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"Compensatory falsetto": effects on vocal quality
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33101, USA.
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of the Voice Foundation
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Patients with compensatory falsetto, an abnormally high-pitched voice due to laryngeal pathology, showed improved vocal function. This high-pitched voice production enhanced glottic closure and acoustic measures.
Area of Science:
- Laryngology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Acoustic Analysis
Background:
- Compensatory falsetto involves developing a high-pitched voice despite the capacity for lower pitch, often due to underlying laryngeal pathology.
- Vocal fold paralysis is a common cause of compensatory falsetto.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare laryngeal compensations in patients with compensatory falsetto.
- To evaluate the effects of compensatory falsetto on objective measures of vocal function.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of 18 patients diagnosed with compensatory falsetto.
- Videostrobolaryngoscopic examination to assess vibratory characteristics.
- Acoustic and aerodynamic analysis including fundamental frequency, jitter, harmonic-to-noise ratio, airflow, and maximum phonation time.
Main Results:
- Production of a higher-pitched voice improved glottic closure and reduced air loss during phonation.
- Increased maximum phonation time was observed.
- Improvements in acoustic parameters like jitter and harmonic-to-noise ratio were noted.
Conclusions:
- Compensatory falsetto, while a deviation, can lead to functional vocal improvements.
- The high-pitched voice production strategy positively impacts glottic function and voice quality measures.