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Vocal intensity characteristics in normal and elderly speakers.
F S Hodge1, R H Colton, R T Kelley
1Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Disorders, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA.
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of the Voice Foundation
|January 17, 2002
Summary
Younger men use greater lung pressure and peak airflow for vocal intensity than elderly men. Elderly men exhibit a higher open quotient, indicating differences in vocal production efficiency with age.
Area of Science:
- Speech and Hearing Sciences
- Gerontology
- Acoustic Analysis
Background:
- Vocal intensity is modulated by several physiological parameters.
- Age-related changes in voice production are not fully understood.
- Comparing young and elderly males provides insight into vocal aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in vocal production.
- To examine the relationship between lung pressure, airflow, and vocal intensity in young and elderly males.
- To identify specific physiological parameters contributing to vocal differences in aging.
Main Methods:
- Investigated lung pressure, fundamental frequency, peak airflow, open quotient, and maximal flow declination rate.
- Collected data from young (mean age 30) and elderly (mean age 77) male groups.
- Measured parameters at soft, comfortable, and loud vocal intensities using intraoral and inverse filtering techniques.
Main Results:
- Both groups increased lung pressure, peak airflow, and fundamental frequency with vocal intensity.
- Elderly males showed significantly lower lung pressure, sound pressure level, and peak airflow compared to young males.
- Elderly males had a significantly higher open quotient than young males.
Conclusions:
- Vocal intensity differences exist between young and elderly males.
- These differences are primarily due to variations in lung pressure, peak airflow, and open quotient.
- Age impacts the physiological mechanisms of voice production.