Control of Vocal Loudness in Young and Old Adults

2001 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 297-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin K. Baker ◽  
Lorraine Olson Ramig ◽  
Shimon Sapir ◽  
Erich S. Luschei ◽  
Marshall E. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory System ◽  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Old Adults ◽  
Subglottal Pressure ◽  
Young Subjects ◽  
Laryngeal Emg

This study examined the effect of aging on respiratory and laryngeal mechanisms involved in vocal loudness control. Simultaneous measures of subglottal pressure and electromyographic (EMG) activity from the thyroarytenoid (TA), lateral cricoarytenoid (LCA), and cricothyroid (CT) muscles were investigated in young and old individuals while they attempted to phonate at three loudness levels, "soft," "comfortable," and "loud." Voice sound pressure level (SPL) and fundamental frequency (F 0 ) measures were also obtained. Across loudness conditions, subglottal pressure levels were similar for both age groups. Laryngeal EMG measures tended to be lower and more variable for old compared with young individuals. These differences were most apparent for the TA muscle. Finally, across the three loudness conditions, the old individuals generated SPLs that were lower overall than those produced by the young individuals but modulated loudness levels in a manner similar to that of the young subjects. These findings suggest that the laryngeal mechanism may be more affected than the respiratory system in these old individuals and that these changes may affect vocal loudness levels.

scholarly journals Changes to respiratory mechanisms during speech as a result of different cues to increase loudness

2005 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 2177-2184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica E. Huber ◽  
Bharath Chandrasekaran ◽  
John J. Wolstencroft
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Respiratory System ◽  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Lung Volume ◽  
Neural Control ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Speech Rate ◽  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Expiratory Muscle

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether different cues to increase loudness in speech result in different internal targets (or goals) for respiratory movement and whether the neural control of the respiratory system is sensitive to changes in the speaker's internal loudness target. This study examined respiratory mechanisms during speech in 30 young adults at comfortable level and increased loudness levels. Increased loudness was elicited using three methods: asking subjects to target a specific sound pressure level, asking subjects to speak twice as loud as comfortable, and asking subjects to speak in noise. All three loud conditions resulted in similar increases in sound pressure level . However, the respiratory mechanisms used to support the increase in loudness differed significantly depending on how the louder speech was elicited. When asked to target at a particular sound pressure level, subjects used a mechanism of increasing the lung volume at which speech was initiated to take advantage of higher recoil pressures. When asked to speak twice as loud as comfortable, subjects increased expiratory muscle tension, for the most part, to increase the pressure for speech. However, in the most natural of the elicitation methods, speaking in noise, the subjects used a combined respiratory approach, using both increased recoil pressures and increased expiratory muscle tension. In noise, an additional target, possibly improving intelligibility of speech, was reflected in the slowing of speech rate and in larger volume excursions even though the speakers were producing the same number of syllables.

Flutter Perception in Normal Listeners

1967 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanford E. Gerber
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sound Intensity ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Normal Adult ◽  
Psychophysical Method ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Time Ratio ◽  
Frequency Threshold

A total of 150 normal, adult males classified into five age groups was tested for the auditory flutter frequency threshold by a method of limits. The five variables employed in the study were: age, ear, psychophysical method, sound pressure level, and sound-time ratio. The following conclusions were derived: (a) the auditory flutter frequency threshold varies with psychophysical method and sound-time ratio; and (b) the auditory flutter frequency threshold does not vary with age, ear, and sound intensity.

