Evidence of consistent double and triple vocal fold vibratory patterns during pulse register phonation

Abstract

It has been suggested by Hollien et al. [Folia Phoniatr. 29, 200–205 (1977)] that vocal fold vibratory patterns during pulse register phonation may consist of single and/or multiple pulses. These authors did admit, however, that quantifiable evidence for the existence of multiple pulsing was limited. In the present investigation, high-speed laryngeal films (4000 frames/s) were obtained during phonation of the vowel /ɑ/ in pulse register by a normally hearing and speaking adult female. Glottal area-time functions were calculated for 15 consecutive vibratory cycles from a frame-by-frame analysis. The results indicated that the vowel sample was phonated at an average fundamental vocal frequency of 34 Hz. In addition, it was found that each complete vibratory cycle was comprised of either a double or triple pulsing of the vocal folds prior to achieving total closure of the vocal folds, for a substantial period of time, at the completion of each vibratory cycle. These data are discussed with reference to previously reported findings on the physiologic and acoustic features of pulse register phonation. [Work supported by U.S. Department of Education.]