Graphical evaluation of vocal fold vibratory patterns by high-speed videolaryngoscopy

Area of Science:

• Laryngology
• Bioengineering
• Speech Science

Background:

• Vocal fold vibration analysis is crucial for understanding voice production and function.
• Videolaryngoscopy is the standard method for evaluating vocal fold vibration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel digital image processing algorithm for estimating glottal area and vocal fold vibratory patterns.
• To improve the characterization of vocal fold function and voice quality.

Main Methods:

• High-speed videolaryngoscopy recorded vocal fold movements at 4000 frames per second in eight healthy subjects.
• A digital image processing algorithm, utilizing image segmentation, estimated the glottal area.
• The estimated glottal area was used to construct the glottal waveform, representing the glottal cycle.

Main Results:

• The generated graphs revealed key vocal fold vibration properties, including amplitude and velocity.
• These characteristics significantly influence overall voice quality.
• The method provided numerical feedback on the vibratory patterns of the vocal folds.

Conclusions:

• Combining high-speed imaging with the proposed algorithm enhances vocal fold analysis.
• The graphical representation of vibratory patterns offers valuable insights into vocal fold function.
• This approach improves objective assessment of voice production.