Vocal impact of a prolonged reading task at two intensity levels : Perceptual analysis

Conference (2013, June 01)

Our goal is to evaluate the impact on voice of both duration and intensity level of 2 hours of continuous oral reading. Fifty normophonic women underwent two sessions of voice loading in which the ... [more ▼]

Our goal is to evaluate the impact on voice of both duration and intensity level of 2 hours of continuous oral reading. Fifty normophonic women underwent two sessions of voice loading in which the required intensity level of voice varied: 60-65 dB(A) for the first session, and 70-75 dB(A) for the second session. Objective measurements and subjective self-ratings were presented in a previous study (Remacle, Finck, Roche & Morsomme, 2012). Here are the results of perceptual analysis based on comparative judgments. Ten expert listeners evaluated the pressedness and the breathiness of one sentence recorded before and after each loading session. Pairs of stimuli were presented randomly to listeners who were asked to designate the most pressed sample at a first listening and the most breathy sample at a second listening. Each pair of stimuli was presented twice in order to evaluate the reliability. Results indicate that inter-judges and intra-judges reliability was poor to fair. Concerning the duration effect of vocal loading, results showed a significant decrease of breathiness but no change of pressedness after reading in both sessions. The decreased breathiness represents a voice improvement which could be interpreted as an adaptation of voice to loading. When comparing the two intensity levels, no difference was found for breathiness and pressedness after vocal loading. Similarly to objective measurements and self-ratings, perceptual assessments suggest that the duration of vocal loading has more effects on voice than its intensity level. [less ▲]

La charge vocale : De sa quantification à l’étude de son impact sur la fonction phonatoire et sur la qualité vocale

Doctoral thesis (2013)

Ce travail étudie la charge vocale principalement chez les enseignants. La prévalence élevée des troubles de la voix chez ces professionnels serait en partie liée aux trois facteurs principaux de charge ... [more ▼]

Ce travail étudie la charge vocale principalement chez les enseignants. La prévalence élevée des troubles de la voix chez ces professionnels serait en partie liée aux trois facteurs principaux de charge vocale que sont la durée de phonation, le niveau de pression sonore, et la fréquence vocale. Ces facteurs sont associés à des contraintes mécaniques appliquées aux plis vocaux lors de la vibration, potentiellement responsables de microtraumatismes du tissu, et participant au développement de lésions bénignes. Notre contribution intervient à deux niveaux d’étude de la charge vocale. Dans un premier temps, nous l’avons quantifiée en situation écologique dans une population d’enseignantes, en comparant deux niveaux de l’enseignement ordinaire belge : le maternel et le primaire. A cette fin, le comportement vocal de 12 enseignantes du maternel et de 20 enseignantes du primaire a été enregistré durant une semaine de travail, à l’aide d’un système de dosimétrie. Les objectifs étaient, d’une part, de déterminer les différences d’utilisation vocale selon le niveau d’enseignement, et d’autre part, de comparer l’utilisation vocale professionnelle et extra-professionnelle des enseignantes. Globalement, nos résultats montrent une charge vocale plus élevée en situation professionnelle qu’en situation extra-professionnelle. Par ailleurs, les enseignantes du maternel présentent une charge vocale plus élevée que celles du primaire, en termes de nombre de cycles vibratoires et de distance parcourue par les plis vocaux. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons étudié l’impact de la charge vocale sur la fonction phonatoire et sur la qualité vocale en condition de laboratoire. Une première condition expérimentale avait pour but d’améliorer la compréhension des facteurs de durée et d’intensité de la charge vocale, en soumettant 50 femmes normophoniques à 2 heures de charge, réalisées à deux reprises en variant le niveau d’intensité. Une seconde condition expérimentale avait pour but de comparer les effets de 2 heures de charge chez 16 enseignantes normophoniques et 16 enseignantes dysphoniques. Les effets de la charge vocale ont été évalués à l’aide de mesures objectives et subjectives. Les principaux résultats montrent plus d’impact de la durée que de l’intensité de la charge sur les paramètres observés. Par ailleurs, peu de différences sont observées entre les deux groupes d’enseignantes au cours de la tâche de charge, suggérant que les enseignantes dysphoniques présentent une bonne résistance durant la charge. [less ▲]

Vocal Impact of a Prolonged Reading Task in Dysphonic Versus Normophonic Female Teachers

in Journal of Voice (2012), 26(6), 8201-82013

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the impact on voice of a 2-hour reading task between 70-75 dB(A) in 16 normophonic and 16 dysphonic female teachers with vocal nodules. METHODS: Objective measurements ... [more ▼]

