PERCEPTUAL-ACOUSTIC RELATIONSHIPS IN SPASMODIC DYSPHONIA

Perceptual ratings were obtained from voice samples of 19 patients wit h adductor spasmodic dysphonia before and 1 week after unilateral trea tment with Botulinum toxin. Five experienced listeners judged samples of sustained phonation using a seven-point equal-interval scale. The p erceptual parameters assessed were overall severity, strain-strangled voice quality, and breathiness. Perceptual results were related to the standard deviation of fundamental frequency and the voice break facto r, two acoustic parameters previously shown to be significantly improv ed following Botulinum toxin injection. Results indicate that in gener al the spasmodic dysphonia voice is perceived as less severe, less str ain-strangled, and more breathy 1 week after treatment. Interrelations among perceptual parameters and relationships with acoustic analyses are discussed.