A comparison of combined glottography in men and women

Out-patient combined glottography has shown potential in the assessment of the vocal cord cycle in laryngeal abnormality. We compared this technique in men and women with normal laryngeal function, to evaluate the influence of patient sex on the results. Ten adult men were compared with 10 age matched women. The open quotient was significantly greater in women. This indicates the woman's glottis is open for a greater proportion of the glottic cycle, as a result of the anatomical and physiological differences of the larynx between the sexes. Analyses are made of the glottic cycle differences which may account, in part, for the different quality of the female voice. Interpretation of results using this technique must take account of the patient's sex.