Charles A. Kelsey

Measurement of Vocal Fold Motion Using an Ultrasonic Doppler Velocity Monitor

A technique is described for using the ultrasonic Doppler frequency shift as a means of continuously monitoring the velocity of vocal fold motion during voice production. The basic instrumentation employed and the theoretical principles underlying the technique are discussed. The results of a series of experiments using excised animal larynges are presented to demonstrate that a characteristic laryngeal Doppler pattern is obtained during phonation and is the result of vocal fold motion. Finally, the Doppler velocity monitor is used with human subjects. Vocal fold displacement patterns derived from the Doppler signal appear to have very good agreement with previously reported displacement values using high‐speed motion‐picture films.

Ultrasonic scans of the dorsal surface of the tongue.

Echograms of the dorsal surface of the tongue in the midsagittal plane and in coronal oblique planes are presented. Comparisons are made among tongue height measurements obtained from the transverse and longitudinal echograms and from lateral head x rays. It is concluded that ultrasonic scanning can provide information on the shape of the dorsal surface of the tongue during sustained utterances and in the articulatory rest position.

Lateral pharyngeal-wall motion as a predictor of surgical success in velopharyngeal insufficiency.

Abstract Separation of the oral and nasal cavities is essential for normal speech. This separation is in part accomplished by sphincteric action of the lateral pharyngeal walls. A prospective study of 67 patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency carried out with radiographic and ultrasonic measurements of lateral pharyngeal-wall motion showed that patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency could be divided into three distinct groups based on ratings of lateral pharyngeal-wall motion. The preoperative and postoperative performance indexes of nasality, nasal emission, and speech intelligibility were compared in all three groups. The greatest improvement was in patients with normal or near normal motion of the lateral pharyngeal wall. Thus, rating of lateral pharyngeal-wall motion can be made reliably. These ratings should be a routine part of the assessment of velopharyngeal incompetency, and have predictive value in the determination of the success of velopharyngeal-flap surgery.

Ultrasonic Measurement of Lateral Pharyngeal Wall Displacement

A technique employing diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate lateral pharyngeal wall motion during connected discourse is described. The validity and reliability of the procedure are discussed. Typical displacement patterns are shown for normal speakers and applications to cleft palate and laryngectomized speakers discussed.

Ultrasonic Observations of Coarticulation in the Pharynx

Coarticulation effects have been observed in the motion of the lateral pharyngeal wall (LPW) during speech. Pulsed ultrasound was used to measure the displacement of LPW during the trisyllables/aba/, /abi/, /iba/, /ibi/. The extent of vowel‐consonant (VC) and consonant vowel (CV) motion was different depending on the other vowel.

Determinaton of Lateral Pharyngeal WaIl Motion during Connected Speech by Use of Pulsed Ultrasound

Variations in the position of a point on the lateral pharyngeal wall relative to the external neck wall can be monitored by time-motion display of pulsed ultrasound. Such a portrayal is used to evaluate the lateral pharyngeal wall motion in normal and pathologic speakers during connected discourse.

Ultrasonic Doppler Shift as an Aid to Diagnostic Ultrasonic Scanning

The location of a pulsed ultrasonic scan within the body can be determined using an ultrasonic Doppler shift detector. The technique is also valuable for avoiding gas bubbles in the stomach or intestine, The scattered or reflected beam is detected by the receiving crystal of the Doppler unit. Localization of the pulsed beam is accomplished by searching for a maximum output signal from the Doppler unit.

A Simple Device for Determining Patient Contours

Linear potentiometers and approximation circuits have been employed in a simple and inexpensive device which accurately reproduces the contour of a patient to within ±2 mm. Reliable measurement of patient contours is necessary for accurate dosimetry in radiation therapy treatments.

Ultrasonic Scans of the Tongue

Ultrasonic scans taken along the longitudinal dimension of the tongue, depicting a saggital plane on the dorsal surface of the tongue, are compared with similar views obtained via conventional lateral head x ray. Also, transverse ultrasonic scans are presented which picture the dorsal surface of the tongue in coronal section, coronal oblique section, and horizontal section. Four adult male subjects participated in this experiment, producing the sounds /i, ae, a, u, s, ∫/ and holding the tongue in a rest position. A discussion is presented pertaining to the use of ultrasonic scans for visualization of structures used in speech production.

Lateral Pharyngeal‐Wall Movement during Esophageal Voice Production

Time‐motion modification of ultrasonic echo ranging, as described in preceding abstracts, was used to monitor pharyngeal‐wall movement during prephonatory and phonatory stages of esophageal voice production. The data from several subjects, one of whom was rated as having excellent esophageal speech, showed a marked pharyngeal‐wall displacement during the injection or prephonatory stage. Pharyngeal‐wall movements during the production of VCVCV trisyllables and during connected speech were comparable to those of normal speakers. Outward movements were dominant during consonant production, while inward movements predominated during the production of vowels. Differences were noted between the production of high and low vowels. [This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health.]