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Acta Bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis Apr 2017This article attempts to describe the aging process of the vocal folds and the main features of the aged voice. (Review)
Review
AIM
This article attempts to describe the aging process of the vocal folds and the main features of the aged voice.
BACKGROUND
In the world ageing population era, aging diseases and aging disorders are crucial. Voice disorders (presbyphonia) are common in the elderly and have a significant impact on communication and quality of life. Some of these disorders depend on the vocal folds, which consist of an extracellular matrix (ECM), fibrous proteins, interstitial proteins, and glycosaminoglycans. The density and spatial arrangement of these elements are important, as changes in their deposition can alter the biomechanical properties and vibratory function of the vocal folds.
DISCUSSION
The aging voice process is analyzed in detail from mechanical factors like pulmonary bellows alteration, to hormonal factors and life style.
CONCLUSIONS
The elderly people undergoe mechanical, anatomical and functional changes: alterations of the pulmonary bellows, systemic changes like hormonal disregulation, and laryngeal changes, that resulting in hoarseness, which is difficult to treat.
Topics: Aging; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Life Style; Phonation; Respiratory Muscles; Vocal Cords; Voice Quality
PubMed: 28467327
DOI: 10.23750/abm.v88i1.5266 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Jan 2020The larynx is a complex organ which has a role in a variety of functions such as phonation, breathing, and swallowing. To research these functions, it is widely accepted... (Review)
Review
The larynx is a complex organ which has a role in a variety of functions such as phonation, breathing, and swallowing. To research these functions, it is widely accepted that in vivo studies provide more anatomically and physiologically relevant findings. However, invasive procedures are generally needed to measure variables such a subglottal pressure, vocal fold tension and stiffness, and cricothyroid muscle stretch. Performing studies using excised larynges is a useful technique which makes it possible to not only measure phonation parameters but control them as well. Early studies using excised larynges mainly focused on controlling specific parameters and mathematical modeling simulations. The use of these studies has helped further research in laryngeal anatomy, imaging techniques, as well as aerodynamic, acoustic, and biomechanical properties. Here, we describe the progress of this research over the past 5 years. The number of accepted animal models has increased and ideas from excised larynx studies are starting to be applied to treatment methods for laryngeal disorders. These experiments are only valid for an excised situation and must continue to be combined with animal experimentation and clinical observations.
Topics: Animals; Biomechanical Phenomena; Computer Simulation; Humans; Laryngectomy; Larynx; Models, Animal; Models, Theoretical; Phonation
PubMed: 30262190
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2018.07.023 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Jul 2022Phonation threshold pressure (PTP), showing the lowest subglottal pressure producing vocal fold vibration, has been found useful for documenting various effects of...
BACKGROUND
Phonation threshold pressure (PTP), showing the lowest subglottal pressure producing vocal fold vibration, has been found useful for documenting various effects of phonatory conditions. The need for such documentation is relevant also to the teaching of singing, particularly in view of vocal demands raised in some contemporary as well as early music compositions. The aim of the present study was to test the usefulness of PTP measurement for evaluating phonatory effects of vibrato-free and ingressive singing in professional singers.
METHODS
PTP was measured at a middle, a high and a low pitch in two female and two male singers before and after recording voice range profiles (i) in habitual technique, ie, with vibrato, (ii) in vibrato-free, and (iii) in ingressive phonation. Effects on vocal fold status were examined by videolaryngostroboscopy.
RESULTS
After careful instruction of the singers, no problems were found in applying the PTP method. In some singers videolaryngostroboscopy showed effects after the experiment, eg, in terms of increased mucus and more complete glottal closure. After ingressive phonation PTP increased substantially at high pitch in one singer but changed marginally in the other singers.
CONCLUSION
The method seems useful for assessing and interpreting effects of singing in different styles and as a part of voice diagnostics. Therefore, it seems worthwhile to automatize PTP measurement.
Topics: Dysphonia; Female; Humans; Male; Phonation; Singing; Voice; Voice Quality
PubMed: 33071148
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.07.023 -
Nature Neuroscience Dec 2023Mammalian vocalizations are critical for communication and are produced through the process of phonation, in which expiratory muscles force air through the tensed vocal...
