| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Ternström, Sten, et al.
(författare)
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Cancellation of simulated environmental noise as a tool for measuring vocal performance during noise exposure
- 2002
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Ingår i: Journal of Voice. - 0892-1997 .- 1873-4588. ; 16:2, s. 195-206
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- It can be difficult for the voice clinician to observe or measure how a patient uses his voice in a noisy environment. We consider here a novel method for obtaining this information in the laboratory. Worksite noise and filtered white noise were reproduced over high-fidelity loudspeakers. In this noise, I I subjects read an instructional text of 1.5 to 2 minutes duration, as if addressing a group of people. Using channel estimation techniques, the site noise was suppressed from the recording, and the voice signal alone was recovered. The attainable noise rejection is limited only by the precision of the experimental setup, which includes the need for the subject to remain still so as not to perturb the estimated acoustic channel. This feasibility study, with 7 female and 4 male subjects, showed that small displacements of the speaker's body, even breathing, impose a practical limit on the attainable noise rejection. The noise rejection was typically 30 dB and maximally 40 dB down over the entire voice spectrum. Recordings thus processed were clean enough to permit voice analysis with the long-time average spectrum and the computerized phonetogram. The effects of site noise on voice sound pressure level, fundamental frequency, long-term average spectrum centroid, phonetogram area, and phonation time were much as expected, but with some interesting differences between females and males.
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| 3. |
- Ternström, Sten, et al.
(författare)
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Loud speech over noise : Some spectral attributes, with gender differences
- 2006
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Ingår i: Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. - : Acoustical Society of America (ASA). - 0001-4966 .- 1520-8524. ; 119:3, s. 1648-1665
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In seeking an acoustic description of overloaded voice, simulated environmental noise was used to elicit loud speech. A total of 23 adults, 12 females and 11 males, read six passages of 90 s duration, over realistic noise presented over loudspeakers. The noise was canceled out, exposing the speech signal to analysis. Spectrum balance (SB) was defined as the level of the 2-6 kHz band relative to the 0.1-1 kHz band. SB averaged across many similar vowel segments became less negative with increasing sound pressure level (SPL), as described in the literature, but only at moderate SPL. At high SPL, SB exhibited a personal saturation point, above which the high-band level no longer increased faster than the overall SPL, or even stopped increasing altogether, on average at 90.3 dB WO cm) for females and 95.5 dB for males. Saturation occurred 6-8 dB; below the personal maximum SPL, regardless of gender. The loudest productions were often characterized by a relative increase in low-frequency energy, apparently in a sharpened first formant. This suggests a change of vocal strategy when the high spectrum can rise no further. The progression of SB with SPL was characteristically different for individual subjects.
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| 4. |
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Geneid, A., et al.
(författare)
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Long-term follow-up of patients with spasmodic dysphonia and improved voice despite discontinuation of treatment
- 2017
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Ingår i: Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica. - : S. Karger. - 1021-7762 .- 1421-9972. ; 68:3, s. 144-151
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To evaluate voice function in patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD) who discontinued botulinum toxin (BTX) treatment because they felt that their voice had improved sufficiently. Patients and Methods: Twenty-eight patients quit treatment in 2004, of whom 20 fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the study, with 3 subsequently excluded because of return of symptoms, leaving 17 patients (11 males, 6 females) included in this follow-up study. A questionnaire concerning current voice function and the Voice Handicap Index were completed. Audio-perceptual voice assessments were done by 3 listeners. The inter- and intrarater reliabilities were r > 0.80. Results: All patients had a subjectively good stable voice, but with differences in their audio-perceptual voice assessment scores. Based on the pre-/posttreatment auditory scores on the overall degree of AdSD, patients were divided into 2 subgroups showing more and less improvement, with 10 and 7 patients, respectively. The subgroup with more improvement had shorter duration from the onset of symptoms until the start of BTX treatment, and included 7 males compared to only 4 males in the subgroup with less improvement. Conclusion: It seems plausible that the symptoms of spasmodic dysphonia may decrease over time. Early intervention and male gender seem to be important factors for long-term reduction of the voice symptoms of AdSD.
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| 8. |
- Granqvist, Svante, et al.
