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Vocal tract changes caused by phonation into a tube: a case study using computer tomography and finite-element
Tomás Vampola1, Anne-Maria Laukkanen, Jaromír Horácek
1Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanics, Biomechanics and Mechatronics, Czech Technical University in Prague, Karlovo náměstí 13, 121 35 Prague 2, Czech Republic. tomas.vampola@fs.cvut.cz
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|February 10, 2011
Summary
Phonation into a tube alters vocal tract shape, increasing inertance and radiated acoustic energy. These voice training effects persist after tube removal, potentially improving voice production.
Area of Science:
- Speech and Hearing Sciences
- Acoustic Analysis
- Vocal Tract Physiology
Background:
- Phonation into a tube is a recognized voice training technique.
- The specific physiological and acoustic changes in the vocal tract during and after this method are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in vocal tract shape and acoustic properties during and after phonation into a tube.
- To understand the underlying mechanisms of voice improvement associated with this technique.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study using a single female subject.
- Computer tomography (CT) scans to capture vocal tract geometry.
- Three-dimensional finite-element models (FEMs) to analyze acoustic characteristics, specifically input impedance.
Main Results:
- Phonation into a tube resulted in tightened velopharyngeal closure and enlarged oropharyngeal and oral cavity areas.
- FEM analysis showed increased vocal tract input inertance and greater acoustic energy radiation post-phonation.
- These observed changes in vocal tract configuration and acoustics persisted even after the tube was removed.
Conclusions:
- Phonation into a tube induces lasting modifications in vocal tract shape and acoustic behavior.
- These persistent changes offer a potential explanation for the method's efficacy in voice therapy and training.
- The findings suggest that this technique can lead to sustained improvements in voice production for individuals.
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