Human phonation is driven by airflow from the lung. The larynx serves as an energy converter, transferring aerodynamic energy into acoustical energy. Aerodynamic parameters provide a practical assessment for laryngeal function during phonation. Traditional aerodynamic measurement technologies have many limitations. Specifically, measuring airflow after the vocal tract does not represent the driving parameters such as subglottal pressure. Recent progress in research suggests new parameters such as phonation threshold pressure (PTP) and vocal efficiency are essential to represent laryngeal function because they take into account both aerodynamic and acoustic energy forms. A non-invasive aerodynamic measurement system based on flow interruption technology is needed to assess laryngeal function, pathologies, and evaluate the effects of treatment. This proposal focuses on applying current aerodynamic theories and computerized instrumentation to improve methods of assessing laryngeal function. Specifically, we hope this novel system can assess subglottal pressure (SGP), vocal efficiency (VE), AC/DC ratio of glottal flow, and phonation threshold pressure (PTP). New parameters, phonation threshold flow (PTF) and phonation threshold power (PTPw), will also be investigated. The study has two interrelated parts. In part I, research will focus on developing a better airflow interruption system with computer aided design. Using an acoustically adapted model and a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model, we will quantitatively describe the aerodynamics of the measurement system, such as the sound projection and the pressure and flow fields during and after airflow interruption. Computer modeling will help design and optimize the effects of the dimensions and shape of the measurement system. Research will focus on issues in adapting the designed system to human subjects. The measurement accuracy and comfort of various masks and mouthpieces will be investigated. The effects of audio-laryngeal reflexes will be determined, and then reduced by masking the subjects'audio feedback. A partial airflow interruption system will be developed which will not cease phonation;therefore, the measurements will be taken during phonation, as opposed to complete interruption systems that take measurements just after phonation stops. In part II, the improved measurement system developed in part I will be used to measure the laryngeal function of patients with vocal nodules and polyps, vocal fold paralysis, laryngeal carcinoma, and Parkinson's disease. The sensitivity and specificity of distinguishing normal from pathologic voices using aerodynamic parameters will be assessed based on the received operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Aerodynamic parameters will also be measured before and after treatment to evaluate treatment effectiveness.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DC008153-05
Application #
8131038
Study Section
Motor Function, Speech and Rehabilitation Study Section (MFSR)
Program Officer
Shekim, Lana O
Project Start
2007-09-01
Project End
2012-08-31
Budget Start
2011-09-01
Budget End
2012-08-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$292,062
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Surgery
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
161202122
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715
Hoffman, Matthew R; Scholp, Austin J; Hedberg, Calvin D et al. (2018) Measurement reliability of phonation threshold pressure in pediatric subjects. Laryngoscope :
Mills, Randal; Hays, Cameron; Al-Ramahi, Jehad et al. (2017) Validation and Evaluation of the Effects of Semi-Occluded Face Mask Straw Phonation Therapy Methods on Aerodynamic Parameters in Comparison to Traditional Methods. J Voice 31:323-328
Devine, Erin E; Hoffman, Matthew R; McCulloch, Timothy M et al. (2017) Evaluation of type II thyroplasty on phonatory physiology in an excised canine larynx model. Laryngoscope 127:396-404
Jiang, Jack J; Hanna, Rewais B; Willey, Malachi V et al. (2016) The Measurement of Airflow Using Singing Helmet That Allows Free Movement of the Jaw. J Voice 30:641-648
Hoffman, Matthew R; Glab, Rachel; Gunderson, McLean et al. (2015) Functional and Histological Evaluation following Canine Vocal Fold Reconstruction Using Composite Thyroid Ala Perichondrium Flaps. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 153:79-87
Hoffman, Matthew R; Devine, Erin E; Remacle, Marc et al. (2014) Combined type IIIB with bilateral type I thyroplasty for pitch lowering with maintenance of vocal fold tension. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 271:1621-9
Hoffman, Matthew R; Devine, Erin E; McCulloch, Timothy M et al. (2014) Excised larynx evaluation of wedge-shaped adjustable balloon implant for minimally invasive type I thyroplasty. Laryngoscope 124:942-9
Conroy, Ellen R; Hennick, Terah M; Awan, Shaheen N et al. (2014) Effect of variations to a simulated system of straw phonation therapy on aerodynamic parameters using excised canine larynges. J Voice 28:1-6
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Conroy, Ellen; Surender, Ketan; Geng, Zhixian et al. (2014) Video-based method of quantifying performance and instrument motion during simulated phonosurgery. Laryngoscope 124:2332-7

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