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Cai H, Ternström S, Chaffanjon P, Henrich Bernardoni N. Effects on Voice Quality of Thyroidectomy: A Qualitative and Quantitative Study Using Voice Maps. J Voice 2024:S0892-1997(24)00082-1. [PMID: 38714436 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2024.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to explore the effects of thyroidectomy-a surgical intervention involving the removal of the thyroid gland-on voice quality, as represented by acoustic and electroglottographic measures. Given the thyroid gland's proximity to the inferior and superior laryngeal nerves, thyroidectomy carries a potential risk of affecting vocal function. While earlier studies have documented effects on the voice range, few studies have looked at voice quality after thyroidectomy. Since voice quality effects could manifest in many ways, that a priori are unknown, we wish to apply an exploratory approach that collects many data points from several metrics. METHODS A voice-mapping analysis paradigm was applied retrospectively on a corpus of spoken and sung sentences produced by patients who had thyroid surgery. Voice quality changes were assessed objectively for 57 patients prior to surgery and 2months after surgery, by making comparative voice maps, pre- and post-intervention, of six acoustic and electroglottographic (EGG) metrics. RESULTS After thyroidectomy, statistically significant changes consistent with a worsening of voice quality were observed in most metrics. For all individual metrics, however, the effect sizes were too small to be clinically relevant. Statistical clustering of the metrics helped to clarify the nature of these changes. While partial thyroidectomy demonstrated greater uniformity than did total thyroidectomy, the type of perioperative damage had no discernible impact on voice quality. CONCLUSIONS Changes in voice quality after thyroidectomy were related mostly to increased phonatory instability in both the acoustic and EGG metrics. Clustered voice metrics exhibited a higher correlation to voice complaints than did individual voice metrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanchen Cai
- Division of Speech, Music and Hearing, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Sten Ternström
- Division of Speech, Music and Hearing, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Philippe Chaffanjon
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, GIPSA-lab, Grenoble, France; Medical School, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
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Influence of Loudness on Vocal Stability in the Male Passaggio. J Voice 2023; 37:296.e1-296.e8. [PMID: 33455852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vocal registers and the frequency region where registration events occur, the passaggio, have been in focus of scientific research for almost 200 years. In professional tenors, it has been shown before that singing across the passaggio avoiding a register shift and therefore using their stage voice above the passaggio (SVaP) is associated with greater vocal stability than a register change to the falsetto. However, it is unclarified how much different loudness conditions contribute to this vocal stability. MATERIAL AND METHODS Six professional tenors were asked to perform four pitch glides from A3 to A4 (220-440 Hz) on the vowel [i:]. These glides included (1) the passaggio from modal register to falsetto. The following glides into SVaP were performed under different loudness conditions, (2) mezzoforte (average loudness), (3) pianissimo (as quietly as possible), and (4) fortissimo (the loudest possible). During phonation, high speed videoendoscopy (HSV), electroglottography, and audio signals were recorded simultaneously. The glottal area waveform was derived based on the HSV material. RESULTS Modal to falsetto transitions were associated with relatively low sound pressure level and rise of open quotients (OQ) for the falsetto. Transitions to SVaP showed a clear dependence on the intended loudness. The OQs were lower the louder the task was. There was no clear evidence that transitions with softer voice showed greater stability of vocal fold oscillation patterns than louder tasks. CONCLUSIONS The vocal fold oscillation pattern show- differences among various loudness conditions within the tenors' passaggio but no clear differences with regard to oscillatory stability.
