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Thomson SL. Synthetic, self-oscillating vocal fold models for voice production researcha). THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2024; 156:1283-1308. [PMID: 39172710 PMCID: PMC11348498 DOI: 10.1121/10.0028267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Sound for the human voice is produced by vocal fold flow-induced vibration and involves a complex coupling between flow dynamics, tissue motion, and acoustics. Over the past three decades, synthetic, self-oscillating vocal fold models have played an increasingly important role in the study of these complex physical interactions. In particular, two types of models have been established: "membranous" vocal fold models, such as a water-filled latex tube, and "elastic solid" models, such as ultrasoft silicone formed into a vocal fold-like shape and in some cases with multiple layers of differing stiffness to mimic the human vocal fold tissue structure. In this review, the designs, capabilities, and limitations of these two types of models are presented. Considerations unique to the implementation of elastic solid models, including fabrication processes and materials, are discussed. Applications in which these models have been used to study the underlying mechanical principles that govern phonation are surveyed, and experimental techniques and configurations are reviewed. Finally, recommendations for continued development of these models for even more lifelike response and clinical relevance are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott L Thomson
- Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Rexburg, Idaho 83460, USA
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Tur B, Gühring L, Wendler O, Schlicht S, Drummer D, Kniesburges S. Effect of Ligament Fibers on Dynamics of Synthetic, Self-Oscillating Vocal Folds in a Biomimetic Larynx Model. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1130. [PMID: 37892860 PMCID: PMC10604794 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10101130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic silicone larynx models are essential for understanding the biomechanics of physiological and pathological vocal fold vibrations. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of artificial ligament fibers on vocal fold vibrations in a synthetic larynx model, which is capable of replicating physiological laryngeal functions such as elongation, abduction, and adduction. A multi-layer silicone model with different mechanical properties for the musculus vocalis and the lamina propria consisting of ligament and mucosa was used. Ligament fibers of various diameters and break resistances were cast into the vocal folds and tested at different tension levels. An electromechanical setup was developed to mimic laryngeal physiology. The measurements included high-speed video recordings of vocal fold vibrations, subglottal pressure and acoustic. For the evaluation of the vibration characteristics, all measured values were evaluated and compared with parameters from ex and in vivo studies. The fundamental frequency of the synthetic larynx model was found to be approximately 200-520 Hz depending on integrated fiber types and tension levels. This range of the fundamental frequency corresponds to the reproduction of a female normal and singing voice range. The investigated voice parameters from vocal fold vibration, acoustics, and subglottal pressure were within normal value ranges from ex and in vivo studies. The integration of ligament fibers leads to an increase in the fundamental frequency with increasing airflow, while the tensioning of the ligament fibers remains constant. In addition, a tension increase in the fibers also generates a rise in the fundamental frequency delivering the physiological expectation of the dynamic behavior of vocal folds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogac Tur
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstrasse 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lucia Gühring
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstrasse 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Olaf Wendler
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstrasse 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Samuel Schlicht
- Institute of Polymer Technology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Am Weichselgarten 10, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dietmar Drummer
- Institute of Polymer Technology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Am Weichselgarten 10, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Kniesburges
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstrasse 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Veltrup R, Kniesburges S, Semmler M. Influence of Perspective Distortion in Laryngoscopy. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023; 66:3276-3289. [PMID: 37652062 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-23-00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An experiment with controllable boundaries was designed to assess the influence of the recording angle and distance on two-dimensional (2D) imaging in laryngoscopy and resulting 2D parameter calculation derived from the glottal area waveform (GAW). METHOD Two high-speed camera setups were used to synchronously record an oscillating synthetic vocal fold (VF) model, simulating a high-speed videoendoscopy. One camera recorded at variable lateral recording angles and a reference camera in superior perspective. This was performed at different physiological recording distances and for two oscillation modes (with/without contacting VFs). The GAW was derived from the segmented glottis, and two parameters each for the categories of symmetry, periodicity, and closure were calculated, as well as two derivative measures. The percentage difference between the variable and reference camera value pairs was calculated, and the angle and height dependencies were quantified using linear regression. RESULTS The visual perception of a laryngoscopy was found to be influenced by the lateral recording angle, which may lead to misinterpretation of VF symmetry among inexperienced observers. The strongest influence of recording angle was observed for symmetry parameters, the strongest being the Amplitude Symmetry Index with up to 2.6%/° (p < .05). A dependence on the recording distance was only found for the Maximum Area Declination Rate. CONCLUSIONS The recording angle in 2D laryngoscopy should be carefully considered during visual inspection of the VF dynamics. Most of the investigated objective parameters were unaffected by the examined perspective distortion. However, especially left-right symmetry measures should only be used under controlled boundary conditions to avoid misdiagnosis and misinterpretation. