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Vocal function and upper airway thermoregulation in five different environmental conditions.
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research : JSLHR
|August 1, 2013
Summary
This study found that breathing through the nose or mouth in various cold, neutral, and hot environments did not significantly alter vocal function or upper airway temperature. The upper airway appears to effectively regulate its temperature despite environmental challenges.
Area of Science:
- Environmental physiology
- Vocal science
- Respiratory thermoregulation
Background:
- The impact of environmental conditions on vocal function is not fully understood.
- Previous research has not comprehensively measured upper airway temperature alongside vocal parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cold/dry air exposure on phonation threshold pressure and perceived phonatory effort.
- To determine if upper airway temperature decreases with cold/dry air exposure.
- To compare changes between mouth and nose breathing.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen participants underwent 20-minute trials in five different environmental conditions (varying temperature and humidity).
- Measurements included transnasal upper airway temperature, phonation threshold pressure, and perceived phonatory effort.
- A within-participant repeated measures design was employed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in phonation threshold pressure, perceived phonatory effort, or upper airway temperature across the tested environments.
- Breathing mode (nose vs. mouth) did not yield significant variations in the measured parameters.
Conclusions:
- The study hypotheses were not supported, indicating that vocal function and upper airway temperature remain stable.
- Findings suggest robust thermoregulation of the upper airway within a realistic range of environmental conditions.
- This research is novel in combining upper airway temperature measurements with vocal function assessments.
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