Voice production in a MRI-based subject-specific vocal fold model with parametrically controlled medial surface shape

Area of Science:

• Acoustic and biomechanical aspects of voice production.
• Computational modeling of human phonation.

Background:

• Vocal fold medial surface shape variations occur naturally during human phonation.
• Understanding these shape changes is crucial for voice production.
• Previous studies observed shape variations in excised and canine larynges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of realistic medial surface shape changes on voice production.
• To simulate voice production using a 3D vocal fold model with manipulated medial surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a parametric magnetic resonance imaging-based 3D vocal fold model.
• Systematically manipulated superior and inferior portions of the medial surface.
• Performed voice simulations to analyze voice production differences.

Main Results:

• Superior-medial and inferior-medial bulging increased vocal fold closed quotient.
• These shape changes led to increased vertical thickness and a more rectangular glottal configuration.
• Medial surface shape changes significantly affected phonation threshold pressure in a larynx-specific manner.

Conclusions:

• Vocal fold medial surface shape is a critical factor in voice production.
• Surgical interventions for voice disorders should consider restoring medial surface geometry.
• A rectangular and sufficiently thick medial surface is recommended for optimal voice production.