(författare)
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Resonance tube phonation in water : High-speed imaging, electroglottographic and oral pressure observations of vocal fold vibrations - A pilot study
- 2015
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Ingår i: Logopedics, Phoniatrics, Vocology. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1401-5439 .- 1651-2022. ; 40:3, s. 113-121
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Phonation into glass tubes (resonance tubes), keeping the free end of the tube in water, has been a frequently used voice therapy method in Finland and more recently also in other countries. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate what effects tube phonation with and without water has on the larynx. Two participants were included in the study. The methods used were high-speed imaging, electroglottographic observations of vocal fold vibrations, and measurements of oral pressure during tube phonation. Results showed that the fluctuation in the back pressure during tube phonation in water altered the vocal fold vibrations. In the high-speed imaging, effects were found in the open quotient and amplitude variation of the glottal opening. The open quotient increased with increasing water depth (from 2 cm to 6 cm). A modulation effect by the water bubbles on the vocal fold vibrations was seen both in the high-speed glottal area tracings and in the electroglottography signal. A second experiment revealed that the increased average oral pressure was largely determined by the water depth. The increased open quotient can possibly be explained by an increased abduction of the vocal folds and/or a reduced transglottal pressure. The back pressure of the bubbles also modulates glottal vibrations with a possible massage effect on the vocal folds. This effect and the well-defined average pressure increase due to the known water depth are different from those of other methods using a semi-occluded vocal tract.
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| 9. |
- Gustafsson, J., et al.
(författare)
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Motor-Learning-Based Adjustment of Ambulatory Feedback on Vocal Loudness for Patients With Parkinson's Disease
- 2016
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Ingår i: Journal of Voice. - : Elsevier. - 0892-1997 .- 1873-4588. ; 30:4, s. 407-415
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: To investigate how the direct biofeedback on vocal loudness administered with a portable voice accumulator (VoxLog) should be configured, to facilitate an optimal learning outcome for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), on the basis of principles of motor learning. Study Design: Methodologic development in an experimental study. Methods: The portable voice accumulator VoxLog was worn by 20 participants with PD during habitual speech during semistructured conversations. Six different biofeedback configurations were used, in random order, to study which configuration resulted in a feedback frequency closest to 20% as recommended on the basis of previous studies. Results: Activation of feedback when the wearer speaks below a threshold level of 3dB below the speaker's mean voice sound level in habitual speech combined with an activation time of 500ms resulted in a mean feedback frequency of 21.2%. Conclusions: Settings regarding threshold and activation time based on the results from this study are recommended to achieve an optimal learning outcome when administering biofeedback on vocal loudness for individuals with PD using portable voice accumulators.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
- Pabon, Peter, et al.
(författare)
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Effects on Vocal Range and Voice Quality of Singing Voice Training : The Classically Trained Female Voice
- 2014
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Ingår i: Journal of Voice. - : Elsevier. - 0892-1997 .- 1873-4588. ; 28:1, s. 36-51
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectivesA longitudinal study was performed on the acoustical effects of singing voice training under a given study programme, using the Voice Range Profile (VRP). Study DesignPre- and post-training recordings were made of students that participated in a 3-year bachelor singing study programme. A questionnaire that included questions on optimal range, register use, classification, vocal health and hygiene, mixing technique, and training goals, was used to rate and categorize self-assessed voice changes. Based on the responses, a sub-group of 10 classically trained female voices was selected, that was homogeneous enough for effects of training to be identified. MethodsThe VRP perimeter contour was analyzed for effects of voice training. Also, a mapping within the VRP of voice quality, as expressed by the crest factor, was used to indicate the register boundaries and to monitor the acoustical consequences of the newly learned vocal technique of ‘mixed voice.’ VRP’s were averaged across subjects. Findings were compared to the self-assessed vocal changes. ResultsPre-post comparison of the average VRPs showed, in the midrange, (1) a decrease in the VRP area that was associated with the loud chest voice, (2) a reduction of the crest factor values, and (3) a reduction of maximum SPL values. The students’ self-evaluations of the voice changes appeared in some cases to contradict the VRP findings. ConclusionsVRP’s of individual voices were seen to change over the course of a singing education. These changes were manifest also in the group average. High resolution computerized recording, complemented with an acoustic register marker, allows a meaningful assessment of some effects of training, on an individual basis as well as for groups comprised of singers of a specific genre. It is argued that this kind of investigation is possible only within a focussed training programme, given by a faculty that has agreed on the goals.
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| 12. |
- Schalling, E., et al.
