Possible Influences of Vowel Tongue Position on Vocal Fold Stiffness
Date of Graduation
Spring 2000
Degree
Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Department
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Committee Chair
Ronald Netsell
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of tongue position on vocal fold stiffness. New aerodynamic measures were used to estimate vocal fold stiffness during sustained productions of the vowels [i], [^], and [a]. Those measures were acoustic oscillation damping time, acoustic oscillation threshold pressure, vocal fold oscillation damping time, and vocal fold oscillation threshold pressure. The subject's oral airflow was interrupted with a shutter-valve during vowel productions. Significant differences were found in each of four criterion measures. The trends found supported the hypothesis that vocal fold stiffness decreased from [i] to [^] to [a]. The possibility of the results being obtained due to upper airway stiffness or oral-pharyngeal resistance (as opposed to vocal fold stiffness alone) was considered and discussed.
Subject Categories
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Copyright
© Timothy S Will
Recommended Citation
Will, Timothy S., "Possible Influences of Vowel Tongue Position on Vocal Fold Stiffness" (2000). MSU Graduate Theses. 436.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/436
Dissertation/Thesis