Developmental Changes in Laryngeal and Respiratory Function With Variations in Sound Pressure Level

1997 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 595-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine T. Stathopoulos ◽  
Christine M. Sapienza
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Production System ◽  
Respiratory Function ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Developmental Changes ◽  
Respiratory Behavior ◽  
Adult Model ◽  
Boys Function

The development of the speech production system was investigated using a crosssectional design that included children aged 4–14 years and adults. Given that the size and internal structure of the laryngeal and respiratory systems differ between children and adults, it was predicted that children would show functional distinctions from adults during speech. Aerodynamic, acoustic, and respiratory kinematic techniques were used to assess laryngeal and respiratory function while participants varied their sound pressure level. In general, the aerodynamic and acoustic results show that men and 14-year-old boys function differently than women and all other groups of children. For the respiratory function data, children's values are similar to adults' by the time they are 12–14 years of age. These changes correspond closely to developmental laryngeal and respiratory anatomic data. All participants used a combination of laryngeal and respiratory mechanisms to increase sound pressure level, but the combination of mechanisms differed across age groups. These data emphasize that the laryngeal and respiratory behavior of children is not easily predicted from an adult model.

Aerodynamic Mechanisms Underlying Treatment-Related Changes in Vocal Intensity in Patients With Parkinson Disease

1996 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 798-807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorraine Olson Ramig ◽  
Christopher Dromey
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson Disease ◽  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Vocal Fold ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Maximum Flow ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Syllable Repetition ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Subglottal Pressure ◽  
Vocal Intensity

The purpose of this study was to document changes in aerodynamic and glottographic aspects of vocal function in patients with Parkinson disease who received two forms of high effort treatment. Previous reports (Ramig, Countryman, Thompson, & Horii, 1995) have documented increased sound pressure level (SPL) following treatment that trained phonation and respiration (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment: LSVT), but not for treatment that trained respiration only (R). In order to examine the mechanisms underlying these differences, measures of maximum flow declination rate (MFDR) and estimated subglottal pressure (Psub) were made before and after treatment. A measure of relative vocal fold adduction (EGGW) was made from the electroglottographic signal during sustained vowel phonation. Sound pressure level data from syllable repetition, sustained vowel phonation, reading, and monologue tasks were also analyzed to allow a more detailed understanding of treatment-related change in several contexts. Consistent with increases in SPL, significant increases in MFDR, estimated Psub, and EGGW were measured posttreatment in patients who received the LSVT. Similar changes were not observed following R treatment. These findings suggest that the combination of increased vocal fold adduction and subglottal pressure is a key in generating posttreatment increases in vocal intensity in idiopathic Parkinson disease (IPD).

scholarly journals A Technology for Increasing the Functional Reserves of the Body Based on Bioacoustic Stimulation of the Respiratory System

Biomeditsina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 39-47
Author(s):  
S. P. Dragan ◽  
S. M. Razinkin ◽  
G. G. Erofeev
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory System ◽  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Breath Hold ◽  
Exposure Group ◽  
Functional Reserves ◽  
Stimulation Of

A technology based on the effect of low-frequency vibrations on the respiratory system is a promising approach to increasing the functional reserves of the human body. To implement such a technology, it is necessary to justify the optimal modes of bioacoustic stimulation of the respiratory system. Therefore, the aim of the study was a theoretical and experimental justification of the technology to increase the functional reserves of the body based on bioacoustic stimulation of the respiratory system. Acoustic impedance was measured on a polyharmonic sound signal in the frequency range from 3 Hz to 51 Hz with a step of 3 Hz in all three phases of respiration: a full breath with a breath hold, a deep breath with a breath hold and free nasal surface breathing without a delay. After determining the resonant frequencies of the respiratory tract for two weeks, six sessions of bioacoustic stimulation were conducted on a group of 20 testers, including placebo exposure. In the exposure group, the sound pressure level was 130 dB, and in the control group - 60 dB, which is below the audibility threshold at these frequencies. Six-fold exposure to a scanning tone signal with a sound pressure level of 130 dB led to an increase in the resonant frequency of the respiratory system, a decrease in the absorption coefficient of sound vibrations by the respiratory system, and an increase in the resistance of the respiratory system to the sound wave. These effects can be explained by the fact that, as a result of exposure, reserve alveoli were discovered and the cross-sectional area of the alveolar passages and respiratory bronchioles increased. An analysis of the results of experiments in both groups in the dynamics of six stimulation sessions suggests that their values for the control group of testers practically did not change at all periods of observation. At the same time, similar indicators in the exposure group have a significant difference from the background values. It was shown that, in order to increase the functional reserves of the body, two bioacoustic stimulation treatments can be sufficient.

