Masahiko Higashikawa

Perceived pitch of whispered vowels-relationship with formant frequencies: A preliminary study

To clarify the role of formant frequency in the perception of pitch in whispering, we conducted a preliminary experiment to determine (1.) whether speakers change their pitch during whispering; (2.) whether listeners can perceive differences in pitch; and (3.) what the acoustical features are when speakers change their pitch. The listening test of whispered Japanese speech demonstrates that one can determine the perceived pitch of vowel /a/ as ordinary, high, or low. Acoustical analysis revealed that the perception of pitch corresponds to some formant frequencies. Further data with synthesized whispered voice are necessary to confirm the importance of the formant frequencies in detail for perceived pitch of whispered vowels.

Serum antibodies to human herpesvirus 7, human herpesvirus 6 and cytomegalovirus in patients with idiopathic facial nerve palsy or sudden deafness

The aetiology of idiopathic facial nerve palsy (Bells palsy) and sudden deafness are not known, although viruses have been suspected as a cause of them. We investigated the relationship between Bells palsy or sudden deafness, and reactivation of cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and 7 (HHV-7). Paired sera were collected from 22 patients with Bells palsy and 24 patients with sudden deafness. IgG antibody titres to HHV-7 were increased in one patient with Bells palsy. IgG antibody titres to HHV-6 were increased in one patient with Bells palsy and two with sudden deafness. IgG antibody titres to cytomegalovirus were increased in one patient with sudden deafness. Titres of the three viral antibodies were not increased simultaneously in any patients. These viruses may contribute to the development of Bells palsy or sudden deafness in some cases. It is, however, unlikely that these viruses are the main cause of Bells palsy and sudden deafness in the majority of patients.

Lip Kinematics for /p/ and /b/ Production during Whispered and Voiced Speech

In the absence of voicing, the discrimination of ‘voiced’ and ‘voiceless’ stop consonants in whispered speech relies on such acoustic cues as burst duration and amplitude, and formant transition characteristics. The articulatory processes that generate these features of whispered speech remain speculative. This preliminary investigation examines the articulatory kinematics differences between whispered /p/ and /b/, which may underlie the acoustic differences previously reported for these sounds. Computerized video-tracking methods were used to evaluate kinematic differences between voiced and voiceless stops. Seven subjects produced the target utterances ‘my papa puppy’ and ‘my baba puppy’ in voiced and whispered speech modes. The results revealed that mean peak opening and closing velocities for /b/ were significantly greater than those for /p/ during whispered speech. No differences in peak velocity for either oral closing or opening were observed during voiced speech. The maximum distance between the lips for oral opening for /b/ was significantly greater than for /p/ during whisper, whereas no difference was observed during voiced speech. These data supported the suggestion that whispered speech and voiced speech rely on distinct motor control processes.

Enlarged bony portion of the eustachian tube in oculoauriculovertebral spectrum

The patulous eustachian tube (ET) has been reported as the cause of cholesteatoma, otitis media, and tinnitus. Almost all reports on the patulous eustachian tube mentioned the patulous lumen in cartilaginous portion of the ET and atrophy of peritubal tissue, especially fat tissue. In contrast, enlarged bony portion of the ET is rare (1) and its pathophysiology remains unknown. Radiological studies are extremely useful to detect this anomaly. In this case of oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OVAS), the multi-detector row computed tomography (1-mm collimation, 1-mm interval) reveals the enlarged bony portion of the left ET (Figs. 1 and 2). The width of the bony portion of the ET, which is closed to the junctional portion of the ET (2), is 7 mm and is much wider than that in normal children (1.5 mm) as reported by Suzuki et al (3) (Fig. 1). Huge bony dehiscence is recognized in the carotid canal (Fig. 2). Moreover, underdeveloped vestibule and semicircular canals, complete absence of the cochlea (Fig. 1 and 2), and anomalous ossicles are observed. In the right ear, which has a normal aspect in the middle ear and inner ear, the shape and width (1.3 mm) of the bony portion of the ET are normal (Fig. 3). Embryologically, the tubotympanic recess and primary tympanic cavity are derived from the expanding terminal end of the endoderm-lined first pharyngeal pouch and probably the second pharyngeal pouch (4). The endoderm of the tubotympanic recess approached the surface that comes in contact with the ectodermal membrane of the first branchial groove. Near the end of the second month, the tubotympanic recess undergoes a bottleneck constriction, then the medial constricted portion lengthens and becomes the ET (4). The bony portion

S195 – Laryngeal Observation of Early Cancer with NBI System

Objectives The Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) is an illumination method for medical endoscopes that can visualize the micro-vascular structure of the organ surface. The effectiveness of NBI has been reported in detecting the oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal neoplasm lesion. The aim of this study is to identify the usefulness of NBI in laryngeal lesion, especially in observing cases of post-operated or post-irradiated early laryngeal cancers. Methods 16 patients of early laryngeal cancer after treatment for at least 6 months were entered in this study: 1 case of T1s, 8 cases of T1a, 3 cases of T1b, and 4 cases of T2. 3 cases of T1a underwent cordectomy under direct laryngoscope using KTP laser. 13 cases were treated with irradiation. Results The cases for which NBI was suggested to be useful were: T1b, undergoing laser surgery, supra-glottic carcinoma, appearing hyper-adduction of the false vocal fold during phonating, and causing severe mucosal edema after irradiation. Conclusions NBI system may play an important role in the observation of post-therapy of early laryngeal cancer.

Expression of cyclooxygenase in laryngeal granuloma

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of arachidonic acid metabolism in the growth of laryngeal granuloma via the cyclooxygenase pathway. Methods: We examined expression of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1 and COX-2) in laryngeal granuloma in 6 patients. For controls, normal vocal fold in 6 cases were examined in the same method that were obtained from the totally resected larynx because of noninflammatory diseases. Results: Expression of COX2 was observed in the epithelial cells of laryngeal granuloma, however, less expression of COX2 in epithelial cells of the vocal fold. Conclusion: Arachidonic acid metabolism may promote the growth of laryngeal granuloma. This evidence suggests the effectiveness of steroids or NSAIDs in the treatment of laryngeal granuloma.

Book Review / Announcements

The author explores the impact of hearing loss on relationships. As old age is the leading aetiological factor in hearing impairment followed by noise-induced hearing loss, it is becoming increasingly important to study the ways in which hearing impairment makes its impact on intimate relationships, namely in families, couples and their children. For a better comprehension of this complex problem, the author used an in-depth interviewing technique for 150 hearing-impaired people including 11 couples where one partner is hearing and the other impaired. This original and interesting research leads to strategies for better communication, counselling, family therapy, social policy and psychology. A. Muller, Morges