Mammalian vocalizations are critical for communication and are produced through the process of phonation, in which expiratory muscles force air through the tensed vocal folds of the larynx, which vibrate to produce sound. Despite the importance of phonation, the motor circuits in the brain that control it remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified a subpopulation of ~160 neuropeptide precursor Nts (neurotensin)-expressing neurons in the mouse brainstem nucleus retroambiguus (RAm) that are robustly activated during both neonatal isolation cries and adult social vocalizations. The activity of these neurons is necessary and sufficient for vocalization and bidirectionally controls sound volume. RAm Nts neurons project to all brainstem and spinal cord motor centers involved in phonation and activate laryngeal and expiratory muscles essential for phonation and volume control. Thus, RAm Nts neurons form the core of a brain circuit for making sound and controlling its volume, which are two foundations of vocal communication.
Topics: Animals; Male; Sheep; Mice; Vocalization, Animal; Larynx; Neurons; Brain Stem; Phonation; Mammals
PubMed: 37996531
DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01478-2 -
Cognitive Science May 2021Sound symbolism is a non-arbitrary correspondence between sound and meaning. The majority of studies on sound symbolism have focused on consonants and vowels, and the...
Sound symbolism is a non-arbitrary correspondence between sound and meaning. The majority of studies on sound symbolism have focused on consonants and vowels, and the sound-symbolic properties of suprasegmentals, particularly phonation types, have been largely neglected. This study examines the size and shape symbolism of four phonation types: modal and creaky voices, falsetto, and whisper. Japanese speakers heard 12 novel words (e.g., /íbi/, /ápa/) pronounced with the four types of phonation and rated the size and roundedness/pointedness each of the 48 stimuli seemed to represent on seven-point scales. The results showed that phonation types as well as consonantal and vocalic features influenced the ratings. Creaky voice was associated with larger and more pointed images than modal voice, which was in turn associated with larger and more pointed images than whisper. Falsetto was also associated with roundedness but not with smallness. These results shed new light on the acoustic approaches to sound symbolism and suggest the significance of phonation types and other suprasegmental features in the phenomenon.
Topics: Hearing; Humans; Language; Phonation; Sound; Symbolism
PubMed: 34018216
DOI: 10.1111/cogs.12982 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Sep 2021Synthetic vocal fold (VF) models used for studying the physics of voice production are comprised of silicone and fabricated using traditional casting processes. The...
OBJECTIVE
Synthetic vocal fold (VF) models used for studying the physics of voice production are comprised of silicone and fabricated using traditional casting processes. The purpose of this study was to develop and demonstrate a new method of creating synthetic VF models through 3D printing in order to reduce model fabrication time, increase yield, and lay the foundation for future models with more life-like geometric, material, and vibratory properties.
STUDY DESIGN
Basic science.
METHODS
A 3D printing technique based on embedding a UV-curable liquid silicone into a gel-like medium was selected and refined. Cubes were printed and subjected to tensile testing to characterize their material properties. Self-oscillating VF models were then printed, coated with a thin layer of silicone representing the epithelium, and used in phonation tests to gather onset pressure, frequency, and amplitude data.
RESULTS
The cubes were found to be anisotropic, exhibiting different modulus values depending on the orientation of the printed layers. The VF models self-oscillated and withstood the strains induced by phonation. Print parameters were found to affect model vibration frequency and onset pressure. Primarily due to the design of the VF models, their onset pressures were higher than what is found in human VFs. However, their frequencies were within a comparable range.
CONCLUSION
The results demonstrate the ability to 3D print synthetic, self-oscillating VF models. It is anticipated that this method will be further refined and used in future studies exploring flow-induced vibratory characteristics of phonation.
Topics: Humans; Models, Anatomic; Models, Biological; Phonation; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Vibration; Vocal Cords; Voice
PubMed: 32312610
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.01.030 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Feb 2024This case highlights the consequences of colon interposition on phonation and swallowing. Findings in this patient included laryngopharyngeal reflux, vocal fold...
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT
This case highlights the consequences of colon interposition on phonation and swallowing. Findings in this patient included laryngopharyngeal reflux, vocal fold paralysis, poor esophageal peristalsis, failed bolus transfers, and others. The mechanical and functional differences between the colon and the esophagus can impact bolus transfer, reflux, and phonation. Further research is required to identify the mechanisms by which colon interposition can impact voice and swallowing.
