Laryngeal aerodynamic analysis of vocal nodules

Abstract

The present study is aimed to investigate the effects of vocal nodules on the aerodynamic analysis of the voice. The study included twelve females with normal laryngeal and respiratory functions and twelve age, gender and language matched females with bilateral vocal nodules within the age group of 18-40 years. All participants were subjected to non-invasive aerodynamic analysis using Aeroview 1.4.4 version (Glottal Enterprises Inc, USA). The participants were instructed to produce the CV syllable train papapapa into the circumvented mask at comfortable pitch and loudness. The recorded stimuli were analyzed to obtain laryngeal aerodynamic measures such as estimated subglottic pressure, mean airflow rate, laryngeal airway resistance, and laryngeal airway conductance. Mean and standard deviation for all the four laryngeal aerodynamic measures were calculated separately for both control and clinical groups. The results revealed significant effect of voice on laryngeal measures such as estimated subglottic pressure and mean airflow rate. Thus, results suggest that indirect measurement of laryngeal aerodynamic parameters are effective and essential investigative tools in assessment of vocal nodules.