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Fleischer M, Rummel S, Stritt F, Fischer J, Bock M, Echternach M, Richter B, Traser L. Voice efficiency for different voice qualities combining experimentally derived sound signals and numerical modeling of the vocal tract. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1081622. [PMID: 36620215 PMCID: PMC9822708 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1081622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Concerning voice efficiency considerations of different singing styles, from western classical singing to contemporary commercial music, only limited data is available to date. This single-subject study attempts to quantify the acoustic sound intensity within the human glottis depending on different vocal tract configurations and vocal fold vibration. Methods: Combining Finite-Element-Models derived from 3D-MRI data, audio recordings, and electroglottography (EGG) we analyzed vocal tract transfer functions, particle velocity and acoustic pressure at the glottis, and EGG-related quantities to evaluate voice efficiency at the glottal level and resonance characteristics of different voice qualities according to Estill Voice Training®. Results: Voice qualities Opera and Belting represent highly efficient strategies but apply different vowel strategies and should thus be capable of predominate orchestral sounds. Twang and Belting use similar vowels, but the twang vocal tract configuration enabled the occurrence of anti-resonances and was associated with reduced vocal fold contact but still partially comparable energy transfer from the glottis to the vocal tract. Speech was associated with highly efficient glottal to vocal tract energy transfer, but with the absence of psychoactive strategies makes it more susceptible to noise interference. Falsetto and Sobbing apply less efficiently. Falsetto mainly due to its voice source characteristics, Sobbing due to energy loss in the vocal tract. Thus technical amplification might be appropriate here. Conclusion: Differences exist between voice qualities regarding the sound intensity, caused by different vocal tract morphologies and oscillation characteristics of the vocal folds. The combination of numerical analysis of geometries inside the human body and experimentally determined data outside sheds light on acoustical quantities at the glottal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Fleischer
- Department of Audiology and Phoniatrics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Mario Fleischer,
| | | | - Fiona Stritt
- Medical Center, Institute of Musicians’ Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Fischer
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Bock
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Echternach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, LMU Klinikum, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Richter
- Medical Center, Institute of Musicians’ Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Louisa Traser
- Medical Center, Institute of Musicians’ Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Patel RR, Ternström S. Quantitative and Qualitative Electroglottographic Wave Shape Differences in Children and Adults Using Voice Map-Based Analysis. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2021; 64:2977-2995. [PMID: 34319772 DOI: 10.1044/2021_jslhr-20-00717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the extent to which various measurements of contacting parameters differ between children and adults during habitual range and overlap vocal frequency/intensity, using voice map-based assessment of noninvasive electroglottography (EGG). Method EGG voice maps were analyzed from 26 adults (22-45 years) and 22 children (4-8 years) during connected speech and vowel /a/ over the habitual range and the overlap vocal frequency/intensity from the voice range profile task on the vowel /a/. Mean and standard deviations of contact quotient by integration, normalized contacting speed, quotient of speed by integration, and cycle-rate sample entropy were obtained. Group differences were evaluated using the linear mixed model analysis for the habitual range connected speech and the vowel, whereas analysis of covariance was conducted for the overlap vocal frequency/intensity from the voice range profile task. Presence of a "knee" on the EGG wave shape was determined by visual inspection of the presence of convexity along the decontacting slope of the EGG pulse and the presence of the second derivative zero-crossing. Results The contact quotient by integration, normalized contacting speed, quotient of speed by integration, and cycle-rate sample entropy were significantly different in children compared to (a) adult males for habitual range and (b) adult males and adult females for the overlap vocal frequency/intensity. None of the children had a "knee" on the decontacting slope of the EGG slope. Conclusion EGG parameters of contact quotient by integration, normalized contacting speed, quotient of speed by integration, cycle-rate sample entropy, and absence of a "knee" on the decontacting slope characterize the wave shape differences between children and adults, whereas the normalized contacting speed, quotient of speed by integration, cycle-rate sample entropy, and presence of a "knee" on the downward pulse slope characterize the wave shape differences between adult males and adult females. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.15057345.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita R Patel
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington
| | - Sten Ternström
