Phonation

Question 1

Larynx

Answer 1

The Voice-box

Complex organ in the anterior neck

Cartilage, muscle, fat, connective tissue, bone

Works in concert with lungs & oral/nasal cavities to produce voice

Question 2

Functions of Respiratory System

Answer 2

Respiration (breathing)
Provision of airway
Protection of airway

Deglutation (swallowing)
Closure of larynx
Cessation of breathing

Phonation (voice)
Vibrating airstream and elements

Question 3

Laryngeal Muscles

Answer 3

Intrinsic (inside larynx)
Abduction (opening)
Adduction (closing)
Tension

Extrinsic (outside larynx)
Position of larynx in neck
Infrahyoid (below)
Suprahyoid (above)

Question 4

Resonator

Answer 4

Above vocal folds

Supraglottic vocal tract

Question 5

Oscillator

Answer 5

Vocal folds

Elastic, pliability properties

Question 6

Power Source

Answer 6

Below vocal folds

Infraglottic vocal tract

Question 7

Phonation

Answer 7

Rapid (vibratory) opening/closing of vocal folds

Interrupts stream of air
Series of air puffs
Rippling displacement of vocal fold cover
(Mucosal wave)

Produces a vocal tone
Myoelastic aerodynamic theory

Question 8

Bernoulli Effect

Answer 8

When a gas flows through a constricted passage, the velocity increases

Inward pressure is > the outward pressure

Walls are drawn into each other

Controls the closing of VF

Question 9

Myoelastic Aerodynamic Theory

Answer 9

Drives the vibratory cycle of the vocal folds

The myoelastic theory states that when the vocal cords are brought together and breath pressure is applied to them, the cords remain closed until the pressure beneath them—the subglottic pressure—is sufficient to push them apart, allowing air to escape and reducing the pressure enough for the muscle tension recoil to pull the folds back together again. Pressure builds up once again until the cords are pushed apart, and the whole cycle keeps repeating itself. The rate at which the cords open and close—the number of cycles per second—determines the pitch of the phonation.

Question 10

Voicing

Answer 10

Each vibration of the VF allows a brief puff of air to escape producing an audible sound at the frequency of the opening.

Question 11

Vocal Sound Production Process

Answer 11

Diaphragm action pushes air from the lungs through the vocal folds, producing a periodic train of air pulses.

This pulse train is shaped by the resonances of the vocal tract.

The basic resonances, called vocal formants, can be changed by the action of the articulators to produce distinguishable voice sounds, like the vowel sounds.

Question 12

VF Vibratory Process

Answer 12

Subglottic air pressure builds up to separate the folds

The sudden drop in pressure pulls the cords together

Air rushes through the glottis at increased velocity

As the top of the folds are opening, the bottom of the folds is closing

This creates a wavelike motion (mucosal wave)

Question 13

Fundamental Frequency

Answer 13

The number of times the vocal folds are blown apart and come together per second

Directly related to the length, mass and tension of the vocal folds

The repetition rate of a complex periodic wave

When speaking or singing there is always an underlying note to each sound

Pitch is defined as the average rate of vocal fold vibration and is measured in cycles per second or Hertz

For pitch to rise, the VF must vibrate more quickly. They get thinner by being stretched longer.

Question 14

Pitch

Answer 14

Equal to Frequency: Number of cycles per second, Measured in hertz (Hz)

Fundamental frequency (F0)
Male: 100-150 Hz
Female: 180-250 Hz
(“middle C” on piano scale = 256Hz; octave higher = 512Hz)

Generally increases as vocal folds are thinned and stretched and pressure increases

Question 15

Intensity of the Voice

Answer 15

Intensity (loudness) is the size of the sound wave

Increasing subglottal air pressure increases vocal intensity

Increased vocal intensity results from greater resistance by the vocal folds to the increased airflow

The folds don’t open any further than usual, but they stay closed longer, creating more distinct “puffs of air”

The VF are pressed together more firmly

Articulation affects the potential pressure difference

Question 16

Voice Therapy

Answer 16

Changing vocal behaviors in order to achieve improved vocal function

Identifying vocally abusive behaviors

Implementing a vocal hygiene program

Respiration training

Relaxation exercises

Refocusing vocal tone

Addressing pitch, loudness, and rate

Reducing forceful initiation of speech

Question 17

Hoarseness

Answer 17

There is almost ALWAYS more than one thing going on in the larynx.

The cause of hoarseness is often multi-factorial.

Treatment may be multi-tiered and include medication, voice therapy, surgery.

Therapy Goal: Assist each patient in achieving his or her best possible voice

Question 18

Vocal Misuses

Answer 18

Speaking in noisy situations
Excessive talking

Telephone use with the handset cradled to the shoulder

Using inappropriate pitch when speaking

Not using amplification when publicly speaking

Using the voice in a hard/harsh manner – forced whisper

Question 19

Voice Care

Answer 19

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water (64 oz/day)

Stimulate secretions with gum, lozenges, warm drinks

Use a humidifier

Maintain good nutrition with a healthy, well-balanced diet

Check medications for adverse side effects on the mouth or throat

Alcohol, caffeine and tobacco have adverse effects on your voice

Be alert to reflux problems

Question 20

Voice Tips

Answer 20

Try not to scream or yell

Warm up your voice before heavy use

Don’t smoke

Use good breath support

Use a microphone

Listen to your voice

Limit dairy products

Question 21

Preventing Reflux

Answer 21

Avoid drinking alcohol, citrus-type juices and carbonated beverages

Avoid reclining for 3 hours after meals

Avoid eating immediately before bedtime

Avoid exercising, singing within 3 hours of eating

Elevate the head of your bed 4 to 6 inches

Avoid overeating

Avoid caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, fat

If overweight, losing weight is helpful

Question 22

Medications the Affect Voice

Answer 22

Ace inhibitors – may induce a cough or throat clearing

Oral contraceptions- may cause fluid retention in the vocal cords

Testosterone – deepen the voice

Anticoagulants – may increase changes of vocal cord hemorrhage

Herbal medications – are not harmless and should be take with caution

Allergy Medication - can dry out the folds

Question 23

Voice Don’ts

Answer 23

Don’t clear your throat or cough frequently

Don’t yell or scream

Don’t talk across long distances

Don’t speak or lecture without using a microphone

Don’t talk very much with laryngitis

Don’t laugh or cry out loud aggressively for extended periods

Don’t yell or speak extensively during strenuous physical exercise

Don’t talk beyond the natural breath cycle

Don’t tense the upper body and throat to inhale

Don’t sing beyond comfortable pitch and loudness range

Don’t make unconventional sounds for prolonged periods

Don’t clench your teeth and hold your face tense

Don’t strain when talking

Question 24

Voice Do’s

Answer 24

Do substitute swallowing water or saliva

Do substitute clapping whistling, ringing a bell, blowing a horn

Do adjust the environment to reduce background noise

Do keep your voice relaxed and let the microphone amplify your voice

Do rest your voice like the rest of your body.

Do speak in low-volume, easy and relaxed voice. Be aware of the effect stress and emotion have on your voice

Do be aware of the effects of physical exertion on your voice

Do breath deeply from your diaphragm. Pause often, and replace breath

Do relax neck and jaw muscles, breathing from the diaphragm

Do allow registers to change as pitch rises and drops

Do allow the jaw to relax and “float” as you speak

Do pay attention to soreness or tightness in the throat. Do use a soft-voice tone.

Do organize your day to include voice rest periods. Use an effortless voice and use yawns, sighs, and hums to relax your voice.