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the impact on voice of a 2-hour reading task between 70-75 dB(A) in 16 normophonic and 16 dysphonic female teachers with vocal nodules. METHODS: Objective measurements (acoustic analysis, voice range measurements, aerodynamic measurements) and subjective self-ratings were collected before the task and every 30 minutes during the reading to determine the voice evolution in both groups. RESULTS: Fundamental frequency, lowest frequency, highest frequency (F-High), highest intensity and intensity range increase through the reading, whereas Shimmer decreases. Maximum phonation time decreases after 30 minutes. Estimated subglottal pressure (ESP) and sound pressure level increase during the first hour. Afterwards, ESP decreases. Self-ratings worsen through time. When comparing the normophonic and the dysphonic teachers, self-ratings reveal more complaints in the dysphonic group. Few differences in objective measurements are found between both groups: normophonic teachers show lower ESP, higher F-High and greater frequency range. CONCLUSIONS: Frequency modifications from acoustic analysis and voice range measurements suggest an increased laryngeal tension during vocal load, while subjects perceive a worsening of voice. Aerodynamic parameters depict first a deterioration of voice efficiency and then an adaptation to the prolonged reading. The comparison between both groups shows a discrepancy between objective measurements and self-ratings, suggesting that both approaches are necessary to have a complete view of vocal load effects. Surprisingly, both groups behave similarly through vocal load, without more or quicker deterioration of voice in the dysphonic group. [less ▲]

Vocal Impact of a Prolonged Reading Task at Two Intensity Levels: Objective Measurements and Subjective Self-Ratings

in Journal of Voice (2012), 26(4), 177-186

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to evaluate the impact on voice of both duration and intensity level of 2 hours of continuous oral reading. Voice modifications accompanying changes in ... [more ▼]

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to evaluate the impact on voice of both duration and intensity level of 2 hours of continuous oral reading. Voice modifications accompanying changes in intensity level during prolonged reading tasks are analyzed. Methods: Fifty normophonic women undergo two sessions of voice loading in which the required intensity level of voice varied between 60–65 dB(A) for the first session and 70–75 dB(A) for the second session. The effects of loading on objective data (average fundamental frequency [F0], jitter%, shimmer%, noise-to-harmonic ratio, maximum phonation time, lowest frequency [F-Low], highest frequency [F-High], frequency range [Range], lowest intensity [I-Low] level, and highest intensity level) and self-ratings (voice quality, phonation effort, vocal fatigue, and laryngeal discomfort) are assessed every 30 minutes during the loading tasks. Results: Results indicate that average F0, F-Low, I-Low, maximum phonation time, feeling of phonation effort, vocal fatigue, and laryngeal discomfort increase during prolonged reading, whereas shimmer% and self-rating of voice quality decrease. Average F0, F-High, and Range are the only parameters influenced by the required intensity of vocal load; they are significantly higher in the 70- to 75-dB session compared with the 60- to 65-dB session. Concerning the subjective self-ratings, similar results for the four ratings used suggest that only one would suffice in future studies. Conclusions: These results confirm the importance of both duration and intensity level as loading factors, even if intensity level affects fewer variables than duration. [less ▲]

La dosimétrie vocale : quantification de l’usage vocal chez des enseignants

Conference (2011, October 17)

La dosimétrie ou accumulation vocale permet d’objectiver le comportement vocal en situation écologique. Différents types d’accumulateurs vocaux existent actuellement sur le marché. Il s’agit d’appareils ... [more ▼]

La dosimétrie ou accumulation vocale permet d’objectiver le comportement vocal en situation écologique. Différents types d’accumulateurs vocaux existent actuellement sur le marché. Il s’agit d’appareils portables qui mesurent la durée de phonation, l’intensité et la fréquence fondamentale moyenne de la voix. Ces données sont extraites plusieurs fois par seconde à l’aide d’un accéléromètre fixé sur le larynx, et relié à un microprocesseur stockant les données recueillies tout au long de la journée. Les données sont ensuite téléchargées sur un ordinateur et analysées à l’aide d’un logiciel prévu à cet effet. Cette étude tente de quantifier la charge vocale au sein d’une population d’enseignants, reconnue comme étant des professionnels de la voix. L’accumulateur utilisé est l’Ambulatory Phonation Monitor, Model 3200 (KayPENTAX, Lincoln Park, NJ). La récolte de données durant 1 semaine de travail chez 23 enseignants nous a permis d’objectiver l’utilisation vocale propre à cette population. [less ▲]

From Reactive Intervention to Proactive Prevention: The evolution of Occupational Dysphonia.

in American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2011), 21

Voice clinicians long have been aware of the concept of professional voice users: individuals who work in professions that have a higher incidence and increased risk for voice disorders. This realization ... [more ▼]

