Acoustic voice analysis. Study of voice and speech disorders
2. Acoustic characteristics of the voice.
sound source the human voice is larynx with vocal folds . I
Pitch - subjective perception by the organ of hearing of the frequency of oscillatory movements.
Frequency main tones measured in hertz and may vary in the usual colloquial speech in men in the range from 85 to 200 Hz, in women - from 160 to 340 Hz. The expressiveness of speech depends on changes in the pitch of the fundamental tone.
Timbre , or coloring, of sound is a measure of voice quality. It reflects the acoustic composition of complex sounds and depends on the frequency and strength of vibrations.
Resonance - a sharp increase in the amplitude of oscillations that occurs when the frequency of oscillations of the external force coincides with the frequency of natural oscillations of the system. During phonation, the resonance enhances the individual overtones of the sound that occurs in the larynx, and causes the air vibrations in the chest cavities to coincide with the tube extension. There are two resonators - the main and chest.
first there is a slight exhalation, then the vocal folds close and begin to oscillate. The voice comes after a slight noise. This method is considered inhalation attack;
3. Basic voice functions. characteristics of the spoken voice.
Many people owe a large part of their success to the voice. Just like about appearance People judge a politician's voice for the first few seconds. It doesn't matter if you're famous or not. Despite the memorable appearance of some famous people, remembering them, we first of all remember the voice.
The voice is an amazing tool for self-expression. It is known that any disease instantly leaves an imprint on the strength, timbre and pitch of the voice. Sadness and joy, like other emotions, are primarily conveyed by voice.
Under the influence of diseases or constant overstrain, the vocal apparatus weakens. At the same time, for representatives of many professions, such as teachers, artists, announcers, lawyers, politicians, doctors, salesmen, etc., who “work” with their voice, this device must always be “in good condition”, that is, healthy, strong and rich in all shades.
Speech plays important role in the life of society, performing communicative and informative functions. The voice conveys various experiences: joy, pain, fear, anger or delight. Its function is regulated by many nerve connections that coordinate the subtle work of a large number of muscles. Thanks to the shades of voice coloring, you can influence the psyche of another person. The voice, devoid of high frequencies, seems deaf, creeping, "like from a barrel." And those who do not have low ones can be annoying, shrill and unpleasant. A beautiful, healthy voice should please the ears of others. However, there may be problems with it. It is believed that due to their emotionality, women most often suffer from voice problems, and a housewife can also lose it.
What are voice disorders? Power, tone and pitch. When the force is violated, the voice may be quickly drying up, too weak, or, conversely, excessively loud; timbre - hoarse, rough, guttural-sharp, deaf, metallic or squeaky; heights - monotonous, low, etc.
Voice disorders affect the communicative function of children's speech and their personality traits. In the absence or violation of the voice, problems may arise in relationships with peers due to communication difficulties. The guys are embarrassed by their voices, sometimes communicate with facial expressions and gestures. Unbalance, irritability, pessimism, aggression, etc. may appear. In the future, this leaves an imprint on the work and personal life of a growing person.
HOW DO WE TALK?
Any elastic body in a state of oscillation sets in motion the particles of the surrounding air, from which sound waves are formed. These waves, propagating in space, are perceived by our ear as sound. This is how sound is produced in the environment around us.
AT human body the vocal folds are such an elastic body. The sounds of a speech and singing voice are formed by the interaction of vibrating vocal folds and breathing.
The process of speech begins with inhalation, during which air is forced through the oral and nasal cavities, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi into the lungs expanded at the entrance. Then, under the action of nerve signals (impulses) from the brain, the vocal folds close, and the glottis closes. This coincides with the start of exhalation. Closed vocal folds block the path of exhaled air, preventing free exhalation. The air in the subglottic space, recruited during inhalation, is compressed under the action of the expiratory muscles, and underglottic pressure arises. Compressed air presses on closed vocal folds, that is, it comes into interaction with them. There is a sound.
We must never forget that people have very individual anatomical, physiological and psychological properties of the body, and hence the need for an individual approach to each person, and the uniqueness of the sound of each voice, its timbre, strength, endurance and other qualities.
HOW DO WE EAT?
