The electroglottograph is one of the few noninvasive methods available for monitoring the vibratory pattern of the vocal folds during voice production. Under optimum conditions, this device can yield a time waveform that, according to the best evidence available, traces the variation of the area of contact between the vocal folds during their vibratory cycle. However, the electroglottograph is not in common use outside the research laboratory, basically for three reasons: (1) present commercial units are not reliable in indicating vocal-fold contact area for many subjects, with the inadequate quality of the signal often not clear to the user; (2) improper electrode placement on the neck can cause large errors, and proper placement is not always simple or apparent; and (3) the effect on the waveform of various voice pathologies has not yet been clearly charted.This project presents a new type of electroglottograph in which the first two problems are greatly reduced and which, if available as a research tool, should lead to greater progress in identifying the waveform features of interest to the clinician. The new device will be improved from its present prototype form and tested on subjects exhibiting a variety of neck anatomies. A standardized application procedure will be used and quantitative measures of performance obtained.
Anticipated Results:This is a new and substantively improved form of a convenient and economical noninvasive method for testing the vibratory pattern of the vocal folds during voice production. The system should be of value to otolaryngologists as a supplement to more invasive techniques and to speech pathologists for routine testing, diagnosis, and therapy, as well as to many linguists, voice teachers, and voice researchers. It can be used alone or incorporated into other equipment for the analysis of speech patterns.National Institute On Deafness And Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