Topics: Humans; Dysphonia; Voice; Phonation; Laryngopharyngeal Reflux; Colon
PubMed: 34427138
DOI: 10.1177/01455613211041786 -
The Laryngoscope Jul 2022Phonation threshold pressure (P ) is the minimum subglottic pressure required to reach phonation onset and is considered a marker for vocal efficiency and health. We...
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS
Phonation threshold pressure (P ) is the minimum subglottic pressure required to reach phonation onset and is considered a marker for vocal efficiency and health. We investigated the effects of intrinsic laryngeal muscle (ILM) activation on P .
STUDY DESIGN
In vivo animal study.
METHODS
In an in vivo canine phonation model, laryngeal adductor muscles were activated together by stimulation of the recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs) and individually via stimulation of respective terminal nerve branches. Cricothyroid (CT) muscles were activated via stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerves. ILMs were activated in a graded manner at various combinations as transglottal airflow was gradually increased. Aerodynamic and glottal posture parameters were measured at phonation onset.
RESULTS
Graded RLN stimulation decreased glottal distance and increased P . Thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle activation alone increased P . Lateral cricoarytenoid (LCA) muscle activation alone had minimal effects. However, graded TA activation as a function of LCA activation level revealed a synergistic relationship between the two muscles in increasing P . Effects of CT activation were dependent on adductor stimulation level: CT activation increased P at low RLN stimulation levels and decreased P at high RLN levels.
CONCLUSIONS
The effects of ILM activation on P were consistent with their expected effects on vocal fold stiffness and tension. TA was the primary adductor controlling P . While LCA alone had minimal effects on P , it enhanced the role of TA in controlling P . TA and CT have antagonistic roles in controlling P . These relationships should be considered in clinical efforts to improve ease of phonation and vocal efficiency.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
NA, basic science Laryngoscope, 132:1427-1432, 2022.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Electric Stimulation; Glottis; Humans; Laryngeal Muscles; Phonation; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 34784055
DOI: 10.1002/lary.29944 -
International Orthodontics Mar 2021To determine the relationship between AOB and factors such as dental arch dimensions and tongue position during swallowing and phonation.
Anterior open bite and its relationship with dental arch dimensions and tongue position during swallowing and phonation in individuals aged 8-16 years: A retrospective case-control study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between AOB and factors such as dental arch dimensions and tongue position during swallowing and phonation.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A case-control study was performed in two groups: 132 children with Anterior Open Bite (AOB) and 132 with normal vertical overbite (NVO), aged 8-16 years selected from the records taken by a previous study from five public schools. Dental arch dimensions were assessed through digitalized study models. Swallowing was evaluated using the Payne technique, and phoniatric assessment included an adaptation of the articulation test used to describe phonemes.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Chi-Square or Fisher's exact test for comparisons between qualitative variables and the Mann Whitney or T-student were applied to compare the dental arch dimensions according to bite type. A logistic regression model was applied to control the effect of confusion between independent variables and to describe its simultaneous effect on the type of bite.
RESULTS
Intercanine, interpremolar and intermolar widths showed higher values in AOB patients with a mean deviation (MD) of 0.536 (P=0.031), 0.60 (P=0.043) and 1.15, (P<0.001) respectively. Distortions caused by tongue interposition and thrust, tongue protrusion during swallowing, mandibular arch intermolar width, total maxillary arch length, maxillary arch perimeter, and posterior arch depth accounted for 64.6% of AOB and allowed for correct predictions in 83.8% of the cases observed in the study population.
CONCLUSIONS
A significant association between tongue position and function, as well as alterations such as tongue interposition and thrust during swallowing and phonation in individuals with AOB, were observed. There is a relationship between AOB and the presence of a wider mandibular arch and a narrower, longer, and deeper maxillary arch.
Topics: Adolescent; Case-Control Studies; Child; Colombia; Deglutition; Dental Arch; Female; Humans; Male; Malocclusion; Maxilla; Open Bite; Phonation; Retrospective Studies; Schools; Tongue
PubMed: 33518486
DOI: 10.1016/j.ortho.2020.12.005 -
Annals of Internal Medicine Nov 2020
Topics: Humans; Phonation; Respiration; Respiratory Insufficiency
PubMed: 32584592
DOI: 10.7326/M20-4186