Laryngeal Correlates of Frequency Change: A STROL Study

Vocal fold area and thickness were studied as a function of fundamental frequency of phonation using the stroboscopic-laminagraphic (STROL) technique. Two lamina-grams each were measured for seven adult male subjects phonating at fundamental frequencies of 98, 124, 155, and 196 Hz; the phonations were controlled also with respect to time (15 seconds/duration) and intensity (70 dB ±2 dB). Results indicate: (1) a moderate trend for vocal fold area to decrease with increasing fundamental frequency; (2) vocal fold thickness decreases with increasing f o of phonation—thus confirming earlier reports resulting from conventional laminagraphic techniques; and (3) greater intra-subject variability in laryngeal area and thickness may exist than was previously noted.