In this paper the latest prototype Optopalatograph (OPG) is described and its operation is demonstrated graphically and in comparison to theoretical predictions. The system is divided into three parts -the optopalate itself; a separate self contained unit composed of 16 switched infra-red light sources, associated control logic and 16 receivers; and a computer with A/D card running software to analyse and interpret graphically the sensor outputs. The current prototype measures distances of up to 20mm between all of the 16 pre-selected points on the hard palate and the surface of the tongue at a frame rate of 100Hz. We conclude that the new prototype provides a practical measurement system with a subjectively informative real-time display but further development is required in order to obtain objective accuracy.
SThe Portable Laryngograph provides a non-acoustic plot of wet mucosal contact at the glottis over the vocal fold vibrational cycle called the Lx waveform in Laryngograph terminology. Although well-equipped clinics gain most ENT requirements for investigation from the video endoscope, the nature of stroboscopy prevents the investigation over single glottal periods and many transitory problems may be missed. A high-quality L x signal waveform will reflect any irregularities in mucosal contact and substantially complements the endoscopy examination. Yield, however, is a problem in the environment of an ENT hospital voice clinic. In this topic paper the criterion of maximum acceptable normalised noise energy (NNE) = -15 dB is used to assess the quality of 61 Laryngograph measurements. By this criterion a pass rate of 78% was achieved This is considered to be good within an ENT voice clinic population where voice problems are in fact the dominant reason for referral.QUALITY ANALYSIS OF LARYNGOGRAPHY 133
Routine voice assessment by acoustic analysis can be of substantial value to clinical examination in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) voice clinic. Improved functional diagnosis, more informative patient records, accurate assessment of patient progress and better clinical team liaison are but a few of the benefits realised over a decade of work in the Edinburgh voice clinic. To obtain these advantages through instrumental voice assessment, it is important to have a thorough understanding of what is being measured and the reason behind the measurement. It is also vital to r e member that acoustic measurements can be directly related to vocal fold function but not necessarily to pathology. To interpret analysis results, it is therefore important to possess a functional model for vocal fold phonation which relates vocal fold mechanics to what is seen, heard, and measured in the voice clinic.This article describes vocal fold function using intuitive concepts which have assisted the multidisciplinary voice clinic team in Edinburgh. This intuitive model, which describes the biomechanical phonatory function of the vocal folds, has added meaning to the routine computer-supported measurement protocol used for 4 years in our voice clinic. The model enables the assessment of vocal fold function and has been of considerable benefit to the performance of the clinical service. Clinical emphasis has moved towards evaluation of the acoustic function of the free mucosa, presence band spectral enhancement, and particular emphasis on modal voice. Sigruficantly this perspective comes not from academic research, but from routine hospital experience involving over 3,000 patients.
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