The interrelationship of subglottic air pressure, fundamental frequency, and vocal intensity during speech

In this study we have simultaneously measured subglottic air pressure, airflow, and vocal intensity during speech in nine healthy subjects. Subglottic air pressure was measured directly by puncture of the cricothyroid membrane. The results show that the interaction between these aerodynamic properties is much more complex that previously believed. Certain trends were seen in most individuals, such as an increase in vocal intensity with increased subglottic air pressure. However, there was considerable variability in the overall aerodynamic properties between subjects and at different frequency and intensity ranges. At certain frequencies several subjects were able to generate significantly louder voices without a comparable increase in subglottic air pressure. We hypothesize that these increases in vocal efficiency are due to changes in vocal fold vibration properties. The relationship between fundamental frequency and subglottic pressure was also noted to vary depending on vocal intensity. Possible mechanisms for these behaviors are discussed.