- Division of Speech, Music, and Hearing, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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Echternach M, Herbst CT, Köberlein M, Story B, Döllinger M, Gellrich D. Are source-filter interactions detectable in classical singing during vowel glides? THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 149:4565. [PMID: 34241428 DOI: 10.1121/10.0005432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent studies, it has been assumed that vocal tract formants (Fn) and the voice source could interact. However, there are only few studies analyzing this assumption in vivo. Here, the vowel transition /i/-/a/-/u/-/i/ of 12 professional classical singers (6 females, 6 males) when phonating on the pitch D4 [fundamental frequency (ƒo) ca. 294 Hz] were analyzed using transnasal high speed videoendoscopy (20.000 fps), electroglottography (EGG), and audio recordings. Fn data were calculated using a cepstral method. Source-filter interaction candidates (SFICs) were determined by (a) algorithmic detection of major intersections of Fn/nƒo and (b) perceptual assessment of the EGG signal. Although the open quotient showed some increase for the /i-a/ and /u-i/ transitions, there were no clear effects at the expected Fn/nƒo intersections. In contrast, ƒo adjustments and changes in the phonovibrogram occurred at perceptually derived SFICs, suggesting level-two interactions. In some cases, these were constituted by intersections between higher nƒo and Fn. The presented data partially corroborates that vowel transitions may result in level-two interactions also in professional singers. However, the lack of systematically detectable effects suggests either the absence of a strong interaction or existence of confounding factors, which may potentially counterbalance the level-two-interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Echternach
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Munich University Hospital (LMU), Marchioninistrasse 15, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Christian T Herbst
- Antonio Salieri Department of Vocal Studies and Vocal Research in Music Education, University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marie Köberlein
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Munich University Hospital (LMU), Marchioninistrasse 15, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Brad Story
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85718, USA
| | - Michael Döllinger
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School Waldstrasse 1, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Donata Gellrich
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Munich University Hospital (LMU), Marchioninistrasse 15, Munich, 81377, Germany
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6
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Echternach M, Döllinger M, Köberlein M, Kuranova L, Gellrich D, Kainz MA. Vocal fold oscillation pattern changes related to loudness in patients with vocal fold mass lesions. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 49:80. [PMID: 33228812 PMCID: PMC7686765 DOI: 10.1186/s40463-020-00481-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vocal fold mass lesions can affect vocal fold oscillation patterns and therefore voice production. It has been previously observed that perturbation values from audio signals were lower with increased loudness. However, how much the oscillation patterns change with gradual alteration of loudness is not yet fully understood. Material and methods Eight patients with vocal fold mass lesions were asked to perform a glide from minimum to maximum loudness on the vowel /i/, ƒo of 125 Hz for male or 250 Hz for female voices. During phonation the subjects were simultaneously recorded with transnasal high speed videoendoscopy (HSV, 20,000 fps), electroglottography (EGG), and an audio recording. Based on the HSV material the Glottal Area Waveform (GAW) was segmented and GAW parameters were computed. Results The greatest vocal fold irregularities were observed at different values between minimum and maximum sound pressure level. There was a relevant discrepancy between the HSV and EGG derived open quotients. Furthermore, the EGG derived sample entropy and GAW values also evidenced different behavior. Conclusions The amount of vocal fold irregularity changes with varying loudness. Therefore, any evaluation of the voice should be performed under different loudness conditions. The discrepancy between EGG and GAW values appears to be much stronger in patients with vocal fold mass lesions than those with normal physiological conditions. Level of evidence 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Echternach
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Munich University Hospital (LMU), Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Michael Döllinger
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School, Bohlenplatz 21, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marie Köberlein
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Munich University Hospital (LMU), Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Musicians' Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Freiburg University, Elsässerstr 2m, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Liudmila Kuranova
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Munich University Hospital (LMU), Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Donata Gellrich
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Munich University Hospital (LMU), Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Marie-Anne Kainz
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Munich University Hospital (LMU), Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
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7