Approximately up to 80% of the energy of the singing sound is extinguished when passing through the surrounding tissues, wasted on their shaking (vibration).
In the air cavities (in the supraglottic and subglottic space), sounds undergo acoustic changes and are amplified. Therefore, these cavities are called resonators.
There are upper and chest resonators.
Upper resonators - all cavities lying above the vocal folds: the upper larynx, pharynx, oral and nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses (head resonators).
The pharynx and oral cavity form the sounds of speech, increase the power of the voice, and affect its timbre.
Chest resonance gives the sound fullness and volume.
What is the difference between singing voice and speech? In singing, they use the entire range of the voice, and in speech, only part of it. Regardless of the voice (tenor, bass, baritone, soprano, mezzo), a person uses the middle section of his voice, since it is more convenient to speak here, he does not get tired.
Communicating with other people, a person pronounces sounds and perceives them.
The human ability to make sounds is called voice .
Voice apparatus
The sound source is human vocal apparatus . It is rather complicated. Its main parts are the lungs and bronchi with the system of respiratory muscles of the chest, the larynx with the vocal folds and the system of air cavities that act as resonators and emitters of sound. The functions of all these organs are combined nervous system into a single process, as a result of which sound is produced.
Sound occurs only when you exhale, when air from the lungs passes through the nose and mouth, causing the vocal cords to vibrate. Between the right and left ligaments is the glottis. Air passes through it when you breathe. The muscles of the larynx change the position of its cartilage. As a result, the width of the glottis changes, as well as the tension of the vocal cords.
When a person is silent, his vocal cords are spread apart, and the glottis is open so as not to interfere with the air to pass freely when breathing. When playing a sound, the glottis becomes narrower, from the air passing through it, the bundles vibrate, which, in turn, cause the air to vibrate. There is a voice wave, which is called a voice. Then the voice passes into the cavity of the pharynx, nose and mouth. He meets on his way obstacles that create for him certain positions of the tongue, lips and teeth. Overcoming these obstacles, the voice creates sounds.
At different people ligaments have different lengths and thicknesses. That is why people have different voices. The longer and thicker the vocal cords of a person, the lower his voice.
Characteristics of the human voice
tone range
The tonal range of the voice depends on the frequency of vibration of the vocal cords. Therefore, it is also called frequency. Most often, the frequency of a person's voice ranges from 64 to 1300 Hz. But it can be expanded with the help of special vocal exercises.
The frequency of the fundamental tone of an adult male (lower tone of the natural scale) ranges from 85-155 Hz, and for an adult woman from 165 to 255 Hz. The frequency range of a conversational children's voice is from 170 to 600 Hz.
During singing, the frequency range is much wider than spoken. The extremely low tones of some bass voices have a frequency of 50-60 Hz. The lowest tone the human voice can take is the "fa" of the contra-octave at 43.2 hertz. And the highest tone is “fa” of the third octave (1354 hertz). But some world famous opera singers have reached the tones "a3", "c4" (2069 Hz) and even "d4" (2300 Hz).
Voice timbre
In physics resonance called the coincidence of the frequency of natural oscillations of the system with the frequency of oscillations of some external influence, as a result of which the amplitude increases sharply forced vibrations systems.
And since sound is an oscillatory process, the phenomenon of resonance is also inherent in it. With the help of the resonance phenomenon, even very weak periodic oscillations can be amplified.
By placing 2 tuning forks side by side and lightly tapping one at a time, you can hear how the second tuning fork makes a sound. This is because he got into resonance with the first, and his vibrations intensified.
The guitar string itself makes a low sound. But its strings are placed on the body, which has a certain shape and a round hole in the middle. The sound from the string enters the body, resonates and is amplified.
Similarly, the human voice is amplified. The resonators are the cavities lying above the vocal cords - the nasal passages, maxillary and frontal sinuses. These resonators are called top resonators. They make the voice louder. The lungs, bronchi and trachea are the lower resonators. They amplify low sounds. Passing through them, the voice acquires strength, fullness of sound.
The strength and volume of the voice
And loudness is the subjective perception of the strength of sound, the way the ear of a particular person perceives sound. To evaluate it, a value is taken, which is called dream . 1 sone is the volume of a sinusoidal pure tone with a frequency of 1 kHz, creating sound pressure 2 MPa.
