The effect of auditory feedback on phonation threshold pressure measurement

The effect of auditory feedback on phonation threshold pressure (Pth) measurement was investigated in 14 females with normal, untrained voices. Two measurement systems (Glottal Enterprises MS 100--circumferentially vented mask and Kay Elemetrics Aerophone II--non-circumferentially vented mask) were examined under three conditions: (1) masked, (2) no mask, and (3) masked with enhanced auditory feedback-acoustic signal placed at ears through headphones. Masked with enhanced auditory feedback, in addition to subject training, significantly lowered Pth values regardless of mask design. The amount of auditory feedback provided by different mask designs was investigated and revealed a significant difference. Clinical significance of different auditory feedback levels provided by the two mask designs was investigated. Direct comparison of the mean values between systems was not possible because of each system's design and calibration. Comparisons were accomplished by subtracting means of select-paired conditions (masked/no mask; masked/masked plus masked with enhanced auditory feedback) within each system and then comparing these difference scores from the same paired conditions between each system. No clinical significance in difference scores was revealed because of varying amounts of auditory feedback provided by the masks. Results support the use of enhanced auditory feedback, in addition to subject training, when measuring Pth.