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%).     

Control of Fundamental Frequency in Dysphonic Patients During Phonation and Speech

PurposeThe pitch-shift reflex (PSR) is the adaptation of the fundamental frequency during phonation and speech and describes the auditory feedback control. Speakers without voice and speech disorders mostly show a compensation of the pitch change in the auditory feedback and adapt their fundamental frequency to the opposite direction. Dysphonic patients often display problems with the auditory perception and control of their voice during therapy. Our study focuses on the auditory and kinesthetic control mechanisms of patients with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) and speakers without voice and speech problems. Main purpose of the study is the analysis of the functionality of the control mechanisms within phonation and speech between patients with MTD and normal speakers.MethodSixty-one healthy subjects (17 male, 44 female) and 22 patients with MTD (7 male, 15 female) participated following two paradigms including a sustained phonation (vowel /a/) and speech ([‘mama]). Within both paradigms the fundamental frequency of the auditory feedback was increased synthetically. For the analysis of the PSR the electroencephalogram, electroglottography, the voice signal, and the high-speed endoscopy data were recorded simultaneously. The PSR in the electroencephalogram was detected via the N100 and the mismatch negativity. Statistical tests were applied for the detection of the PSR in the physiological response within the electroglottography, voice, and high-speed endoscopy signals. The results were compared between both groups.ResultsNo differences were found between the controls and patients with MTD regarding latency and magnitude of the perception of the pitch shift in both paradigms, but for the magnitude of the behavioral response. Differences also could be found for both groups between the “no pitch” and “pitch” condition of the two paradigms regarding vocal fold dynamics and voice quality. Patients with MTD showed more vibrational irregularities during the PSR than the controls, especially regarding the symmetry of vocal fold dynamics.ConclusionPatients with MTD seem to have a disturbed interaction between the auditory and kinesthetic feedback inducing the execution of an overriding behavioral response.