But the same loudness can have sounds of different intensity (having different sound pressure) on different frequencies. Therefore, the sound loudness is estimated by comparing it with the loudness of a standard pure tone with a frequency of 1 kHz. This value is called sound volume level . Unit of volume level - background . Suppose there are 2 sounds, the frequency of which is the same, but the volume is different. Each of these sounds will be assigned a sound of the same loudness with a frequency of 1 kHz. If their volume differs by 1 decibel, then the difference in the levels of the original sounds will be equal to 1 background .
Another measure of sound volume level is white . This is a dimensionless unit of measurement, which is the decimal logarithm of the ratio of a physical quantity to the same physical quantity taken as the original. It is named after Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone. It is considered that the loudness is 1 B if its power is 10 times the threshold of hearing. In practice, the unit decibel , 10 times smaller than the bela. The decibel is not a measure of the loudness of a sound, but a measurement of the ratio of two values.
The decibel is not an official SI unit, but its use is permitted in conjunction with the SI.
Loudness depends on sound pressure and has a logarithmic character. If the sound pressure is increased by 10 dB, then the volume is increased by 2 times.
Our ear perceives sound volume differently. The higher the frequency of voice oscillations with the same amplitude, the louder the sounds seem to us. A high-pitched female voice at 1000 Hz will sound louder to us than a male voice at 200 Hz, even if they have the same amplitude.
The Guinness Book of Records recorded a case when a 14-year-old schoolgirl from Scotland shouted over the engine noise of a Boeing taking off at a special competition. The volume level of her voice was 125-130 dB. This is 10 dB above the sound level limit for the human ear.
The human voice apparatus transmits energy to the space around us. But this energy is very small. In addition, the sound wave propagates in all directions and the energy is dissipated. But if you focus it in a particular direction, then the voice will be heard much better. Raising our palms to our mouth, we direct our voice in the direction we need. The horn operates on the same principle. With it, the voice can be heard at a great distance.
Other living creatures can also make sounds: animals, birds and even fish, but only a person can talk. With the help of the organs of speech, he is able to pronounce sounds in a certain sequence so that they line up in certain words.
Speech is a complex psychophysical process, the result of the work of muscles, ligaments, respiration, the central and peripheral nervous system.
Voice disorder may be congenital or acquired (as a result of injuries, operations, neuropsychiatric, infectious, somatic diseases). In addition to diagnosing these conditions, acoustic voice analysis is often used by people in creative professions whose activities are related to voice (vocalists, announcers, actors). This study is also widely used in children with delayed or impaired speech development(although diagnosis in children is always more difficult due to the lack of criticality of the child and natural difficulties in verbalizing complaints). In the diagnosis of voice disorders, the attitude of the patient himself to the existing speech defect is important. It is also noted that the voice in to a large extent affects the current psychophysical state of a person. In this regard, it is recommended to conduct an acoustic analysis of the voice not at the first appointment, but only after reaching a trusting, stress-free contact between the doctor and the patient.
2. Criteria for evaluating the voice
- volume;
- sound attack;
- hoarseness;
- drop in sound power;
- breakthroughs in sound;
- neck muscle tension.
Since the voice is inextricably linked with hearing, it is recommended to include an auditory perception test in the diagnosis. This helps to differentiate speech disorders caused by distorted auditory perception.
A specific phonation aerodynamic study includes:
- the duration of the sound;
- vocal exhalation;
- signal strength;
- fundamental tone frequency;
- lung capacity;
- air pressure during sound extraction;
- ligament resistance;
- assessment of the effectiveness of the use of voice capabilities.
At present, the voice analysis method through the so-called voice analysis is becoming more widespread. photokinetic registration. The essence of the method is in multi-channel recording and automatic evaluation of several key voice parameters simultaneously. The depth and volume of breathing, the amplitude-frequency characteristics of the voice, the contractions and vibrations of the twelve vocal muscles of the larynx, the features of coordination between breathing and sound production are analyzed.
Sometimes it is enough to conduct a sound analysis to identify a problem that negatively affects the voice. However, speech can be disturbed for other reasons - when the parameters of individual sounds correspond to the norm, and the coherence of intoned speech is broken.