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Electroglottography – An Update. J Voice 2020; 34:503-526. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Echternach M, Högerle C, Köberlein M, Schlegel P, Döllinger M, Richter B, Kainz MA. The Effect of Nasalance on Vocal Fold Oscillation Patterns During the Male Passaggio. J Voice 2019; 35:500.e9-500.e16. [PMID: 31668917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2019.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is generally assumed that when singing across the region where registration events for untrained voices occur (the passaggio), singers modify the voice production system in order to avoid changes of voice quality. In this context, it has been postulated that nasalance could be used to stabilize vocal function throughout the passaggio. However, whether nasalance is frequently used by professional singers and if so, if it has a stabilizing effect on vocal fold oscillation patterns, is not yet fully understood. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eight western classically trained professional male singers (6 tenors and 2 baritones) were asked to perform transitions (1) from modal to falsetto register and (2) from modal to stage voice above the passaggio (SVaP) during ascending pitch glides from A3 (ƒo approx. 220 Hz) to A4 (ƒo approx. 440 Hz) on the vowel /i/. Transnasal high-speed videoendoscopy at 20.000 fps was captured simultaneously with electroglottographic, nasal and oral flow, and audio signals, recorded using the same frame rate. The nasalance was calculated from both oral and nasal DC-flow signals. RESULTS Transitions to SVaP showed greater periodicity and regularity than transitions to falsetto. For 5 subjects, nasalance was increased during the passaggio for the transition to SVaP. For 4 subjects the increase of nasalance for the SVaP was associated with a stabilization of the open quotient and occurred at a comparable fundamental frequency as the increase of the open quotient for the transition to falsetto. CONCLUSIONS Nasalance can be used in order to stabilize oscillatory regularity and open quotient in male singers for singing across the passaggio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Echternach
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Munich University Hospital (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Catalina Högerle
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Munich University Hospital (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Marie Köberlein
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Munich University Hospital (LMU), Munich, Germany; Institute of Musicians' Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center and Medical Faculty, Freiburg University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Schlegel
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Döllinger
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Richter
- Institute of Musicians' Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center and Medical Faculty, Freiburg University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marie-Anne Kainz
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Munich University Hospital (LMU), Munich, Germany
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Ternström S. Normalized time-domain parameters for electroglottographic waveforms. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 146:EL65. [PMID: 31370590 DOI: 10.1121/1.5117174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The electroglottographic waveform is of interest for characterizing phonation non-invasively. Existing parameterizations tend to give disparate results because they rely on somewhat arbitrary thresholds and/or contacting events. It is shown that neither are needed for formulating a normalized contact quotient and a normalized peak derivative. A heuristic combination of the two resolves also the ambiguity of a moderate contact quotient, with regard to vocal fold contacting being firm versus weak or absent. As preliminaries, schemes for electroglottography signal preconditioning and time-domain period detection are described that improve somewhat on similar methods. The algorithms are simple and compute quickly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sten Ternström
- Department of Speech, Music and Hearing, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm,
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10
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Nacci A, Romeo SO, Cavaliere MD, Macerata A, Bastiani L, Paludetti G, Galli J, Marchese MR, Barillari MR, Barillari U, Berrettini S, Laschi C, Cianchetti M, Manti M, Ursino F, Fattori B. Comparison of electroglottographic variability index in euphonic and pathological voice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 39:381-388. [PMID: 30745592 PMCID: PMC6966776 DOI: 10.14639/0392-100x-2127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In a recent study we introduced a new approach for analysis of the electroglottographic (ECG) signal. This method is based on the evaluation of variation of the EGG signal and its first derivative, through new software developed by the Pisan phoniatric school. This software is designed to extract quantitative indices related to the contacting and decontacting phases of the vocal folds during phonation. The software allows us to study the combined variability of vibration amplitude and velocity (i.e. the first derivative of the EGG signal). Pathological voices show a much more variable EGG signal compared to normal voices, since cordal vibration is made irregular due to the presence of glottis plane pathologies. With the aim of demonstrating the differences between normal and pathological voices relevant to combined vibration amplitude and velocity variability, we have introduced a new quantitative parameter named “variability index, VI”. We studied 95 subjects (35 normal and 60 with pathological voice); among pathologic