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23961183.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Veltrup
- University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School, Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kniesburges
- University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School, Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Marion Semmler
- University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School, Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
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Jakubaß B, Peters G, Kniesburges S, Semmler M, Kirsch A, Gerstenberger C, Gugatschka M, Döllinger M. Effect of functional electric stimulation on phonation in an ex vivo aged ovine model. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 153:2803. [PMID: 37154554 DOI: 10.1121/10.0017923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
With age, the atrophy of the thyroarytenoid muscle (TAM), and thus atrophy of the vocal folds, leads to decreased glottal closure, increased breathiness, and a loss in voice quality, which results in a reduced quality of life. A method to counteract the atrophy of the TAM is to induce hypertrophy in the muscle by functional electric stimulation (FES). In this study, phonation experiments were performed with ex vivo larynges of six stimulated and six unstimulated ten-year-old sheep to investigate the impact of FES on phonation. Electrodes were implanted bilaterally near the cricothyroid joint. FES treatment was provided for nine weeks before harvesting. The multimodal measurement setup simultaneously recorded high-speed video of the vocal fold oscillation, the supraglottal acoustic signal, and the subglottal pressure signal. Results of 683 measurements show a 65.6% lower glottal gap index, a 22.7% higher tissue flexibility (measured by the amplitude to length ratio), and a 473.7% higher coefficient of determination (R2) of the regression of subglottal and supraglottal cepstral peak prominence during phonation for the stimulated group. These results suggest that FES improves the phonatory process for aged larynges or presbyphonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Jakubaß
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstrasse 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gregor Peters
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstrasse 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Kniesburges
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstrasse 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marion Semmler
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstrasse 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrijana Kirsch
- Division of Phoniatrics, ENT University Hospital Graz, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 26, Graz 8036, Austria
| | - Claus Gerstenberger
- Division of Phoniatrics, ENT University Hospital Graz, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 26, Graz 8036, Austria
| | - Markus Gugatschka
- Division of Phoniatrics, ENT University Hospital Graz, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 26, Graz 8036, Austria
| | - Michael Döllinger
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstrasse 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Lodermeyer A, Bagheri E, Kniesburges S, Näger C, Probst J, Döllinger M, Becker S. The mechanisms of harmonic sound generation during phonation: A multi-modal measurement-based approach. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 150:3485. [PMID: 34852620 DOI: 10.1121/10.0006974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sound generation during voiced speech remains an open research topic because the underlying process within the human larynx is hardly accessible for direct measurements. In the present study, harmonic sound generation during phonation was investigated with a model that replicates the fully coupled fluid-structure-acoustic interaction (FSAI). The FSAI was captured using a multi-modal approach by measuring the flow and acoustic source fields based on particle image velocimetry, as well as the surface velocity of the vocal folds based on laser vibrometry and high-speed imaging. Strong harmonic sources were localized near the glottis, as well as further downstream, during the presence of the supraglottal jet. The strongest harmonic content of the vocal fold surface motion was verified for the area near the glottis, which directly interacts with the glottal jet flow. Also, the acoustic back-coupling of the formant frequencies onto the harmonic oscillation of the vocal folds was verified. These findings verify that harmonic sound generation is the result of a strong interrelation between the vocal fold motion, modulated flow field, and vocal tract geometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lodermeyer
- Department of Process Machinery and Systems Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, 91058, Germany
| | - Eman Bagheri
- Department of Process Machinery and Systems Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, 91058, Germany
| | - Stefan Kniesburges
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Christoph Näger
