[Acoustic- and EGG-parametrisations of Phonatory Quality Provide Voice Profiles of Normal Speakers]

The present study deals with the dimensions of normal phonation. It is generally accepted that there exists a wide range of normal voices.

Using complementarily orientated electroglottografic and acoustic parametrisations of phonation quality, sustained vowel productions of 267 male and 267 female speakers without any reported voice pathology were analysed. A clustering technique serves to differentiate gender specific subgroups of normal phonation on the basis of these analysis results.

Firstly, 3 subgroups within each gender on the basis of the EGG, and 3 subgroups on the basis of the acoustic parameters are presented. Secondly, this subgroup definition allows one to present voice profiles of normal speakers by combining the parameter means of the electroglottografically determined subgroups with those of the acoustically determined subgroups.

The present voice profiles can be used as a reference and are aimed at providing a firmer basis for the classification of different normal and pathological phonation types as well as for the evaluation of shifts in individual phonation behaviour due to therapy or spontaneous recovery.