SUMMARY
Objective
The objective of this study is to introduce a novel method for semi-occluded vocal
tract (SOVT) therapy called “controlled supraglottic pressure phonation,” determine
the mechanism by which supraglottic pressure contributes to lowering impedance during
SOVT therapy, and provide the optimal supraglottic pressure range for SOVT exercises.
Methods
Twenty-five human subjects were assigned to one of five supraglottic pressure levels,
0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 cmH2O, which were controlled through a continuous positive airway
pressure device. Subjects were asked to phonate during both a short- and long-duration
task, in which vocal properties were measured before and after. At the end of each
task, the subjects reported the levels of discomfort and phonation difficulty on a
0–10 scale to assess the subjective improvement of vocal economy.
Results
Significant differences were observed between pre- and post-task measurements for
phonation threshold pressure for both the short-duration and long-duration tasks.
Phonation threshold flow and frequency measurements were found to have no statistically
significant differences. The subjective measures showed elevated discomfort in the
higher pressure inputs for both tasks relative to no air.
Conclusion
Higher supraglottic pressure levels will improve ease of phonation, but the treatment
discomfort needs to be considered as well, yielding an optimal supraglottic pressure
range of 4–6 cmH2O. “Controlled supraglottic pressure phonation” serves as an alternative
to straw phonation that may produce additional benefits.
KEY WORDS
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 13, 2023
Accepted:
March 22,
2023
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
The study was supported by the National Institute of Health (R01DC015906).
Identification
Copyright
© 2023 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