subjects, 15 showed functional dysphonia and 45 showed organic dysphonia. Subjects affected by organic dysphonia presented: 15 bilateral vocal nodules, 15 unilateral polyps and 15 unilateral cysts. All subjects were studied with videolaryngostroboscopy; electro-acoustic parameters of the voice were analysed with the KayPENTAX CSL (Model 4500) system. The EGG signal was recorded using KAY Model 6103 connected to the CSL system. The new software for the analysis of the EGG signal allows us to obtain not only a VI total value relevant to variability during all the recording, but also partial VI values relevant to the different glottis cycle phases. In fact, plotting the amplitude variation and its first derivative on a Lissajous graph, it is possible to divide the whole glottis cycle into four phases (each represented by four quadrants on the graph): the initial vocal folds contacting activity (VI-Q1), the last phase of vocal folds contacting (VI-Q2), the first phase of vocal folds decontacting (VI-Q3) and the last phase, up to the complete decontacting of vocal folds (VI-Q4). For each quadrant, it is also possible to work out the percent variability index. By comparing the variability indices in the normal and pathological groups, we obtained the following results: the total VI was significantly higher in the pathological subjects (0.25 vs 0.18; p = 0.01); the absolute value of VI was higher in pathological subjects, although the difference was not significant (VI-Q2, 0.041 vs 0.029; VI-Q3, 0.065 vs 0.058; VI-Q4, 0.054 vs 0.052). The percent variability in the Q2 quadrant (VI-Q2%) was significantly higher in pathological subjects compared to normal subjects (0.22 vs 0.16) (p = 0.01). The results of this study confirm that our new software for analysis of EGG signal can distinguish normal voice from pathological voice based on the new quantitative parameter VI. Moreover, this study emphasises that the final contact phase of vocal folds is the most representative of the difference between the normal and pathological voice and shows a wider variability in terms of amplitude and vibration velocity. Further studies on larger groups of subjects will be required to confirm these results and assess differences in the EGG signal among the various vocal fold pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nacci
- ENT, Audiology and Phoniatrics Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy
| | - S O Romeo
- ENT, Audiology and Phoniatrics Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy
| | - M D Cavaliere
- ENT, Audiology and Phoniatrics Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy
| | - A Macerata
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - L Bastiani
- Institute of Clinical Physiology of the Italian National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - G Paludetti
- Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - J Galli
- Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - M R Marchese
- Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - M R Barillari
- Division of Phoniatrics and Audiology, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - U Barillari
- Division of Phoniatrics and Audiology, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - S Berrettini
- ENT, Audiology and Phoniatrics Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy.,Division of ENT Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Laschi
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Cianchetti
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Manti
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Ursino
- National Institute for Research in Phoniatrics, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - B Fattori
- ENT, Audiology and Phoniatrics Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy
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Selamtzis A, Ternström S, Richter B, Burk F, Köberlein M, Echternach M. A comparison of electroglottographic and glottal area waveforms for phonation type differentiation in male professional singers. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2018; 144:3275. [PMID: 30599695 DOI: 10.1121/1.5066456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study compares the use of electroglottograms (EGGs) and glottal area waveforms (GAWs) to study phonation in different vibratory states as produced by professionally trained singers. Six western classical tenors were asked to phonate pitch glides from modal to falsetto phonation, or from modal to their stage voice above the passaggio (SVaP). For each pitch glide the sample entropy (SampEn) of the EGG signal was calculated to detect the occurrence of phonatory instabilities and establish a "ground truth" for the performed phonation type. The cycles before the maximum SampEn were labeled as modal, and the cycles after the peak were labeled as either falsetto, or SVaP. Three automatic categorizations of vibratory state were performed using clustering: one based only on the EGG, one based on the GAW, and one based on their combination. The error rate (clustering vs ground truth) was, on average, lower than 10% for all of the three settings, revealing no special advantage of the GAW over EGG, and vice versa. Modal voice cycles exhibited a larger contact quotient, larger normalized derivative peak ratio, and lower rise time, compared to SVaP and falsetto. The GAW-based normalized maximum area declination rate was larger in SVaP compared to modal voice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Selamtzis
- Department of Speech, Music and Hearing, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Lindstedtsvägen 24, Breisacherstraße 60, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Sten Ternström
- Department of Speech, Music and Hearing, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Lindstedtsvägen 24, Breisacherstraße 60, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Bernard Richter
