Phonatory characteristics associated with bilateral diffuse polypoid degeneration

This paper describes the speaking fundamental frequency (SFF) and phonational range characteristics of 35 patients with bilateral diffuse polypoid degeneration. These speakers had average SFFs that were not only substantially lower than normal but also below those associated with many other types of laryngeal pathology. These patients also had phonational ranges that were substantially different from normal. Although both extremes of the pitch range were altered, the upper limit of the voice range was affected profoundly by the morphologic changes in the vocal folds that occur as a result of polypoid degeneration.