3. Methods for diagnosing acoustic parameters of speech
Diagnosis of acoustic parameters of speech is carried out by the following methods:
- audio feedback;
- analysis of articulation disorders;
- computer voice diagnostics;
- modeling of sound production and perception;
- real-time electroglottography;
- real-time altitude estimation;
- sound spectrogram in real time;
- analysis of the mechanisms of breathing, sound production and stress;
- study of the phonetic structure of speech;
- digital laryngeal stroboscopy.
As a rule, the appeal for acoustic voice analysis is motivated by the fact that the person himself is aware of speech disorders. The study reveals which voice parameters suffer in this case. However, this analysis does not always help to establish the cause of such conditions. For accurate diagnosis and selection of the correct corrective scheme, acoustic analysis of voice and speech is carried out in conjunction with a general voice test.
4. Revealing voice features
- voice range check;
- detection of sound deviations;
- analysis of immunity to sound shades;
- study of individual timbre features;
- identification of possible diseases of the ligaments, throat, respiratory system, hearing organs;
- examination of the neuropsychic status;
- analysis of the causes of voice fatigue;
- checking the functioning of the muscles of the larynx;
- assessment of the suitability of the voice for a specific type of professional activity.
In modern medicine, there is a whole range of voice research, as well as methods for restoring the voice and maintaining it in working condition. This is especially true for professionals; but for people who are not connected with conversational professions, speech disorders can become a serious inconvenience. You should be attentive to changes in the voice, to the development of voice and speech in children, to seek medical help in case of significant changes or loss of voice as a result of infectious diseases.
SECTION XI CORRECTIONAL PEDAGOGY, SPECIAL PSYCHOLOGY
UDC 376.1-058.264
M. V. Mokhotaeva
In recent years, in the theory and practice of speech therapy, there has been an increase in interest in the study speech disorders in the structure of a complex defect in children with various forms of dysontogenesis. In this aspect, one of actual problems is the study of speech disorders in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The most common speech disorders in this category of children are dysarthria. characteristic feature dysarthria disorders are disorders of the voice. Voice disorders in the structure of dysarthria most often manifest as dysphonias of central organic origin. Most works recent years is devoted to the study of the pathology of the voice as an independent disorder and, mainly, in adults. The works, the purpose of which was to study the originality of the acoustic characteristics of the voice of children, are rare and, mainly, by foreign authors.
It is voice disorders, melodic-intonational characteristics of speech that most affect the intelligibility, emotional expressiveness of children's speech. The presence of speech disorders in children with cirrhosis and, in particular, voice disorders often reduces the motivation for speech communication, leads to a violation of speech contact.
The presence of voice disorders in children with CP was shown in the works of K. A. Semenova, E. M. Mastyukova, I. I. Panchenko, L. A. Shcherbakova, E. S. Almazova. However, data on the nature of voice disorders in this category of children were descriptive. Thus, the authors indicated that voice disorders in children with cirrhosis are extremely diverse. Most often, there is insufficient voice power and voice timbre disturbances (deaf, nasalized, hoarse, choked)
Currently, phoniatric science has the necessary methods for studying the voice function, including in the structure of complex speech disorders. There are two fundamental different approaches to voice quality assessment: subjective and objective. More often
In total, the voice is evaluated by a speech therapist or phoniatrist subjectively, i.e. by ear. Examples of subjective voice assessment are the N. Yanagi-hara scale and the GRBAS voice sonority scale. According to the N. Yanagihara scale, voice quality is assessed in points from 0 to 5, and only one characteristic of the voice is taken as the basis - the sonority of the voice or the degree of hoarseness.
According to the GRBAS scale, where G (“grade”) is translated from of English language in this case it means “quality”, R (“roughness”) - “roughness, sharpness”, B (“breathiness”) - “breathing disorder, aspiration”, A (“asthemicity”) - “weakness”, S (“strain ”) - “tension, tone”, voice quality is evaluated taking into account several parameters simultaneously. The voice is evaluated for each of the parameters in points from 0 to 3, where 0 is the norm, 1 is a mild symptom, 2 is a moderate manifestation, 3 is a severe symptom.