- Institute of Musicians' Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center, Breisacher Strausse 60, Freiburg, 79106, Germany
| | - Fabian Burk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Marie Köberlein
- Institute of Musicians' Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center, Breisacher Strausse 60, Freiburg, 79106, Germany
| | - Matthias Echternach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Munich University, Campus Großhadern, Marchioninistraße 15, Munich, 81377, Germany
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Ternström S, D'Amario S, Selamtzis A. Effects of the Lung Volume on the Electroglottographic Waveform in Trained Female Singers. J Voice 2018; 34:485.e1-485.e21. [PMID: 30337119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine if in singing there is an effect of lung volume on the electroglottographic waveform, and if so, how it varies over the voice range. STUDY DESIGN Eight trained female singers sang the tune "Frère Jacques" in 18 conditions: three phonetic contexts, three dynamic levels, and high or low lung volume. Conditions were randomized and replicated. METHODS The audio and EGG signals were recorded in synchrony with signals tracking respiration and vertical larynx position. The first 10 Fourier descriptors of every EGG cycle were computed. These spectral data were clustered statistically, and the clusters were mapped by color into a voice range profile display, thus visualizing the EGG waveform changes under the influence of fo and SPL. The rank correlations and effect sizes of the relationships between relative lung volume and several adduction-related EGG wave shape metrics were similarly rendered on a color scale, in voice range profile-style 'voice maps.' RESULTS In most subjects, EGG waveforms varied considerably over the voice range. Within subjects, reproducibility was high, not only across the replications, but also across the phonetic contexts. The EGG waveforms were quite individual, as was the nature of the EGG shape variation across the range. EGG metrics were significantly correlated to changes in lung volume, in parts of the range of the song, and in most subjects. However, the effect sizes of the relative lung volume were generally much smaller than the effects of fo and SPL, and the relationships always varied, even changing polarity from one part of the range to another. CONCLUSIONS Most subjects exhibited small, reproducible effects of the relative lung volume on the EGG waveform. Some hypothesized influences of tracheal pull were seen, mostly at the lowest SPLs. The effects were however highly variable, both across the moderately wide fo-SPL range and across subjects. Different singers may be applying different techniques and compensatory behaviors with changing lung volume. The outcomes emphasize the importance of making observations over a substantial part of the voice range, and not only of phonations sustained at a few fundamental frequencies and sound levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sten Ternström
- Department of Speech, Music and Hearing, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Sara D'Amario
- Department of Speech, Music and Hearing, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden; Audio Lab, Department of Electronic Engineering, University of York, Heslington, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Selamtzis
- Department of Speech, Music and Hearing, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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Echternach M, Burk F, Rose F, Herbst CT, Burdumy M, Döllinger M, Richter B. [Impact of functional mass lesions in professional female singers : Biomechanics of vocal fold oscillation in the register transition regions]. HNO 2017; 66:308-320. [PMID: 29247438 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-017-0447-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The influence of functional mass lesions on vocal fold oscillation patterns in vocally challenging tasks is not yet understood in detail. MATERIALS UND METHODS Glissandi on the vowel [a:] from 220 to 440 Hz and 440 to 880 Hz were analyzed in three groups of four professional female singers: without a mass lesion or dysphony (group A), with a functional mass lesion (swellings without a great impact on oscillation patterns during stroboscopy; group B), and with organic dysphony (group C). High-speed digital imaging (HSDI; 20,000 fps), and acoustic and electroglottographic (EGG) signals were used for analysis. Based on the EGG sample entropy, time windows for analysis of register transition phenomena were constructed. The voice signals (glottal area waveform, GAW; acoustic and EGG signals) were perceptually rated in terms of the noticeability of registration events. RESULTS The absolute sample entropy revealed maxima in fundamental frequency regions where register transitions typically occur. Groups A and B could be distinguished neither by perceptual rating nor based on sample entropy values. In comparison to the other two groups, the absolute sample entropy values of group C were greater in the lower glissando. However, the larger vocal fold oscillatory irregularities were observable for the upper glissando in this group. CONCLUSION Functional mass lesions do not influence biomechanics adversely in vocally challenging tasks such as register transitions. The use of sample entropy as a criterion for detection of register transitions is promising, but needs further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Echternach
- Freiburger Institut für Musikermedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität und Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 60, 79106, Freiburg i.Br., Deutschland.
