Speech

Question 1

explain the speech process

Answer 1

1 - generation of sound by local fold, setting the air particles into vibration (phonation)
2 - modify the sound to produce specific complex sounds (resonance and articulation)

Question 2

what is the difference between voiced sounds and unvoiced sounds

Answer 2

• voiced sounds: vocal folds will vibrate

- unvoiced sounds: vocal folds don’t vibrate, articulated only

Question 3

what is phonation

Answer 3

• vibration of vocal folds to make a sound
• folds must be brought together
• initiated by active closing of local folds
• followed by passive vibration of the folds from expired air

Question 4

what is the frequency of fold vibration determined by?

Answer 4

determined by:

• size of the fold (lower frequency if larger)
• fold tension (the higher the tension, the higher the frequency)
• force of expiration

Question 5

what is resonance

Answer 5

large amplitude vibration produced by a small vibration which is close to the natural frequency of the resonating material

Question 6

what decided the natural frequency of a material

Answer 6

• size, volume, shape

- material is made out of

Question 7

explain resonance in the oral cavity

Answer 7

resonating cavities:

• larynx and pharynx (relatively fixed)
• nasal (fixed shape, can divert air in and out)
• oral: subject to major change is size and volume due to the movements of the tongue

pathological changes can alter voice sounds also, such as blocked nose

Question 8

what is articulation

Answer 8

partial or complete interruption of sound eg. to make sounds such as sss (partial) or p (complete)

Question 9

explain how vowel and consonants sounds are made

Answer 9

vowel: changing shape of the tongue (resonance)
consonants: partial/complete interruption of airflow by tongue, lips or teeth (articulation)

Question 10

state the classifications of sound

Answer 10

• plosive: complete stoppage of air (p, b, d,t)
• nasal: mouth blocked, nasal passage open (m, n)
• fricative: partial stoppage only (f, s)
• affricative: partial stoppage w rapid release of air (sh, ch, j)

Question 11

explain the link between dentistry and speech

Answer 11

they will all affect speech:

• removal of teeth/tooth loss
• removable dentures
• crowns and bridged
• orthodontics: tooth positioning and removable material
• occlusal splints