Analyses of Sustained Vowels in Down Syndrome (DS): A Case Study Using Spectrograms and Perturbation Data to Investigate Voice Quality in Four Adults With DS

Abstract

Analyses of sustained vowels in Down Syndrome (DS): a case study using spectrograms and perturbation data to investigate voice quality in 4 adults with DS.Objectives. Automatic acoustic measures of voice quality in people with Down Syndrome (DS) do not reliably reflect perceived voice qualities. This study used acoustic data and visual spectral data to investigate the relationship between perceived voice qualities and acoustic measures.Study design. Participants were 4 young adults (2 male, 2 female; mean age 23;8 years) with DS and SevereLearning Disabilities (SLD), at least one of whom had a hearing impairment (HI).Methods. Participants imitated sustained /i/, /u/ and /a/ vowels at pre-determined target pitches within their vocal range. Medial portions of vowels were analysed, using Praat, for Fundamental frequency (f0), HNR, jitter and shimmer. Spectrograms were used to identify the presence and the duration of subharmonics at onset and offset, and mid-vowel. The presence of diplophonia was assessed by auditory evaluation.Results. Perturbation data were highest for /a/ vowels and lowest for /u/ vowels. Intermittent productions of subharmonics were evident in spectrograms, some of which coincided with perceived diplophonia. The incidence, location, duration and intensity of subharmonics differed between the four participants. Conclusions.Although the acoustic data do not clearly indicate atypical phonation, diplophonia and subharmonics reflect nonmodal phonation. The findings suggest that these may contribute to different perceived voice qualities in the study group and that these qualities may result from intermittent involvement of supraglottal structures. Further research is required to confirm the findings in the wider DS population, and to assess the relationships between voice quality, vowel type and physiological measures.

‘I Have Had to Stop Singing Because I Can't Take the Pain’: Experiences of Voice, Ability, and Loss in Singers With Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

“…In people with Down Syndrome these same functional vocal symptoms are linked to their laryngeal hypermobility and poor muscle tone. 44,45 However, ventricular phonation and use of excessive laryngeal tension can also arise from poor posture, anxiety and stress, 46 all of which commonly occur in HSD/h-EDS and Down Syndrome. These findings point to a combination of physiological and behavioural triggers that are associated with hypermobility, and that can interact and exacerbate voice problems.…”

“…58 For example, voice analysis software such as Praat 59 can offer insight into hypermobile voices using spectrographic display and measures of voice quality. 45 Acoustic analysis is non-invasive and can be used during live performance for immediate feedback, or from suitable studio recordings. Such methods cannot replace laryngeal assessment but may provide insight into the nature of voice difficulties, triggers of voice dysfunction, and changes over time.…”

“…my voice started to mature in my early twenties I progressed quite far in private singing lessons to semi-professional level, but often felt the 'blips' in my voice (such as some unevenness around the passagios, cracks in certain notes), having to work hard to keep the voice forward/project, and vocal fatigue stopped me from progressing further (P62, female, aged 25-30, BS9) I have had to stop singing because I can't take the pain. (P42, female, aged[40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50] BS7) …”

Can rapid maxillary expansion affect speech sound production in growing patients? A systematic review

“…3,4 Dental malocclusion is among the most prevalent oral diseases, 5 representing a significant cause of articulation impairment. 6 Crossbite due to maxillary constriction is a common malocclusion in primary and mixed dentitions. 4 Treatment options include rapid maxillary expansion (RME), which aims to enlarge the maxilla by separating maxillary bones, allowing nasal cavity enlargement 4,6,7 and new tongue configuration in the intraoral cavity.…”

“…6 Crossbite due to maxillary constriction is a common malocclusion in primary and mixed dentitions. 4 Treatment options include rapid maxillary expansion (RME), which aims to enlarge the maxilla by separating maxillary bones, allowing nasal cavity enlargement 4,6,7 and new tongue configuration in the intraoral cavity. 6 Enlarging oral and nasal cavities may change speech articulation parameters, as it affects the shape and size of the intraoral space.…”