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Interdependency between intensity and pitch in the normal speaking voice
1Neus-, Keel-, Oorziekten, Gelaat- en Halschirurgie, K.U.Leuven.
Acta Oto-Rhino-Laryngologica Belgica
|November 12, 1998
Summary
Normal speaking voices show a connection between vocal intensity and pitch. A significant pitch rise with increased loudness may indicate voice misuse.
Area of Science:
- Speech Science
- Laryngology
- Acoustic Phonetics
Background:
- Vocal intensity and pitch are known to be interrelated in normal speech.
- Physiological mechanisms involving laryngeal and respiratory functions underlie this vocal parameter interdependence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the relationship between vocal intensity and pitch in normal speakers.
- To identify potential indicators of voice misuse based on pitch-intensity relationships.
Main Methods:
- Acoustic analysis of voice recordings from 250 healthy adult speakers.
- Measurement of vocal intensity (in dB) and fundamental frequency (pitch, in semitones).
Main Results:
- On average, a 30 dB increase in vocal intensity correlated with a 9 semitone rise in pitch.
- This pitch-intensity relationship was observed to be non-linear, with the most significant rise at higher vocal intensities.
Conclusions:
- The study establishes a normative range for pitch variation with intensity in typical voices.
- Deviations exceeding the typical 9 semitone rise for a 30 dB intensity increase may signify vocal hyperfunction or misuse.