Acoustic characteristics of voice source for pathological voices: Some case studies.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the voice source signal of pathological voices. Pathological cases of vocal nodules, polyps, paralysis, malignancy, and laryngitis have been investigated. Some pre‐ and postoperative cases have also been studied. The sustained vowel /a/ of the subject has been recorded. The acoustic signal has been analyzed using an inverse filtering technique to obtain the voice source signal (derivative of glottal air flow). The voice source signal is displayed and marked for detailed examination. Acoustic recording, analysis, and marking is done using a VAGHMI system. For each type of pathology, certain consistent features deviating significantly from the normal cases have been noted in the voice source signal. For example, occurrence of double peak during the open phase, prolongation of the interval near glottal air flow peak, absence of clearly defined negative peak near epoch, etc. Interpretation of the voice source signal in terms of the vocal fold vibratory pattern and pathology has been attempted. Such an interpretation is validated against direct laryngoscopic observation where ever available. This on‐going study suggests the possibility of differential diagnosis of the vocal fold pathology by acoustic analysis of vowel sound.