Obligatory Vocal Fry and Its Effects on the Voice
Abstract
Purpose: The prevalence of vocal fry has been frequently reported in the literature. The characteristics of vocal fry production have also received attention. However, the effects of sustained vocal fry on laryngeal physiology have not been investigated. The purpose of the present study was to determine possible deteriorating effects of 30 minutes of obligatory vocal fry. Methods: 10 participants (5 males and 5 females) completed 2 experimental sessions in a counterbalanced repeated measures design. In each session, they were either asked to read in obligatory vocal fry (OVF) or a habitual vocal register (HVR) for 30 minutes. Voice measures of Phonation Threshold Pressure (PTP), Cepstral Peak Prominence and Vocal Effort ratings were obtained before and after each challenge. Results: There was an increase in PTP (at the 10 th pitch of the subject’s frequency range) after OVF but a decrease in this measure after speaking in the HVR. However other voice measures did not demonstrate differential effects between the two challenges. Conclusions: Phonation Threshold Pressure at the 10 th pitch of an individual’s frequency range may be sensitive to changes in laryngeal physiology seen in sustained vocal fry. Further research is required to establish possible deteriorating effects of vocal fry in natural speech.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Sivasankar, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Speech therapy
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