Qualitative and quantitative analysis of voice onset by means of a multidimensional voice analysis system (MVAS) using high-speed imaging

High-speed filming is one of the most informative methods for assessing voi ce physiology data. Tracing high-speed images of the glottis provides quant itative parameters such as the glottal area and the glottal width function. By way of example, a number of studies are discussed which extract quantit ative data from high-speed images showing voice onsets. Furthermore, a new computer system (MVAS; multi-dimensional voice analysis system) is presente d that synchronously displays a laryngoscopic high-speed film, the electrog lottographical signal, and several acoustic analyses of the recorded voice sample. The automatic measurement of glottal width and glottal area from th e laryngoscopic images is also provided. Looking at former studies and our analyses of voice onsets reveals a tremendous intersubject and even intrasu bject variability (different prephonatory closure, different time span unti l full amplitude is reached, different open quotient).