Characterization of Vocal Fold Vibration in Sulcus Vocalis Using High-Speed Digital Imaging

Purpose The aim of the present study was to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize vocal fold vibrations in sulcus vocalis by high-speed digital imaging (HSDI) and to clarify the correlations between HSDI-derived parameters and traditional vocal parameters. Method HSDI was performed in 20 vocally healthy subjects (8 men and 12 women) and 41 patients with sulcus vocalis (33 men and 8 women). Then HSDI data were evaluated by assessing the visual–perceptual rating, digital kymography, and glottal area waveform. Results Patients with sulcus vocalis frequently had spindle-shaped glottal gaps and a decreased mucosal wave. Compared with the control group, the sulcus vocalis group showed higher open quotient as well as a shorter duration of the visible mucosal wave, a smaller speed index, and a smaller glottal area difference index ([maximal glottal area – minimal glottal area]/maximal glottal area). These parameters deteriorated in order of the control group and Type I, II, and III sulcus vocalis. There were no gender-related differences. Strong correlations were noted between the open quotient and the type of sulcus vocalis. Conclusions HSDI was an effective method for documenting the characteristics of vocal fold vibrations in patients with sulcus vocalis and estimating the severity of dysphonia.

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Laryngeal and Vocal Characterization of Asymptomatic Adults With Sulcus Vocalis

International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology ◽

10.1055/s-0039-1688457 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 23 (03) ◽

pp. e331-e337 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alex Bruno Soares ◽

Bruno Teixeira de Moares ◽

Ana Nery Barbosa de Araújo ◽

Noemi Grigoletto de Biase ◽

Jonia Alves Lucena

Keyword(s):

Auditory Perception ◽

Control Group ◽

Type I ◽

Self Assessment ◽

Acoustic Evaluation ◽

Sulcus Vocalis ◽

Vocal Quality ◽

The Voice ◽

Experimental Group

Introduction Sulcus vocalis is defined as a longitudinal depression on the vocal cord, parallel to its free border. Its most marked characteristic is breathlessness, caused by incomplete glottal closure, in addition to roughness, due to the decrease in mucosal wave amplitude of the vocal cords. Vocal acoustic aspects, such as fundamental voice frequency, jitter, and shimmer, may also be altered in individuals with this type of laryngeal disorder. To assess the voice of individuals with sulcus vocalis, studies generally include a sample of subjects with vocal symptoms, excluding asymptomatic persons. To better characterize the vocal characteristics of individuals with sulcus vocalis, their asymptomatic counterparts must also be included. Objective Characterize the larynx and voice of asymptomatic adults with sulcus vocalis. Method A total of 26 adults, 13 with sulcus vocalis (experimental group) and 13 without (control group) were assessed. All the participants were submitted to suspension microlaryngoscopy, voice self-assessment, auditory perception and acoustic evaluation of the voice. Results Among the individuals with sulcus vocalis, 78% of the sulci were type I and 22% type II. Auditory perception assessment obtained statistically significant lower scores in individuals with sulcus vocalis compared with the control group, and a slight difference in the overall degree of hoarseness and roughness. No statistically significant intergroup diferences were found in self-reported voice or acoustic assessment. Conclusion Type I was the predominant sulcus vocalis observed in individuals without voice complaints, who may also exhibit slight changes in vocal quality and roughness.

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