(författare)
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Effects of tactile biofeedback by a portable voice accumulator on voice intensity in speakers with Parkinson’s disease
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Voice. - : Elsevier BV. - 0892-1997 .- 1873-4588. ; 27:6, s. 729-737
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: To study the effects of biofeedback on voice sound level (SL) in subjects with reduced voice SL, secondary to Parkinson disease (PD), using a portable voice accumulator. Study Design: Prospective intervention study. Methods: Voice SL, phonation time, and level of background noise were registered with a portable voice accumulator during three consecutive registration periods. Six subjects with reduced voice SL secondary to PD participated. Biofeedback, in the form of a vibration signal when voice SL went below an individually set threshold level, was administered during the second registration period only. Mean voice SL was calculated for registration periods with and without feedback. Data on phonation time and level of background noise was also collected. Field registrations with the portable voice accumulator were also compared with registrations made in a recording studio. In addition, subjects were asked about subjective experiences of using the portable voice accumulator for up to 15 days. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in voice SL during the period when biofeedback of voice SL was administered. Subjects reported that using the portable voice accumulator was a positive experience. Several participants wished to continue using the device. In general, subjects handled the device independently with no major problems and did not report any negative experiences. Conclusions: Although this study was a first trial including six subjects with reduced voice SL secondary to PD, the findings indicate that biofeedback of voice SL administered via a portable voice accumulator may be a useful treatment tool for this group of patients and that further studies are needed.
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| 13. |
- Sjölinder, Marie, et al.
(författare)
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User involvement of patients with eating disorder – the design process from user needs to prototype
- 2010
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Ingår i: ICEHST 2010 - International Conference on e-Health Services and Technologies. - University of Piraeus, Athens, Greece.
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The aim of this work was to investigate different methods for involving patients with eating disorders in the design process. According to the specific needs of this group of patients four main design goals were set up for the system. These were: Providing an artificial case manager able of answering questions and of interacting with the patient; Enhancing motivation to get well; Providing distraction from the disease; Providing an appealing environment that the patients find interesting enough to use for a longer period of time. To meet these requirements several methods for involving end-users were used including “Cultural Probes”, “Repertory Grid Technique” and ”Wizard of Oz”. This paper describes our experiences of using these methods when developing a system for patients with eating disorders. The methods and the tasks used in the different studies also turned out to be a distraction away from the disease, which shows the potential of making the development process a part of the actual usage. The patients’ enthusiasm regarding the tasks in the studies also showed the importance of using methods suitable with respect to the symptoms of the disease and tasks that the specific group of patients find interesting and meaningful.
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| 14. |
- Szabo, Annika, 1972-, et al.
(författare)
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A voice accumulator device : evaluation based on studio and field recordings.
- 2001
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Ingår i: Logopedics, Phoniatrics, Vocology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1401-5439 .- 1651-2022. ; 26:3, s. 102-117
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A voice accumulator is a portable device for long-term measurements of voice use in natural conditions. A contact microphone attached to the front part of the neck registers vocal fold vibrations. The purposes of the present study were: 1) to evaluate the voice accumulator's two measuring programs optimized for registration of fundamental frequency (F0) and phonation time, respectively; and 2) to test the voice accumulator for field recordings. Four healthy subjects were recorded in a sound-proof booth simultaneously with one contact microphone into a voice accumulator and one contact microphone into a computer. In terms of F0 and phonation time, the results showed that correlations between the voice accumulator's two measuring programs and a signal-processing program were high (r > or = 0.85) for all subjects but one. The inter-subject variability was large. A prerequisite for reliable vocal fold vibration detection by the voice accumulator was a careful placement and a firm attachment of the contact microphone on the neck. Four subjects were recorded with the voice accumulator during a working day. It was concluded that the voice accumulator is an overall good instrument for measurements of F0 and phonation time, and thus is useful for both clinical work and research.
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| 15. |
- Szabo, Annika, 1972-, et al.
(författare)
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Vocal Behavior in Environmental Noise : Comparisons Between Work and Leisure Conditions in Women With Work-related Voice Disorders and Matched Controls
- 2018
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Ingår i: Journal of Voice. - : Elsevier. - 0892-1997 .- 1873-4588. ; 32:1, s. 126.e23-126.e38
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: This study aimed to assess vocal behavior in women with voice-intensive occupations to investigate differences between patients and controls and between work and leisure conditions with environmental noise level as an experimental factor. Methods: Patients with work-related voice disorders, 10 with phonasthenia and 10 with vocal nodules, were matched regarding age, profession, and workplace with 20 vocally healthy colleagues. The sound pressure level of environmental noise and the speakers’ voice, fundamental frequency, and phonation ratio were registered from morning to night during 1 week with a voice accumulator. Voice data were assessed in low (≀55 dBA), moderate, and high (\textgreater70 dBA) environmental noise levels. Results: The average environmental noise level was significantly higher during the work condition for patients with vocal nodules (73.9 dBA) and their controls (73.0 dBA) compared with patients with phonasthenia (68.3 dBA) and their controls (67.1 dBA). The average voice level and the fundamental frequency were also significantly higher during work for the patients with vocal nodules and their controls. During the leisure condition, there were no significant differences in average noise and voice level nor fundamental frequency between the groups. The patients with vocal nodules and their controls spent significantly more time and used their voices significantly more in high–environmental noise levels. Conclusions: High noise levels during work and demands from the occupation impact vocal behavior. Thus, assessment of voice ergonomics should be part of the work environmental management. To reduce environmental noise levels is important to improve voice ergonomic conditions in communication-intensive and vocally demanding workplaces.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Södersten, M., 1956-, et al.
