Evaluation of Physiologic Frequency Range (PFR) and Musical Frequency
Range (MRP) of Phonation was performed on 56 adults (singers and nonsi
ngers) presenting with superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) paresis or paral
ysis confirmed by laryngeal electromyography. The most common etiology
was neuritis (69.7%), followed by iatrogenic and unknown causes,each
accounting for 10.2 % of cases, and finally trauma (8.9%). Both female
and male singers with SLN paresis or paralysis had significantly high
er PFR and MPR than nonsingers, Female classical singers presented PFR
and MPR of up to 10 semitones (ST) higher than nonclassical singers a
nd nonsingers. The lowest PFR and musical ranges were found in patient
s with SLN paresis associated with recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis o
r paralysis. The authors suggest that voice range measurement is a use
ful parameter for analyzing the effects of SLN paresis or paralysis on
voice and that it may also assist in measuring outcome following voic
e therapy.