Gender Differences in Vocal Fold Mass Treatment

Author(s):  
Heather Yeakel ◽  
Bailey Balouch ◽  
Joseph Schmitz ◽  
Ghiath Alnouri ◽  
Robert T. Sataloff
2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 821-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Chen ◽  
Michael P. Robb ◽  
Harvey R. Gilbert

Two unique characteristics of vocal fry register are the occurrence of multiple opening and closing phases occurring within one vibratory cycle and a similar vocal fundamental frequency (F 0 ) between women and men. The present study tested the hypothesis that significant differences in glottal cycle symmetry exist between women and men during modal phonation, with no significant differences during vocal fry phonation. Consistent with previous studies of modal phonation, it was also hypothesized that a vowel effect would be apparent during vocal fry phonation. Five women and 5 men sustained modal and vocal fry phonations in four vowel contexts (/agr;, æ, u, i/). Vocal F 0 , duration of opening and closing phase, and contact symmetry (speed quotient) were derived from electroglottographic (EGG) waveforms. Both female and male speakers demonstrated significantly higher SQ values in vocal fry register than in their modal register, indicating a longer opening-phase duration per glottal cycle. Women demonstrated a significantly greater increase in SQ during vocal fry phonations than men, indicating greater asymmetry between opening and closing durations. The results confirmed that gender differences in vocal fold contact behavior not only exist during modal register but also during vocal fry register. No vowel effects on vocal fold contact behavior as inferred using the SQ measure were found for either modal or vocal fry registers. Possible contributing factors to multiple opening and closing phases occurring within a vibratory cycle are discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-124
Author(s):  
Carly Jo Hosbach-Cannon ◽  
Soren Y. Lowell ◽  
Raymond H. Colton ◽  
Richard T. Kelley ◽  
Xue Bao

Purpose To advance our current knowledge of singer physiology by using ultrasonography in combination with acoustic measures to compare physiological differences between musical theater (MT) and opera (OP) singers under controlled phonation conditions. Primary objectives addressed in this study were (a) to determine if differences in hyolaryngeal and vocal fold contact dynamics occur between two professional voice populations (MT and OP) during singing tasks and (b) to determine if differences occur between MT and OP singers in oral configuration and associated acoustic resonance during singing tasks. Method Twenty-one singers (10 MT and 11 OP) were included. All participants were currently enrolled in a music program. Experimental procedures consisted of sustained phonation on the vowels /i/ and /ɑ/ during both a low-pitch task and a high-pitch task. Measures of hyolaryngeal elevation, tongue height, and tongue advancement were assessed using ultrasonography. Vocal fold contact dynamics were measured using electroglottography. Simultaneous acoustic recordings were obtained during all ultrasonography procedures for analysis of the first two formant frequencies. Results Significant oral configuration differences, reflected by measures of tongue height and tongue advancement, were seen between groups. Measures of acoustic resonance also showed significant differences between groups during specific tasks. Both singer groups significantly raised their hyoid position when singing high-pitched vowels, but hyoid elevation was not statistically different between groups. Likewise, vocal fold contact dynamics did not significantly differentiate the two singer groups. Conclusions These findings suggest that, under controlled phonation conditions, MT singers alter their oral configuration and achieve differing resultant formants as compared with OP singers. Because singers are at a high risk of developing a voice disorder, understanding how these two groups of singers adjust their vocal tract configuration during their specific singing genre may help to identify risky vocal behavior and provide a basis for prevention of voice disorders.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 474-482
Author(s):  
Sarah L. Schneider

PurposeVocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) can be the result of iatrogenic or traumatic injury or may be idiopathic in nature. It can result in glottic incompetence leading to changes in vocal quality and ease. Associated voice complaints may include breathiness, roughness, diplophonia, reduced vocal intensity, feeling out of breath with talking, and vocal fatigue with voice use. A comprehensive interprofessional voice evaluation includes auditory-perceptual voice evaluation, laryngeal examination including videostroboscopy, acoustic and aerodynamic voice measures. These components provide valuable insight into laryngeal structure and function and individual voice use patterns and, in conjunction with stimulability testing, help identify candidacy for voice therapy and choice of therapeutic techniques.ConclusionA comprehensive, interprofessional evaluation of patients with VFMI is necessary to assess the role of voice therapy and develop a treatment plan. Although there is no efficacy data to support specific voice therapy techniques for treating VFMI, considerations for various techniques are provided.


2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 105-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geralyn Harvey Woodnorth ◽  
Roger C. Nuss

Abstract Many children with dysphonia present with benign vocal fold lesions, including bilateral vocal fold nodules, cysts, vocal fold varices, and scarring. Evaluation and treatment of these children are best undertaken in a thoughtful and coordinated manner involving both the speech-language pathologist and the otolaryngologist. The goals of this article are (a) to describe the team evaluation process based on a “whole system” approach; (b) to discuss etiological factors and diagnosis; and (c) to review current medical, behavioral, and surgical treatments for children with different types of dysphonia.


2000 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 329-330
Author(s):  
R.J.B. Hemler ◽  
G.H. Wieneke ◽  
P.H. Dejonckere

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