lifespan changes in the phonatory system

Question 1

position of larynx in infancy

Answer 1

c3-c4

Question 2

cartilages in infancy are

Answer 2

soft and flexible

• hyoid overlaps thyroid
• thyroid is flatter (no adams apple)
• arytenoids look larger
• epiglottis is bulky and omega shaped

Question 3

infant VFs

Answer 3

• 1.5-3mm
• membranous/cartilaginous glottis about equal
• no differentiation of vocal ligament into collagenous and elastin fibers (begins at 4YO and isn’t complete until after puberty)

Question 4

f0 of infant vocalizations

Answer 4

-F0: 400-600 Hz

Question 5

Acoustic characteristics of infant vocalizations

Answer 5

• reflexive
• few changes in intensity and duration
• cries, coughs, burps

Question 6

f0 in premature infants..

Answer 6

• increased
• cry greater than 600 Hz is related to CNS pathology
• crie du chat cry of the cat

Question 7

childhood f0

Answer 7

drops to around 230-250 Hz

Question 8

laryngeal changes in childhood

Answer 8

• larynx increases in size and descends in neck

- differentiation of lamina propria begins

Question 9

growth during puberty is regulated by

Answer 9

male and female sex hormones

-androgens (testosterone) and estrogens

Question 10

growth during puberty males vs females

Answer 10

• male larynx increases 2-3X more (12mm) then females (4mm)
• angle of thyroid becomes more acute in males
• male pitch drops 1 octave
• female pitch drops 1-3 semitones

Question 11

growth during puberty shared

Answer 11

• larynx descends to c6-c7

- area above pharynx has elongated and changed in per portion, pitch decreases, resonance changes (longer vocal tract)

Question 12

adult female voice is subject to fluctuations due to:

Answer 12

• estrogen causes increased glandular secretion and reduced muscosal viscosity (VFs less easily moved)
• progesterone causes decreased glandular secretions and mucosal dehydration

Question 13

premenstrual vocal syndrome

Answer 13

• vocal fatigue, decreased range, loss of high harmonics
• larngoscopy shows mucosal edema (swelling), thickened and reduce glandular secretions, reduced amplitude of vibration, vascular disturbances (varicose veins, hemorrhages)
• MAY be relieve by oral contraceptive pills

Question 14

vocal aging is related to..

Answer 14

• structural and physiological changes
• state of health
• gender
• medications (xerostomia-dry mouth is common side effect)

Question 15

how gender affects aging

Answer 15

• men age earlier

- men are not affected by menopause

Question 16

age related changes DO NOT occur…

Answer 16

suddenly

Question 17

structural changes in aging

Answer 17

• ossification of cartilages
• joint damage
• muscular atrophy
• connective tissue changes in lamina propria

Question 18

ossification of cartilages

Answer 18

• turn to bone

- doesnt move as easily

Question 19

joint damage

Answer 19

• can be affected by arthritis

- joints become eroded

Question 20

muscular atrophy

Answer 20

• common in males
• cricothyroid mms becomes weaker=
• breathy voice, increased pitch
• bc they’re thinner with less weight

Question 21

connective tissues changes in lamina propria

Answer 21

-less visco-elasticity, not able to more as flexibly

Question 22

FO changes

Answer 22

• extremely variable
• increases in males
• decreases in females
• increase in variability

Question 23

intensity changes

Answer 23

• decreased intensity, less mms strength, sub glottal pressure
• decreased respiratory function, due to posture, lungs lose elasticity, less efficient nerve supply to chest and laryngeal mms
• increased breathiness

Question 24

age related disorders that impact voice production

Answer 24

• COPD
• coronary artery disease
• CNS disorders

Question 25

presbyphonia

Answer 25

3 categories

• auditory perceptual changes
• visual perceptual changes (endoscopy)
• acoustic changes (f0, intensity)-result from structural changes and cause changes to voice output