E. S. Almazova developed criteria for the qualitative characteristics of voice disorders. According to this scale, the voice is characterized by the presence of timbre features, denoted by the following terms: “hoarse”, “deaf”, “croaking” (false-folded), “diplophonic”, “gutally-sharp” and “metallic”.
The main disadvantage subjective methods is that the result of the study depends on the qualifications of the specialist who evaluates the voice.
Objective methods for assessing voice function are based on an acoustic analysis of the voice. These primarily include spectrography and phonetography. Spectral voice analysis (spectrography) is an objective research method that allows you to decompose the voice into separate components - overtones and get a graphic, two-dimensional or three-dimensional image of the voice. Phonetography (or definition of the vocal field) involves obtaining a graphical representation of the intensity and frequency of the fundamental tone and allows you to explore the dynamic range of the voice. Many authors are of the opinion that real-time phonetography is the most informative in voice assessment.
Currently, various computer programs for voice recording and evaluation have been developed: MDVP (Multi-dimensional Voice Program), EVA (Evaluation Vocal Assistee), CSL (Computerized Speech Laboratory), CSpeech, SoundScope, Praat, Dr. Speech, DIANA and others. The main purpose of their use is to evaluate the acoustic characteristics of the voice and the effectiveness of the ongoing phoniatric treatment, as well as phonopedic work.
Acoustic parameters that make it possible to judge the state of the voice function are: maximum phonation time (MPF), fundamental tone frequency (PFC), voice strength, voice instability in frequency and amplitude (jitter and shimmer), voice range.
VMF or the duration of phonation expiration reflects the state of the function of the larynx, and, in particular, the neuromuscular tone. According to D.K. Wilson, the shortening of the Navy to 5 seconds in children 5-7 years old and up to 9 seconds in children 8-12 years old indicates insufficient closure of the vocal cords.
The frequency response of the voice is determined by the frequency of vibration of the vocal cords, which, in turn, depends on their length, thickness and tension. Changes in the pitch of the voice are provided by the muscular apparatus of the larynx. Consequently, the FER index reflects the functional and anatomical features of the larynx. D. K. Wilson carried out a study of POT in healthy boys and girls of different ages, as a result of which normative POT indicators were determined depending on age and gender. Later these data were refined by L. E. Glaze, D. M. Bless, R. D. Susser and Milencovic P. .
The frequency of oscillations during sound phonation and keeping it at the same height is not constant. Such inconsistency is commonly referred to as voice frequency instability (jitter). According to a number of authors, the value of this parameter in the absence of voice disorders should not exceed 1%. At high values of this parameter, the voice is characterized as "trembling" or "trembling".
The value of the strength of the voice, depending on the amplitude of the vibration of the vocal cords, makes it possible to judge their condition. The amplitude of oscillations is determined by the amount of subglottic pressure in the larynx, which is the result of the work of the respiratory and laryngeal muscles. With more filling of the lungs with air and with a greater intensity of exhalation, a louder voice is obtained. Thus, the possibility of arbitrarily changing the strength of the voice reflects the ability to regulate the work of these muscle groups. V. P. Morozov noted that the strength of the child's voice is 75-85 dB. In colloquial speech, the range of strength of phonated sounds ranges from 30-40 to 70-90 dB.
During normal functioning of the larynx, when the sound is phonated at a certain volume, the amplitude of oscillations is not constant, like the frequency of oscillations of the vocal folds. Such voice instability in amplitude should not exceed 7% (L. E. Glaze, D. M. Bless et al., 1988; Horii, 1982; Orlikoff & Baken, 1990). An increase in the indicator indicates dysfunction of the larynx, while the voice is characterized as “flickering”.
The aim of our study was to identify the qualitative originality of the acoustic characteristics of the voice in children with CP, to analyze the nature of deviations in the state of the acoustic characteristics of the voice of schoolchildren with CP in comparison with their standard sound characteristics. The study involved 31 children aged 7-10 years (14 girls and 19 boys) who did not have ENT pathology at the time of the study. All children were diagnosed with cerebral palsy of various
ny forms and degrees of severity. The control group consisted of elementary school students secondary school(14 people, 8 girls and 6 boys) aged 7-10 years also without pathology of ENT organs.