Voice clinicians long have been aware of the concept of professional voice users: individuals who work in professions that have a higher incidence and increased risk for voice disorders. This realization, coupled with the documented impact of work-related dysphonia on the economy, has resulted in a growing international interest in developing occupational health benchmarks for voice use, similar to other standards developed for work-related factors such as noise-induced hearing loss. In this article, we review current perspectives and examine some issues related to occupational vocal health. [less ▲]

The Vocal Impact of a Prolonged Reading Task at two Intensity Levels

Conference (2011, March 29)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact on voice of both duration and intensity level of 2 hours of continuous oral reading. Fifty normophonic women (mean age: 25.4 years) undergo two sessions ... [more ▼]

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact on voice of both duration and intensity level of 2 hours of continuous oral reading. Fifty normophonic women (mean age: 25.4 years) undergo two sessions of voice loading in which the required intensity level of voice varied: 60-65 dB(A) for the first session, and 70-75 dB(A) for the second session. The results of loading are assessed with regard to objective data and self-rating of voice obtained every 30 minutes during the oral reading tasks. Serial voice quality objective data is obtained by use of Multi-Dimensional Voice program (Average fundamental frequency (AvF0), Jitter percent (Jitt), Shimmer percent (Shim), Noise-to-Harmonic Ratio (NHR)). Serial measurements of maximum phonation time (MPT) and voice range are carried out by use of Kay Elemetrics Computerized Speech Lab. The following characteristics are also categorized by the use of a 100 mm visual analogue scale every 30 minutes of the oral reading tasks: voice quality, feeling of phonation effort, vocal fatigue, and laryngeal discomfort. Results indicate that AvF0, lowest frequency of voice range, softest output of phonation, feeling of phonation effort, vocal fatigue and laryngeal discomfort rise during prolonged oral reading. On the contrary, Shim and self-rating of voice quality decrease significantly with the passage of time during the voice loading. Jitt and NHR tend to decrease. MPT decreases after the first 30 minutes but increases afterwards. AvF0 and highest frequency of voice range are the only parameters influenced by the required intensity of oral reading task: these values are significantly higher in the 70-75 dB session compared to the 60-65 dB session. [less ▲]

Acoustic analysis of teachers'voice throughout a week : effects of vocal loading and rest

Poster (2010, May 28)

Implantation of Esterified Hyaluronic Acid in Microdissected Reinke's Space After Vocal Fold Microsurgery: Short- and Long-Term Results.

in Journal of Voice (2010)

In this study are reported the laryngeal and vocal results obtained after a microflap excision of benign vocal fold (VF) lesions and immediate implantation of esterified hyaluronic acid (EHA) in the ... [more ▼]

In this study are reported the laryngeal and vocal results obtained after a microflap excision of benign vocal fold (VF) lesions and immediate implantation of esterified hyaluronic acid (EHA) in the surgical wound. In a previous pilot study on 11 cases, we have shown an excellent tolerance of this bioimplant. The objectives are to confirm the innocuity of the technique, to demonstrate the laryngeal and vocal evolution at short and long term, and to evaluate the eventual positive impact of EHA implantation on the pliability of the superficial layer of the lamina propria (SLLP) and on voice. This is a prospective and comparative study on 83 patients suffering from various benign VF lesions. Thirty-three patients were implanted with EHA, whereas 50 patients did not undergo implantation at the end of the microsurgical procedure.All patients undergo rigid laryngoscopy and microflap excision procedure under general anesthesia. After freeing up of the Reinke's space and creation of a mucosal microflap, a few fibers of EHA are inserted in the surgical wound, before closure of the incision with fibrin glue. Serial laryngeal and vocal assessments are performed in all patients using videostroboscopy (Wolff and Xion), perceptual and objective voice evaluation (MDVP software, Kay Elemetrics), and phonatory function measurements (Aerophone II). Pre- and early postoperative means are compared by analysis of variance. Delayed and long-term evolution of laryngeal and vocal data are compared by means of nonparametric statistical methods. The longest follow-up in the implanted group is 4 years. Early postoperative results are similar in both groups: a significant improvement of a majority of laryngeal and vocal data is observed after microsurgery. In the long term, the two groups exhibit a different behavior: further improvement of voice, as an ongoing process, is only observed in the EHA implanted group, together with improvement of some videostroboscopic characteristics. The nonimplanted group remains stable, with no further improvement of the voice quality obtained after microsurgery. Excellent short- and long-term tolerance of EHA implantation is confirmed by this larger series. The use of EHA implant in microdissected SLLP is safe and leads to good laryngeal and vocal outcomes in the treated patients. More interestingly, treated cases exhibit a continuous improvement over a long period of time. [less ▲]