Assessment of the variability of vocal fold dynamics within and between recordings with high-speed imaging and by phonovibrogram.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The goal of the study was to assess the variability of healthy vocal fold dynamics. Quantitative parameters describing mean regularity and vibration characteristics of vocal fold dynamics along the entire glottal axis were analyzed.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study with 14 young healthy females with no history of voice problems. High-speed videoendoscopy was used to capture vocal fold vibratory characteristics while subjects were producing vowel /i/ with comfortable pitch and loudness over three different recording sessions.

METHODS: The analysis of the data was achieved by using the objective image analysis technique, phonovibrography.

RESULTS: The objective analysis of the high-speed video data showed no statistically significant changes in endoscopic voice parameters for normal young female voices.

CONCLUSIONS: Analysis suggests that endoscopic parameters obtained from phonovibrograms are consistent from day to day in normal voices. Further studies are needed to objectively rate the presence and degree of these parameters in disordered voices.