The study of the state of the voice function was carried out using the LingWaves program (Atmos, Germany) and included: a study of phonation breathing (definition of the IMF), fundamental tone frequency (FOT), voice strength, voice instability in frequency (Jitter) and amplitude (Shimmer); the frequency and dynamic range of the voice, the availability of changes in the pitch and strength of the voice, and the characteristics of the timbre.
To determine the WMF, a special option of the LingWaves program was used when analyzing the sound phonation recording [a]. The child's voice was recorded using a microphone (sensitivity 16 Hz - 16000 Hz) located at a distance of 30 cm in a room where the noise level did not exceed 40 dB. In order to objectify the data, the measurement was carried out three times with an interval of at least one minute, after which the average value was determined.
The study of the frequency range of the voice and the availability of pitch changes was carried out using the following tasks. The subject was asked to repeat the glissando after the experimenter (up and down) on the sound [a]. As a result, the lowest and highest available voice frequencies were determined.
We also carried out a study of the availability of changing the strength of the voice when counting from 1 to 10 with a gradual strengthening and weakening of the voice.
In order to study the dynamic range of the voice, the phonetography method was used. In the present study, the phonetographic study was also implemented using the LingWaves program. The research methodology involves singing the sound [a] forte and piano on each note within the range accessible to the child. To facilitate the task, some subjects were asked to sing a verse of a famous song. In real time, the program graphically displayed the voice field and automatically determined the maximum and minimum frequency and strength of the voice.
Upon completion of the study, the following acoustic parameters of the voice were available for analysis: the maximum and minimum voice frequency and the difference between them, the maximum and minimum voice power and the difference between them. We used these values for
dysphonia severity index DSI (Dysphonia Severity Index). This indicator was first proposed by F. L. Wuytz. Wuytz calculated the DSI from a study of 387 patients with the goal of "translating" the vocal voice into a one-dimensional dimension. The following formula is used to determine the coefficient:
DSI = 0.13*VMF+0.0053*F0-0.26*I-1.18*Jitter+12.4
VMF - time of maximum phonation;
According to F. L. Wuytz, with a normal voice, the value of the coefficient approaches +5. With severe dysphonia, this indicator is -5 or close to this value. The author suggested using DSI to diagnose voice disorders and control the treatment of patients with dysphonia.
E. S. Almazova. In addition, a study of the balance of resonation (hyponasalization and hypernasalization) was carried out. The method proposed by Bloomer and Wolski was used to investigate the presence of hypernasalization. The subject was asked to pronounce a sentence containing no nasal sounds twice: with and without closing the nostrils. With normal palatopharyngeal function, the sound in both cases was the same. To determine the presence of hyponasalization, it was proposed to pronounce a sentence with nasal sounds. During hyponasalization, [m] sounded like [b], and [n] like [e].
The study showed that the prevalence of voice disorders among the children of the study group is extremely high. In 95% of children with cirrhosis, deviations in the state of the acoustic characteristics of the voice were revealed. The values of the IMF, FER, voice power, instability in frequency and amplitude in the subjects of the experimental and control groups are shown in Table. one.
More than 93% of the subjects showed a statistically significant decrease in HMF (p<0,01) по сравнению с нормативными показателями. Значения ВМФ у 6,25% испытуемых с ЦП соответствовали возрасту детей и составили более 9 секунд. Величина параметра у 18,75% находилась в пределах 7-9 секунд, у 43,75% - 4-6 секунд. 31,25% детей с ЦП отличали крайне низкие значения (менее 4 секунд).
Table 1
and control groups (x is the mean value of the parameter,
SD - standard deviation).
Indicators Average values of indicators in groups
Children without motor pathology Children with CP
Navy, sec. 9.8 2.21 5.5 2.74
FER, Hz 231.88 33.11 267.16 48.1
Strength, dB 75 6.69 67.92 10.44
Jitter, % 1.5 1.03 3.2 4.35
Shimmer, % 7.01 3.2 11.9 2.3
When comparing the indicators of both groups of subjects, significant differences were found in the values of FR (p<0,01). Для детей с ЦП характерно увеличение значений ЧОТ. У 12,5% младших школьников с ЦП значения данного параметра были близки к норме. Тоже число испытуемых отличало повышение ЧОТ на 15 Гц, для остальных школьников с ЦП было характерно увеличение значения более чем на 30 Гц.