| | - F Burk
- Freiburger Institut für Musikermedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität und Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 60, 79106, Freiburg i.Br., Deutschland
| | - F Rose
- Freiburger Institut für Musikermedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität und Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 60, 79106, Freiburg i.Br., Deutschland
| | - C T Herbst
- Department für Musikwissenschaft, Universität Mozarteum Salzburg, Salzburg, Österreich
| | - M Burdumy
- Medizin Physik, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität und Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 60a, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - M Döllinger
- Abteilung für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie an der HNO Klinik Erlangen, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Bohlenplatz 21, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - B Richter
- Freiburger Institut für Musikermedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität und Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 60, 79106, Freiburg i.Br., Deutschland
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Macerata A, Nacci A, Manti M, Cianchetti M, Matteucci J, Romeo SO, Fattori B, Berrettini S, Laschi C, Ursino F. Evaluation of the Electroglottographic signal variability by amplitude-speed combined analysis. Biomed Signal Process Control 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Selamtzis A, Ternström S. Investigation of the relationship between electroglottogram waveform, fundamental frequency, and sound pressure level using clustering. J Voice 2017; 31:393-400. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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The Influence of Vowels on Vocal Fold Dynamics in the Tenor's Passaggio. J Voice 2017; 31:424-429. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Echternach M, Burk F, Köberlein M, Selamtzis A, Döllinger M, Burdumy M, Richter B, Herbst CT. Laryngeal evidence for the first and second passaggio in professionally trained sopranos. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175865. [PMID: 28467509 PMCID: PMC5414960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Due to a lack of empirical data, the current understanding of the laryngeal mechanics in the passaggio regions (i.e., the fundamental frequency ranges where vocal registration events usually occur) of the female singing voice is still limited. Material and methods In this study the first and second passaggio regions of 10 professionally trained female classical soprano singers were analyzed. The sopranos performed pitch glides from A3 (ƒo = 220 Hz) to A4 (ƒo = 440 Hz) and from A4 (ƒo = 440 Hz) to A5 (ƒo = 880 Hz) on the vowel [iː]. Vocal fold vibration was assessed with trans-nasal high speed videoendoscopy at 20,000 fps, complemented by simultaneous electroglottographic (EGG) and acoustic recordings. Register breaks were perceptually rated by 12 voice experts. Voice stability was documented with the EGG-based sample entropy. Glottal opening and closing patterns during the passaggi were analyzed, supplemented with open quotient data extracted from the glottal area waveform. Results In both the first and the second passaggio, variations of vocal fold vibration patterns were found. Four distinct patterns emerged: smooth transitions with either increasing or decreasing durations of glottal closure, abrupt register transitions, and intermediate loss of vocal fold contact. Audible register transitions (in both the first and second passaggi) generally coincided with higher sample entropy values and higher open quotient variance through the respective passaggi. Conclusions Noteworthy vocal fold oscillatory registration events occur in both the first and the second passaggio even in professional sopranos. The respective transitions are hypothesized to be caused by either (a) a change of laryngeal biomechanical properties; or by (b) vocal tract resonance effects, constituting level 2 source-filter interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Echternach
- Institute of Musicians’ Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Burk
- Institute of Musicians’ Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marie Köberlein
- Institute of Musicians’ Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Selamtzis
- Royal Technical University, Music Acoustics. Lindstedtsvägen 24, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Döllinger
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School, Waldstrasse 1, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Burdumy
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Richter
- Institute of Musicians’ Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Thomas Herbst
- Laboratory of Bio-Acoustics, Department of Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Echternach M, Burk F, Köberlein M, Herbst CT, Döllinger M, Burdumy M, Richter B. Oscillatory Characteristics of the Vocal Folds Across the Tenor Passaggio. J Voice 2017; 31:381.e5-381.e14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Wade L, Hanna N, Smith J, Wolfe J. The role of vocal tract and subglottal resonances in producing vocal instabilities. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 141:1546. [PMID: 28372071 DOI: 10.1121/1.4976954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
During speech and singing, the vibrating vocal folds are acoustically loaded by resonant ducts upstream (the trachea) and downstream (the vocal tract). Some models suggest that the vocal fold vibration (at frequency fo) is more stable at frequencies below that of a vocal tract resonance, so that the downstream load is inertive (mass-like). If so, vocal fold vibration might become unstable when fo and resonance frequencies "cross over" and the load varies rapidly in phase and magnitude. In one experiment, singers produced a slow diphthong at constant pitch, thus shifting the first tract resonance R1 across fixed fo. In another, pitch glides took fo across the tract and subglottal resonances. Few instabilities occurred when singers could change lip geometry and thus alter R1. This suggests that avoiding resonance crossings can aid vibrational stability. In experiments in which R1 was constrained using a mouth ring, instabilities occurred at frequencies above R1. When subjects sang into an acoustically infinite pipe, which provided a purely resistive load at the lips, R1 was eliminated. Here, instabilities were reduced and concentrated near the lower limit of the head voice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Wade
- School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Noel Hanna
- School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - John Smith
- School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Joe Wolfe
- School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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