- Department of Process Machinery and Systems Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, 91058, Germany
| | - Judith Probst
- Department of Process Machinery and Systems Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, 91058, Germany
| | - Michael Döllinger
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Department of Process Machinery and Systems Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, 91058, Germany
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Falk S, Kniesburges S, Schoder S, Jakubaß B, Maurerlehner P, Echternach M, Kaltenbacher M, Döllinger M. 3D-FV-FE Aeroacoustic Larynx Model for Investigation of Functional Based Voice Disorders. Front Physiol 2021; 12:616985. [PMID: 33762964 PMCID: PMC7982522 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.616985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
For the clinical analysis of underlying mechanisms of voice disorders, we developed a numerical aeroacoustic larynx model, called simVoice, that mimics commonly observed functional laryngeal disorders as glottal insufficiency and vibrational left-right asymmetries. The model is a combination of the Finite Volume (FV) CFD solver Star-CCM+ and the Finite Element (FE) aeroacoustic solver CFS++. simVoice models turbulence using Large Eddy Simulations (LES) and the acoustic wave propagation with the perturbed convective wave equation (PCWE). Its geometry corresponds to a simplified larynx and a vocal tract model representing the vowel /a/. The oscillations of the vocal folds are externally driven. In total, 10 configurations with different degrees of functional-based disorders were simulated and analyzed. The energy transfer between the glottal airflow and the vocal folds decreases with an increasing glottal insufficiency and potentially reflects the higher effort during speech for patients being concerned. This loss of energy transfer may also have an essential influence on the quality of the sound signal as expressed by decreasing sound pressure level (SPL), Cepstral Peak Prominence (CPP), and Vocal Efficiency (VE). Asymmetry in the vocal fold oscillations also reduces the quality of the sound signal. However, simVoice confirmed previous clinical and experimental observations that a high level of glottal insufficiency worsens the acoustic signal quality more than oscillatory left-right asymmetry. Both symptoms in combination will further reduce the quality of the sound signal. In summary, simVoice allows for detailed analysis of the origins of disordered voice production and hence fosters the further understanding of laryngeal physiology, including occurring dependencies. A current walltime of 10 h/cycle is, with a prospective increase in computing power, auspicious for a future clinical use of simVoice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Falk
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Kniesburges
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Schoder
- Institute of Fundamentals and Theory in Electrical Engineering, Division Vibro- and Aeroacoustics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Bernhard Jakubaß
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paul Maurerlehner
- Institute of Fundamentals and Theory in Electrical Engineering, Division Vibro- and Aeroacoustics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Matthias Echternach
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Munich University Hospital (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Manfred Kaltenbacher
- Institute of Fundamentals and Theory in Electrical Engineering, Division Vibro- and Aeroacoustics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Döllinger
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Semmler M, Berry DA, Schützenberger A, Döllinger M. Fluid-structure-acoustic interactions in an ex vivo porcine phonation model. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 149:1657. [PMID: 33765793 PMCID: PMC7952141 DOI: 10.1121/10.0003602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In the clinic, many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures focus on the oscillation patterns of the vocal folds (VF). Dynamic characteristics of the VFs, such as symmetry, periodicity, and full glottal closure, are considered essential features for healthy phonation. However, the relevance of these individual factors in the complex interaction between the airflow, laryngeal structures, and the resulting acoustics has not yet been quantified. Sustained phonation was induced in nine excised porcine larynges without vocal tract (supraglottal structures had been removed above the ventricular folds). The multimodal setup was designed to simultaneously control and monitor key aspects of phonation in the three essential parts of the larynx. More specifically, measurements will comprise (1) the subglottal pressure signal, (2) high-speed recordings in the glottal plane, and (3) the acoustic signal in the supraglottal region. The automated setup regulates glottal airflow, asymmetric arytenoid adduction, and the pre-phonatory glottal gap. Statistical analysis revealed a beneficial influence of VF periodicity and glottal closure on the signal quality of the subglottal pressure and the supraglottal acoustics, whereas VF symmetry only had a negligible influence. Strong correlations were found between the subglottal and supraglottal signal quality, with significant improvement of the acoustic quality for high levels of periodicity and glottal closure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Semmler
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstrasse 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - David A Berry
- Laryngeal Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA
| | - Anne Schützenberger
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstrasse 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Döllinger
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstrasse 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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