The group of subjects with CP as a whole was characterized by insufficient voice power compared to normally developing peers. In 53% of children in the experimental group, a slight decrease in the average voice power was noted. The values of this parameter were in the range of 60-70 dB. No subjects with CP with excessively loud voices were identified. The average values of the voice strength of 33.7% of the subjects were less than 59 dB, the voice was characterized as fading. The values of the voice power of 13.3% of children corresponded to the age norm and were within 75-85 dB.
The study of voice instability in frequency (Jitter) showed that the average values of this parameter in the children of the experimental group are statistically different from the values of the control group (p<0,01). Значения Jitter у 26% испытуемых с ЦП было не более 1,5%, что рассматривается как норма. Величина нестабильности по частоте у 33,3% детей находилась в пределах 1,5-3,5%. Значения параметра 26,6% испытуемых были в пределах 3,5-7%. Голоса остальных детей экспериментальной группы характеризовались высокими значениями (более 7%).
The results of the study of voice instability in amplitude (Shimmer) led to the conclusion that the values of this parameter in the group of children with cirrhosis also differed statistically significantly from the values in the control group (p<0,05) в сторону увеличения. Значение параметра у 26% испытуемых соответствовало норме и не превышало 7%. У 60% детей величина Shimmer находилась в пределах от 7 до 14%. Значение параметра у
13.3% of the subjects were in the range of 25-30%. The rest of the subjects were distinguished by very high (more than 30%) Shimmer values.
The data obtained as a result of the study of the frequency range of the voice in younger schoolchildren with CP showed its significant narrowing compared to similar indicators in normally developing children (p<0,01). Для учащихся общеобразовательной школы, не имеющих двигательной патологии, доступный звуковысотный диапазон составил 397,7±102,4 Гц (от 261,6±25,7 Гц до 659,3±56,3 Гц). Для детей с ЦП было характерно сужение диапазона до 155,1± 52,51 Гц (от 207± 57,7 до 362,2±32,9 Гц).
The dysphonia coefficients (DSI) calculated on the basis of the obtained values of acoustic parameters in the group of children with cirrhosis were statistically significantly different compared to the values of this indicator in children of the control group (p<0,01). Среднее значение в группе детей с ЦП составило -5,6±3,87. В группе нормально развивающихся школьников среднее значение показателя равнялось 2,3±1,69.
Among the characteristic features of the timbre of the voice of children with CP, identified during the auditory analysis and the study of the balance of resonance, were hoarseness, deafness of the voice and hypernasalization. Nasal tone of voice was noted in 43% of subjects with cirrhosis. A similar characteristic of the voice was given only to 6.6% of the subjects of the control group. The timbre of the voice was characterized as hoarse and deaf in 12.5% of children with cirrhosis, and in 3% of children of the second group.
Thus, when comparing the acoustic characteristics of the voice of children with cerebral palsy with similar indicators in students without motor pathology, significant differences were revealed. It can be concluded that there are a number of reasons leading to voice disorders in children with CP. Thus, it can be assumed that the reasons for the shortening of the IMF were the asynchrony of the activity of the respiratory and vocal apparatus, shallow and rapid breathing, spasticity or paresis of the vocal folds and respiratory muscles.
The presence of hoarseness was due to a lesion of the vagus nerve due to dysfunction of the internal muscles of the larynx, especially the pericothyroid muscles, which stretch the true vocal cords. Weakness and paresis or, on the contrary, spasticity of the muscles of the vocal apparatus caused a violation of the normal vibration of the vocal cords, which was expressed in a general decrease in the strength of the voice and high rates of instability of the voice in frequency and amplitude. Due to the inability to arbitrarily regulate the work of the laryngeal and respiratory muscles, the availability of voice changes in pitch and strength was sharply limited. Besides,
it can be argued that the narrowing of the frequency range of the voice, its monotony, is also a consequence of the insufficient development of pitch hearing.
