Phonatory System: Acoustic/Perceptual Characteristics of Voice (EXAM 2)

Question 1

Glottal Spectrum

Answer 1

Influences the distinctiveness of voiced sounds we hear based on Fundamental frequency

Complex sounds: F0 and its harmonics together create a complex sound”

Sound produced by glottal vibrations at larynx is complex buzzing sound made up of F0 and its harmonics

Question 2

Harmonics

Answer 2

Whole number integer multiples of F0

Question 3

Adult male glottal spectrum

Answer 3

-12dB/harmonic
decreasing in intensity as we increase harmonic number

120Hz difference between each harmonic

CLOSER spacing because of lower F0
Leads to more intense/distinct sound

lower the pitch, more distinct

Question 4

Adult female glottal spectrum

Answer 4

-12dB/harmonic decreasing in intensity as harmonic number increases

220HZ difference between each harmonic

WIDER spacing because F0 is larger, leads to less intense/distinct sound

higher the pitch, lesser distinct

Question 5

Irregularities (perturbations)

Answer 5

Deviations in moving object from regular path

VF vibration is not completely symmetrical or periodic

Each cycle is not completed in the exact same amount of time (aperiodic)

Question 6

3 Acoustic measures of VF irregularities

Answer 6

1. Jitter (time)
2. Shimmer (amp)
3. Noise to harmonic ratio (NHR)

All 3 are acoustic traits as a function of irregular VF vibrations

Question 7

1. Jitter (time)

Answer 7

Slight variations in cycle to cycle timing (aperiodic)
high jitter: HOARSE voice

Question 8

2. Shimmer (amp)

Answer 8

Slight variations in cycle to cycle amplitude
high shimmer: BREATHY voice

Question 9

3. Noise to harmonic ratio (NHR)

Answer 9

Proportion of noise to harmonic sound in voice
provides objective indicator of voice quality/roughness

High NHR: More noise, less harmonics: Very hoarse/heavy metal

Low NHR: Less noise, more harmonics: Opera singer

Rock singers don’t damage their VF because they don’t make contact

Question 10

Voice quality

Answer 10

Subjective perceptual dimension of voice related to aeromechanical and muscular forces of VF

May sometimes indicate voice disorder, but may also just be vocal tract resonance (natural)

Independent of pitch and loudness

Question 11

Voice quality 3 basic types:

Answer 11

1. Breathiness
2. Strain
3. Roughness

Question 12

1. Breathiness

Answer 12

VF vibrate, but a lot of air escapes due to one or more VF paralysis

Higher shimmer(amp) irregularity

NOT a whisper since is phonated

i.e. bedroom voice

Question 13

VF paralysis

Answer 13

Only one VF moves, or both don’t move
Not enough medial compression generated for adequate PTP, air flow escapes, shimmer, breathy

Usually left VF paralyzed because its more likely to be accidentally injured (left vagus nerve)

Question 14

VF paralysis due to Iatrogenic
effect

Answer 14

Cranial nerve X (vagus) left branch cut on accident by a doctor during chest surgery because the left branch is much longer and deeper than right

leads to VF left paralysis

Question 15

VF paralysis due to intubation

Answer 15

Long term intubation may cause damage to VF, intubation goes through VF and can damage VF if prolonged

Question 16

2. Strain

Answer 16

VF vibrates but “strangled” sound due to excessive effort

Spasmodic dysphonia: spasming (sudden and violent and unwilling muscle contraction) of either adductor or abductor

Question 17

Spasmodic dysphonia adductor type

Answer 17

adductor trio spasms
Clenched tightly VF, too much medial compression, cannot adequately vibrate VF, leads to tight and strangled sound

Can whisper because adductors not in play

Question 18

Spasmodic dysphonia: abductor type

Answer 18

Abductor muscle spasms, open glottis and breathy (Shimmer) quality
Strain and empty “glitchy”
Becomes unwantedly unvoiced

Question 19

3. Roughness

Answer 19

Colloquially Hoarseness
Strain and breathy qualities

High jitter (time): Irregular cycle to cycle timing

Examples:
Vocal nodules
Laryngitis
Laryngeal cancer

Question 20

Vocal nodules

Answer 20

Callous-like growth on VF edges due to constant use of loud voice (could change pitch since additional mass changes resonance)

Typically:
Teachers
Children
Singers

Usually a behavioral fix, or surgically removed

Question 21

Laryngitis

Answer 21

Inflamed VF tissue secondary to infection, can be caused by overuse, infection, irritation

Red larynx appearance

Typically goes away, temporary

Question 22

Laryngeal cancer

Answer 22

VF and laryngeal tumor often caused by smoking

Tumor of VF sounds like laryngitis