Aerodynamic Measurements in Woman With Behavioral Dysphonia: A Pilot Study

Aerodynamic assessment is an objective, noninvasive method that provides insights into vocal function and efficiency (Guzman & Mora, 2018), reflecting physiological mechanisms of voice production (Gillespie et al., 2013). Behavioral dysphonia (BD) often involves increased phonatory effort (Almeida & Behlau, 2017), which can be reflected in altered aerodynamic measures. Understanding these parameters is crucial for analyzing biomechanical aspects of voice in vocally healthy (VH) individuals and those with BD. Purpose: to analyze subglottic pressure (Psub), transglottal airflow (TAF), glottal resistance (GR), and phonation threshold pressure (PTP) in Brazilian Portuguese-speaking women with BD and VH controls. Method: Eighty-two women without vocal training, aged 18-50 years (mean=32.8±9.91), were divided into two age-matched groups: BD (n=41) and VH (n=41). Aerodynamic data were collected using PT-2E and PT-25 transducers and the MS-110 interface (Glottal Enterprises). Participants repeatedly produced /pa/ (habitual intensity, 1.5 syllables/s) for Psub, TAF, and GR, and at the lowest loudness without whispering for PTP. Data were analyzed using 95% confidence intervals (CI95%), with the Mann-Whitney test (p<0.05) for Psub, TAF, and GR, and Student’s t-test (p<0.05) for PTP. Findings: Results showed significantly higher Psub in BD (8.57 cmH2O, CI95% [7.85–9.30]) than VH (7.08 cmH2O, CI95% [6.63–7.53], p<0.001). TAF was also higher in BD (297 mL/s, CI95% [259–336]) than VH (196 mL/s, CI95% [178–214], p<0.001). PTP was elevated in BD (5.04 cmH2O, CI95% [4.69–5.39]) compared to VH (4.02 cmH2O, CI95% [3.81–4.24], p<0.001). No significant difference was found in GR (p=0.080). Discussion: These findings suggest that BD individuals exhibit increased vocal effort, as reflected in higher Psub, TAF, and PTP values, while RG remains similar to VH. This highlights the clinical relevance of aerodynamic assessment in diagnosing voice disorders and guiding therapy.

Almeida, A.A. & Behlau, M. (2017). Relations between self-regulation behavior and vocal symptoms. Journal of Voice, 31(2), 455–461.

Gillespie, A.I., Gartner-Schmidt, J., Rubinstein, E.N., & Abbott, K.V. (2013). Aerodynamic profiles of women with muscle tension dysphonia/aphonia. Journal of speech, language, and hearing research, 56(2), 481–488.

Guzman, M. & Mora, C.A.C. (2018). Medidas aerodinámicas de la fonación: Bases teóricas y clínicas. Areté, 1(S), 1S–10S.