The high values of the FER, which do not correspond to the age of the subjects, can be explained, firstly, by the spasticity of the vocal cords, and, secondly, by the lag in physical development, in particular, the anatomical features of the vocal apparatus, which are characteristic of an earlier age.
The data obtained as a result of the study allow us to state that there is a close relationship between the motor pathology of central organic genesis and the manifestation of specific voice disorders, which are expressed in a peculiar change in its acoustic characteristics.
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Voice- this is a sound that is obtained under the pressure of exhaled air when the tense vocal cords close to each other vibrate in the larynx. The main qualities of any voice are strength, height, timbre. A well-trained voice is also characterized by such properties as euphony, flight, mobility and variety of tone.
The power of the voice- this is its volume, depending on the activity of the respiratory and speech organs. A person should be able to vary the strength of the voice depending on the conditions of communication. Therefore, the ability to speak both loudly and quietly is equally necessary.
Voice pitch- this is his ability to tonal changes, that is, his range. An ordinary voice is characterized by a range of one and a half octaves, but in everyday speech a person most often uses only 3-4 notes. Expanding the range makes speech more expressive.
Voice timbre- a unique individual coloration, which is due to the structure of the speech apparatus, mainly the nature of the overtones formed in the resonators - lower (trachea, bronchi) and upper (oral cavity and nasal cavity). If we cannot arbitrarily control the lower resonators, then the use of the upper resonators can be improved.
euphony of the voice- the purity of its sound, the absence of unpleasant overtones (hoarseness, hoarseness, nasality, etc.). The concept of euphony includes, first of all, sonority. A voice sounds loud when it resonates at the front of the mouth. If the sound is formed near the soft palate, it turns out to be deaf and dull. The sonority of the voice also depends on the concentration of the sound (its concentration at the front teeth), on the direction of the sound, and also on the activity of the lips.
The euphony of the voice implies, in addition, the freedom of its sound, which is achieved by the free work of all organs of speech, the absence of tension, muscle clamps. This freedom comes at the cost of long practice. The euphony of the voice should not be equated with the euphony of speech.
euphony of speech- this is the absence in speech of a combination or frequent repetition of sounds that cut the ear. The euphony of speech implies the most perfect combination of sounds, convenient for pronunciation and pleasant for hearing.
For example, it causes a cacophony (that is, it is assessed as bad-sounding) repetition within a phrase or phrase of whistling and hissing sounds without special stylistic purposes: "in our class there are many students who are conscientiously preparing for the upcoming exams, but there are also loafers"; stringing words with several consonants in a row: "there is a nobler look of all feelings"; it is not recommended to build phrases in such a way that a gaping vowel is obtained: "and in John." However, the problems of its euphony do not apply to the technique of speech.
Mobility of the voice- this is his ability to change without tension in strength, height, pace. These changes should not be involuntary; in an experienced speaker, a change in certain qualities of the voice always has a specific goal.
Tone of voice- emotionally expressive coloring of the voice, contributing to the expression in the speaker's speech, his feelings and intentions. The tone of speech can be kind, angry, enthusiastic, official, friendly, etc. It is created by means such as increasing or weakening the strength of the voice, pauses, speeding up or slowing down the pace of speech.
Speech rate- the speed of pronouncing the elements of speech (sounds, syllables, words). The absolute rate of speech depends on the individual traits of the speaker, the characteristics of his emotional state and the situation of communication, the style of pronunciation
The rate of speech is not a direct property of the human voice itself, however, the ability to vary, if necessary, the speed of pronouncing words and phrases can also be attributed to those skills that should be improved by the discipline "Speech Technique".
Intonation It is a rhythmic-melodic structure of speech. Intonation includes: pitch, volume, tempo, stress and pauses. Means of expressiveness of intonation are conditionally divided into logical and emotional. The main means of logical expressiveness of intonation are logical pause, logical stress, logical melody and logical perspective.
With emotional intonation, words are saturated with emotional content, provided that the thought is properly evaluated, one's attitude towards it is manifested. At the same time, distinctly tense emotional stresses and pauses appear in the intonation, due to feelings, mood, desire. They do not always match logical ones, but such a match is desirable.