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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
09:58
Investigating the Three-dimensional Flow Separation Induced by a Model Vocal Fold Polyp
Published on: February 3, 2014
Vocal fold mucus aggregation in vocally normal speakers
Heather Shaw Bonilha1, Alyssa Aikman, Katherine Hines
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. shawhs@gwm.sc.edu
Logopedics, Phoniatrics, Vocology
|July 9, 2008
Summary
Vocal fold mucus aggregation is common in vocally normal speakers, with 97% showing visible signs. Stroboscopy is more effective than high-speed videoendoscopy for identifying mucus features.
Area of Science:
- Laryngology
- Voice Science
- Speech Pathology
Background:
- Vocal fold mucus aggregation is frequently observed in individuals with voice disorders.
- The prevalence and characteristics of vocal fold mucus in vocally normal individuals remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence, type, thickness, location, and pooling of vocal fold mucus in normophonic speakers.
- To compare the efficacy of stroboscopy and high-speed videoendoscopy (HSV) in identifying these mucus features.
Main Methods:
- Systematic visual rating of stroboscopy and HSV recordings from 52 normophonic speakers.
- Assessment of mucus aggregation parameters including type, thickness, pooling, and location.
Main Results:
- Visible vocal fold mucus aggregation was present in 97% of normophonic speakers.
- Significant differences were observed in the identification of mucus type, thickness, pooling, and location between stroboscopy and HSV.
- Stroboscopy proved more effective than HSV for identifying various mucus aggregation features.
Conclusions:
- Vocal fold mucus aggregation is a common finding in vocally normal individuals.
- Stroboscopy offers superior visualization of vocal fold mucus characteristics compared to high-speed videoendoscopy (HSV).
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