Acoustic Analysis

Acoustic analysis involves obtaining a set of acoustic and phonatory measurements that allow the speech therapist and the physician to determine how the patient’s voice is performing. Measurements taken with the VisiPitch II computerized instrumentation provide audio and visual biofeedback as well as analysis of speech and voice characteristics. These measurements help the Voice Clinic staff design the most appropriate treatment strategies for the patient. Vocal qualities that may be analyzed by the speech therapist include:

• Maximum phonation time: an indicator of phonation and breath control of the patient

• S/Z ratio: a measurement of a person’s ability to sustain an "s" and "z" sounds.

• Pitch: How "high" or "low" the voice sounds. This is measured as the number of cycles of vocal fold vibration per second.

• Intensity: The loudness of the voice and how well a patient is able to change and control the loudness.

• Vocal quality: This includes measurements of hoarseness or roughness in the voice.

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