Krzysztof Izdebski

Comparative analysis of normal voice characteristics using simultaneous electroglottography and high speed digital imaging

Abstract Vocal fold (VF) activity in sustained phonation captured through simultaneous visual observations via direct method (high speed digital imaging: HSDI) and via indirect electroglottographic (EGG) method in normal population were submitted to contrastive analysis. The quantitative parameters used to describe the dynamic properties of the VF vibration included open/closed quotients, and indices that we defined as harmonic ratios. Our analysis also included a Nyquist plot approach that we introduced previously. Results indicate that EGG tracings delivered useful results for the analysis of normal voices and derived a reasonably accurate open quotient value in comparison to the visual analysis. Moreover, recognizable Nyquist plot patterns were obtained for EGG tracings although not identical to that obtained from the HSDI-derived glottal area waveform. Therefore ipso-facto we evaluate the usefulness of EGG compared to visual data in describing specific voice characteristics of normal speakers.

Mucosal wave characteristics in three voice modes (fry, hiss & overpressure) produced by a female speaker: a preliminary study using stroboscopy, HSDI and analyzed by kymography, P-FFT & Nyquist plots

HSDI provides a whole new way to investigate visually intra-laryngeal behavior and posturing during phonation by providing detailed real-time information about laryngeal biomechanics that include observations about mucosal wave, wave motion directionality, glottic area wave form, asymmetry of vibrations within and across vocal folds and contact area of the glottis including posterior commissure closure. These observations are fundamental to our understanding and modeling of both normal and disordered phonation. In this preliminary report we focus on direct HSDI in vivo observations of not only the glottic region, but also on the entire supraglottic laryngeal posturing during fry, breathy/hiss and over-pressured phonation modes produced in a non-pathological settings. Analysis included spatio-temporal vibration patterns of vocal folds, multi-line kymograms, spectral PFFT analysis, and Nyquist spatio-temporal plots. The presented examples reveal that supraglottic contraction assists in prolonged closed phase of the vibratory cycle, and that prolonged closed phase is longest in fry and overpressure and shortest albeit complex in hiss. Hiss also allows for vocal fold vibration despite glottis separation. These findings need to be compared to pathologic phonation representing the three voice modes to derive at better differential diagnosis.

High speed digital phonoscopy of selected extreme vocalization (Conference Presentation)

We used HSDP (KayPENTAX Model 9710, NJ, USA) to capture the kinematics of vocal folds in the production of extreme vocalization used by heavy metal performers. The vibrations of the VF were captured at 4000 f/s using transoral rigid scope. Growl, scream and inhalatory phonations were recoded. Results showed that these extreme sounds are produced predominantly by supraglottic tissues rather than by the true vocal folds, which explains while these sounds do not injure the mucosa of the true vocal folds. In addition, the HSDI were processed using custom software (Vocalizer®) that clearly demonstrated the contribution of each vocal fold to the generation of the sound.

Thermographic imaging of facial and ventilatory activity during vocalization, speech and expiration (Conference Presentation)

Ventilation, speech and singing must use facial musculature to complete these motor tasks and these tasks are fueled by the air we inhale. This motor process requires increase in the blood flow as the muscles contract and relax, therefore skin surface temperature changes are expected. Hence, we used thermography to image these effects. The system used was the thermography camera model FLIR X6580sc with a chilled detector (FLIR Systems Advanced Thermal Solutions, 27700 SW Parkway Ave Wilsonville, OR 97070, USA). To assure improved imaging, the room temperature was air-conditioned to +18° C. All images were recoded at the speed of 30 f/s. Acquired data were analyzed with FLIR Research IR Max Version 4 software and software filters. In this preliminary study a male subject was imaged from frontal and lateral views simultaneously while he performed normal resting ventilation, speech and song. The lateral image was captured in a stainless steel mirror. Results showed different levels of heat flow in the facial musculature as a function of these three tasks. Also, we were able to capture the exalted air jet directionality. The breathing jet was discharged in horizontal direction, speaking voice jet was discharged downwards while singing jet went upward. We interpreted these jet directions as representing different gas content of air expired during these different tasks, with speech having less oxygen than singing. Further studies examining gas exchange during various forms of speech and song and emotional states are warranted.

Front Matter: Volume 10039

This PDF file contains the front matter associated with SPIE Proceedings Volume 10039, including the Title Page, Copyright information, Table of Contents, and Conference Committee listing.

3-D rendition (Conference Presentation)

Growl, a style of extreme vocalization used for the production of bizarre and scary voice by heavy metal singes captured by HSDP is simply fascinating and shows that this sound is produced predominantly by the supraglottic structures. To enhance our understanding of how this process is accomplished. The obtained images were processed to be viewed in 3-D. The results are shown and discussed.

Analysis of laryngeal amyloidosis using high speed digital phonoscopy and acoustics (Conference Presentation)

Amyloidosis is an unknown pathogenic process in which abnormally folded proteins are deposited in the extracellular space as macroscopic aggregates. Laryngeal deposits of these proteins are extremely rare, but primarily cause dysphonia in patients. High Speed Digital Phonoscopy (HSDP) was used to capture the kinematics of vocal folds in a patient with laryngeal amyloidosis. Acoustic data was also recorded and both HSDP and acoustics were processed using custom Vocalizer® software to help elucidate the physiological impact of amyloids in the larynx, especially in regards to effects on the voice.

Examination of the vocal fold activity using ultra high speed filming: archival recordings by Paul Moore and Hans von Leden

We present excerpts from three archival ultra high-speed films on the function of the human larynx by Paul Moore, Ph. D. and Hans von Leden, M.D. The films received two awards for best scientific cinematography from two different international film festivals in Italy in 1957. These films present ultra high-speed cinematographic accounts on the workings of the human vocal folds during various phonatory and ventilatory activities. These films were captured at speeds of 2000 to 5000 frames-per-second via an ingeniously arranged laryngeal mirror viewing device. Such speeds were revolutionary six decades ago. Technology currently allows us to film laryngeal behavior at speeds of up to 16,000 frames-per-second using digital recordings. However, the ultra high-speed films by Paul and Hans remain a beacon for anyone sincerely interested in how the smallest instrument of sound production works, and how it is subjected to failure by intrinsic or extrinsic factors.

Visual observations of glottic activity during didgeridoo performance

Australian didgeridoo is a reed-less hollow conically shape wooden tubular wind instrument typically measuring up to 150 cm in length, with distal and proximal diameters ranging from 150 to 30 mm. This tube allows a player to produce only a narrow variety of sound and sounds effects because it is coupled directly to the players vocal tract. The typical frequency of the tube typically called the drone, is approximately within 60 to 100 Hz range. This tone generation modulated by lip vibration is supported by circular breathing, allowing for an uninterrupted (indefinite) length of sound generation. Inhalation introduces sound pulsation, while specific tonal effects can be consciously created by manipulation of the players lips and/or the vocal tract, including conscious phonation using vocal folds vibration, all used to enrich both the sound and the artistic meaning of the played sequence. Though the results of the research on the acoustics of this instrument are often reported in the literature, physiologic data regarding vocal tract configurations, and especially on the behavior of the vocal folds in regulation of ventilation and in phonation, remain less than underreported. The data presented here comprises (as far as we were able to determine) the first ever physiologic account of vocal fold activity in a didgeridoo player observed with help of trans-nasal endoscopy. Our focus was to reveal the work of t