Contributions of Voice and Nonverbal Communication to Perceived Masculinity–Femininity for Cisgender and Transgender Communicators

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 931-947
Author(s):  
Teresa L. D. Hardy ◽  
Carol A. Boliek ◽  
Daniel Aalto ◽  
Justin Lewicke ◽  
Kristopher Wells ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fundamental Frequency ◽  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Vocal Tract ◽  
Presentation Mode ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Presentation Modes ◽  
Audiovisual Stimuli ◽  
Vocal Tract Resonance ◽  
Point Light

Purpose The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to identify a set of communication-based predictors (including both acoustic and gestural variables) of masculinity–femininity ratings and (b) to explore differences in ratings between audio and audiovisual presentation modes for transgender and cisgender communicators. Method The voices and gestures of a group of cisgender men and women ( n = 10 of each) and transgender women ( n = 20) communicators were recorded while they recounted the story of a cartoon using acoustic and motion capture recording systems. A total of 17 acoustic and gestural variables were measured from these recordings. A group of observers ( n = 20) rated each communicator's masculinity–femininity based on 30- to 45-s samples of the cartoon description presented in three modes: audio, visual, and audio visual. Visual and audiovisual stimuli contained point light displays standardized for size. Ratings were made using a direct magnitude estimation scale without modulus. Communication-based predictors of masculinity–femininity ratings were identified using multiple regression, and analysis of variance was used to determine the effect of presentation mode on perceptual ratings. Results Fundamental frequency, average vowel formant, and sound pressure level were identified as significant predictors of masculinity–femininity ratings for these communicators. Communicators were rated significantly more feminine in the audio than the audiovisual mode and unreliably in the visual-only mode. Conclusions Both study purposes were met. Results support continued emphasis on fundamental frequency and vocal tract resonance in voice and communication modification training with transgender individuals and provide evidence for the potential benefit of modifying sound pressure level, especially when a masculine presentation is desired.

Case study: Theoretical calculation model and variable condition analysis research on the water-splashing noise for natural draft wet cooling towers

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-145
Author(s):  
Yang Zhouo ◽  
Ming Gao ◽  
Suoying He ◽  
Yuetao Shi ◽  
Fengzhong Sun
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Water Droplet ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Cooling Tower ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Calculation Model ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Cooling Towers

Based on the basic theory of water droplets impact noise, the generation mechanism and calculation model of the water-splashing noise for natural draft wet cooling towers were established in this study, and then by means of the custom software, the water-splashing noise was studied under different water droplet diameters and water-spraying densities as well as partition water distribution patterns conditions. Comparedwith the water-splashing noise of the field test, the average difference of the theoretical and the measured value is 0.82 dB, which validates the accuracy of the established theoretical model. The results based on theoretical model showed that, when the water droplet diameters are smaller in cooling tower, the attenuation of total sound pressure level of the water-splashing noise is greater. From 0 m to 8 m away from the cooling tower, the sound pressure level of the watersplashing noise of 3 mm and 6 mm water droplets decreases by 8.20 dB and 4.36 dB, respectively. Additionally, when the water-spraying density becomes twice of the designed value, the sound pressure level of water-splashing noise all increases by 3.01 dB for the cooling towers of 300 MW, 600 MW and 1000 MW units. Finally, under the partition water distribution patterns, the change of the sound pressure level is small. For the R s/2 and Rs/3 partition radius (Rs is the radius of water-spraying area), when the water-spraying density ratio between the outer and inner zone increases from 1 to 3, the sound pressure level of water-splashing noise increases by 0.7 dB and 0.3 dB, respectively.

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