilitation, is associated with changes in perceptual and acoustic vocal parameters in adults with severe to profound postlingual deafness.

Hypothesis

Merely restoring auditory feedback could allow the individual to make necessary adjustments in vocal pattern.

Study Design

Prospective and longitudinal.

Methods

The experimental group composed of 40 postlingually deaf adults (20 males and 20 females) with no previous laryngeal or voice disorders. Participants’ voices were recorded before CI and 6–9 months after CI. To check for chance modifications between two evaluations, a control group of 12 postlingually deaf adults, six male and six female, without CI was also evaluated. All sessions composed of the recording of read sentences from Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice and sustained vowel /a/. Auditory and acoustic analyses were then conducted.

Results

We found a statistically significant reduction in overall severity, strain, loudness, and instability in auditory analysis. In vocal acoustic analysis, we found statistically significant reduction fundamental frequency (F0) values (in male participants) and F0 variability (in both genders). The control group showed no statistically significant changes in most vocal parameters assessed, apart from pitch and F0 (in female participants only). On comparing the interval of variation of results between the experimental and control groups, we found no statistically significant difference in vocal parameters between CI recipients and nonrecipients, with the exception of F0 variability in male participants.

Conclusions

The patients in our sample showed changes in overall severity, strain, loudness, and instability values, and reductions in F0 and its variability. On comparing the variation of results between the groups, we were able to prove in our study that implant recipients postlingually deaf adults (experimental group), without specific vocal rehabilitation, differed from nonrecipients (control group) in loudness and F0 variability sustained vowel /a/ in male participants.     

Glottal closure, transglottal airflow, and voice quality in healthy middle-aged women

Seventeen healthy women, 45 to 61 years old, were examined using videofiberstroboscopy during phonation at three loudness levels. Two phoniatricians evaluated glottal closure using category and ratio scales. Transglottal airflow was studied by inverse filtering of the oral airflow signal recorded in a flow mask (Glottal Enterprises System) during the spoken phrase /ba:pa:pa:pa:p/ at three loudness levels. Subglottal pressure was estimated from the intraoral pressure during p occlusion. Running speech and the repeated /pa:/ syllables were perceptually evaluated by three speech pathologists regarding breathiness, hypo-, and hyperfunction, using continuous scales. Incomplete glottal closure was found in 35 of 46 phonations (76%). The degree of glottal closure increased significantly with raised loudness. Half of the women closed the glottis completely during loud phonation. Posterior glottal chink (PGC) was the most common gap configuration and was found in 28 of 46 phonations (61%). One third of the PGCs were in the cartilaginous glottis (PGCc) only. Two thirds extended into the membranous portion (PGCm); most of these occurred during soft phonation. Peak flow, peak-to-peak (AC) flow, and the maximum rate of change for the flow in the closing phase increased significantly with raised loudness. Minimum flow decreased significantly from normal to loud voice. Breathiness decreased with increased loudness. The results suggest that the incomplete closure patterns PGCc and PGCm during soft phonation ought primarily to be regarded as normal for Swedish women in this age group.     

The Effects of Frequency Range, Vowel, Dynamic Loudness Level, and Gender on Nasalance in Amateur and Classically Trained Singers

This study addresses two questions: (1) How much nasality is present in classical Western singing? (2) What are the effects of frequency range, vowel, dynamic level, and gender on nasality in amateur and classically trained singers? The Nasometer II 6400 by KayPENTAX (Lincoln Park, NJ) was used to obtain nasalance values from 21 amateur singers and 25 classically trained singers while singing an ascending five-tone scalar passage in low, mid, and high frequency ranges. Each subject sang the scalar passage at both piano and mezzo-forte dynamic loudness levels on each of the five cardinal vowels (/a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, /u/). A repeated mixed-model analysis indicated a significant main effect for the amateur/classically trained distinction, dynamic loudness level, and vowel, but not for frequency range or gender. The amateur singers had significantly higher nasalance scores than classically trained singers in all ranges and on all vowels except /o/. Dynamic loudness level had a significant effect on nasalance for all subject groups except for female majors in the mid- and high-frequency ranges. The vowel, /i/, received significantly higher nasalance than all of the other vowels. Although results of this study show that dynamic loudness level, vowel, and level of training in classical singing have a significant effect on nasality, nasalance scores for most subjects were relatively low. Only six of the subjects, all of whom were amateur singers, had average nasalance scores that could be considered hypernasal (ie, a nasalance average of 22 or above).     

Voice source characteristics in six premier country singers

Voice source characteristics as derived from inverse filtering were analyzed in 6 country singers' speech and singing. Results showed that the closed quotient varied systematically with vocal loudness, and that glottal compliance (the ratio between transglottal AC volume displacement and subglottal pressure) decreased with increases in fundamental frequency but remained unaffected by vocal loudness. No striking differences were found in source characteristics between speech and singing within subjects. The degree of phonatory press, as judged by a panel of 19 expert listeners, appeared related to the range in which the singer was singing and to the sound pressure level gain from a doubling of subglottal pressure.