Aerodynamic, laryngoscopic, and perceptual-acoustic characteristics in dysphonic females with posterior glottal chinks: A retrospective study

The relationships of posterior glottal chink magnitude and nodule size with phonatory flow rate, resistance, and breathiness were investigated in 70 women in a retrospective study. Results demonstrated a strong relationship between chink size airflow, but no relationship between nodule size and airflow. Resistance and nodule size were moderately correlated. Breathiness was not explained by airflow, nodule size, or chink magnitude. Subjects in therapy demonstrated concurrent reductions in airflow and chink size. For the laryngeal magnitude measures, visual-perceptual ratings were compared with computer-based measurements. The discussion includes a critical analysis of measurement methods and directions for future research.