Long-term phonatory instability in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Author(s): Buder, E. H., Strand, E. A.

Journal/Book: J Speech Lang Hear Res. 1997; 40: 10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852-3279. Amer Speech-Language-Hearing Assoc. 1056-1072.

Abstract: This paper uses a new approach to describe and quantify the long-term phonatory instability of speakers with MS. Sustained vowel phonations of 20 individuals with a definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and 20 age-and gender-matched individuals with normal speech were recorded. The phonations were f(0) and intensity analyzed and subjected to spectral analysis using the Fast Fourier Transform. Three methods for analyzing the instabilities are presented, compared, and related to perceptual judgments: (a) coefficients-of variation, (b) magnitude-based analysis of spectral energy, and (c) frequency-based analysis of spectral components. All measures reliably distinguished between individuals with MS and persons with normal speech. A single Factor based on a linear discriminant analysis of the frequency-based measures was especially useful in distinguishing these groups. Critical frequency bands of instability corresponding to wow (1-2 HI), tremor (around 8 Hz), and flutter (17-18 Hz), distinguished the MS group from those of the control group.

Note: Article Hartelius L, Univ Memphis, Sch Audiol & Speech Language Pathol, 807 Jefferson Ave, Memphis,TN 38105 USA

Keyword(s): multiple sclerosis; phonation; phonatory instability; vocal tremor; acoustic analysis; AMYOTROPHIC-LATERAL-SCLEROSIS; ACOUSTIC ANALYSIS; VOICE TREMOR; DISEASE

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