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Published on: December 2, 2011
Evaluation of Analytical Modeling Functions for the Phonation Onset Process
Simon Petermann1, Stefan Kniesburges1, Anke Ziethe1
1Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Medical School, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Bohlenplatz 21, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
This study identifies the most reliable method for calculating voice onset time (VOT), a key indicator of laryngeal function, using endoscopic imaging. A fourth-order polynomial approximation of the glottal area waveform provides accurate and consistent VOT measurements.
Area of Science:
- Laryngology
- Speech Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- The human voice originates from vocal fold oscillations in the larynx.
- Voice onset time (VOT) is investigated as a clinical indicator of laryngeal functionality.
- Reliable quantification of transient vocal fold oscillations during voice onset (VO) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare different analytical approaches for computing VOT from endoscopic imaging.
- To determine the most reliable method for automatic quantification of VOT.
- To assess methods for analyzing vocal fold oscillations during phonation onset.
Main Methods:
- Transnasal endoscopic imaging with a high-speed camera (8000 fps) visualized phonation onset.
- Six analytical functions were tested to approximate the glottal area waveform (GAW) envelope.
- VOT computation was evaluated based on reliability, consistency (standard deviation), and accuracy.
Main Results:
- A fourth-order polynomial approximation was found to be the most suitable method.
- The optimal interval for computation was between 32.2% and 67.8% of the filtered GAW saturation amplitude.
- This method demonstrated high reliability, consistency, and accuracy in VOT approximation.
Conclusions:
- The study recommends a specific computational method for accurate VOT measurement.
- This approach can aid in the objective assessment of laryngeal function.
- Automated VOT analysis using this method can improve clinical diagnosis.