(författare)
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Natural Voice Use in Patients With Voice Disorders and Vocally Healthy Speakers Based on 2 Days Voice Accumulator Information From a Database
- 2015
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Ingår i: Journal of Voice. - : Elsevier. - 0892-1997 .- 1873-4588. ; 29:5, s. 646.e1-646.e9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives and Study DesignInformation about how patients with voice disorders use their voices in natural communicative situations is scarce. Such long-term data have for the first time been uploaded to a central database from different hospitals in Sweden. The purpose was to investigate the potential use of a large set of long-term data for establishing reference values regarding voice use in natural situations.MethodsVoxLog (Sonvox AB, Umeå, Sweden) was tested for deployment in clinical practice by speech-language pathologists working at nine hospitals in Sweden. Files from 20 patients (16 females and 4 males) with functional, organic, or neurological voice disorders and 10 vocally healthy individuals (eight females and two males) were uploaded to a remote central database. All participants had vocally demanding occupations and had been mond for more than 2 days. The total recording time was 681 hours and 50 minutes. Data itoreon fundamental frequency (F0, Hz), phonation time (seconds and percentage), voice sound pressure level (SPL, dB), and background noise level (dB) were analyzed for each recorded day and compared between the 2 days. Variations across each day were measured using coefficients of variation.ResultsAverage F0, voice SPL, and especially the level of background noise varied considerably for all participants across each day. Average F0 and voice SPL were considerably higher than reference values from laboratory recordings.ConclusionsThe use of a remote central database and strict protocols can accelerate data collection from larger groups of participants and contribute to establishing reference values regarding voice use in natural situations and from patients with voice disorders. Information about activities and voice symptoms would supplement the objective data and is recommended in future studies.
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| 18. |
- Södersten, M., et al.
(författare)
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Vocal behavior and vocal loading factors for preschool teachers at work studied with binaural DAT recordings
- 2002
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Ingår i: Journal of Voice. - : Mosby. - 0892-1997 .- 1873-4588. ; 16:3, s. 356-371
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Preschool teachers are at risk for developing voice problems such as vocal fatigue and vocal nodules. The purpose of this report was to study preschool teachers' voice use during work. Ten healthy female preschool teachers working at daycare centers (DCC) served as subjects. A binaural recording technique was used. Two microphones were placed on both sides of the subject's head, at equal distance from the mouth, and a portable DAT recorder was attached to the subject's waist. Recordings were made of a standard reading passage before work (baseline) and of spontaneous speech during work. The recording technique allowed separate analyses of the level of the background noise, and of the subjects' voice sound pressure level, mean fundamental frequency, and total phonation time. Among the results, mean background noise level for the ten DCCs was 76.1 dBA (range 73.0-78.2), which is more than 20 dB higher than what is recommended where speech communication is important (50-55 dBA). The subjects spoke on an average of 9.1 dB louder (p < 0.0001), and with higher mean fundamental frequency (247 Hz) during work as compared to the baseline (202 Hz) (p < 0.0001). Mean phonation time for the group was 17%, which was considered high. It was concluded that preschool teachers do have a highly vocally demanding profession. Important steps to reduce the vocal loading for this occupation would be to decrease the background noise levels and include pauses so that preschool teachers can rest their voices.
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| 19. |
- Ternström, Sten, 1956-, et al.
(författare)
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The Voice Range Profile : its function, applications, pitfalls and potential
- 2016
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Ingår i: Acta Acoustica united with Acustica. - : S. Hirzel Verlag. - 1610-1928 .- 1861-9959. ; 102:2, s. 268-283
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- An overview is given of the current status of the computerised voice range profile (VRP) as a voice measurement paradigm. Its operating principles are described, and sources of errors and variability are discussed. The features of the VRP contour and its characterisaï¿œtion are described. Methods for performing statistics on VRP contour and interior data are considered. Examples are given of clinical, pedagogical and research applications. Finally, issues with the models used to interpret VRP data are discussed. It is concluded that, while the VRP offers a convenient frame of reference for a multitude of voice assessment metrics, it also exposes the many degrees of freedom in the voice to an extent that challenges us to improve our models of how the voice functions over a large range and in a dynamic setting.
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