Validation and characterization of the computerized laryngeal analyzer (CLA) technique

The aim of this study was to investigate the response characteristics of th e Computerized Laryngeal Analyzer (CLA) and the validity of the noninvasive CLA method to detect swallowing-induced laryngeal elevation correctly. Two healthy adults and two experimental models were used in the study. The CLA technique identified all swallowing events but was unable to discriminate between swallowing and other movements of the tongue or the neck. The compu ter program produced a derivated response to a square wave signal. Stepwise bending increments of the sensor displayed a linear amplitude response. Th e degree of laryngeal elevation could not be estimated with the CLA techniq ue, and it was not possible to draw any reliable conclusions from the recor dings as to whether the larynx was moving upward or downward.