Aerodynamic Study for Laryngeal Function Assessment Using Airflow Interruption Me

描述（由申请人提供）：人体发声由肺部气流驱动。喉部起着能量转换器的作用，将空气动力转化为声能。空气动力学参数提供了一个实用的评估喉部功能在发声。传统的气动测量技术存在许多局限性。具体来说，测量声道后的气流并不能代表声门下压力等驱动参数。最近的研究进展表明，发声阈压（PTP）和发声效率等新参数是表征喉功能的必要参数，因为它们同时考虑了空气动力和声能形式。需要一种基于流中断技术的无创气动测量系统来评估喉功能、病理和评估治疗效果。本建议著重于运用现有的空气动力学理论及电脑仪器来改善喉功能评估方法。具体来说，我们希望这个新系统能够评估声门下压力（SGP）、发声效率（VE）、声门流量的AC/DC比和发声阈压（PTP）。新的参数，发声阈值流量（PTF）和发声阈值功率（PTPw），也将进行研究。这项研究有两个相互关联的部分。在第一部分，研究将集中在开发一个更好的气流中断系统的计算机辅助设计。使用声学适应模型和有限元分析（FEA）模型，我们将定量描述测量系统的空气动力学，例如声音投影以及气流中断期间和之后的压力和流场。计算机建模将有助于设计和优化测量系统的尺寸和形状的效果。研究将集中在使设计系统适应人类受试者的问题上。研究各种口罩和吸嘴的测量精度和舒适性。音频-喉反射的影响将被确定，然后通过掩盖受试者的音频反馈来减弱。将开发一种不停止发声的部分气流中断系统；因此，测量将在发声过程中进行，而不是在发声停止后才进行测量的完整中断系统。在第二部分中，第一部分开发的改进测量系统将用于测量声带结节和息肉、声带麻痹、喉癌和帕金森病患者的喉功能。基于接收工作特征（ROC）分析，评估气动参数区分正常和病理声音的敏感性和特异性。治疗前后还将测量空气动力学参数，以评估治疗效果。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Human phonation is driven by airflow from the lung. The larynx serves as an energy converter, transferring aerodynamic energy into acoustical energy. Aerodynamic parameters provide a practical assessment for laryngeal function during phonation. Traditional aerodynamic measurement technologies have many limitations. Specifically, measuring airflow after the vocal tract does not represent the driving parameters such as subglottal pressure. Recent progress in research suggests new parameters such as phonation threshold pressure (PTP) and vocal efficiency are essential to represent laryngeal function because they take into account both aerodynamic and acoustic energy forms. A non-invasive aerodynamic measurement system based on flow interruption technology is needed to assess laryngeal function, pathologies, and evaluate the effects of treatment. This proposal focuses on applying current aerodynamic theories and computerized instrumentation to improve methods of assessing laryngeal function. Specifically, we hope this novel system can assess subglottal pressure (SGP), vocal efficiency (VE), AC/DC ratio of glottal flow, and phonation threshold pressure (PTP). New parameters, phonation threshold flow (PTF) and phonation threshold power (PTPw), will also be investigated. The study has two interrelated parts. In part I, research will focus on developing a better airflow interruption system with computer aided design. Using an acoustically adapted model and a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model, we will quantitatively describe the aerodynamics of the measurement system, such as the sound projection and the pressure and flow fields during and after airflow interruption. Computer modeling will help design and optimize the effects of the dimensions and shape of the measurement system. Research will focus on issues in adapting the designed system to human subjects. The measurement accuracy and comfort of various masks and mouthpieces will be investigated. The effects of audio-laryngeal reflexes will be determined, and then reduced by masking the subjects' audio feedback. A partial airflow interruption system will be developed which will not cease phonation; therefore, the measurements will be taken during phonation, as opposed to complete interruption systems that take measurements just after phonation stops. In part II, the improved measurement system developed in part I will be used to measure the laryngeal function of patients with vocal nodules and polyps, vocal fold paralysis, laryngeal carcinoma, and Parkinson's disease. The sensitivity and specificity of distinguishing normal from pathologic voices using aerodynamic parameters will be assessed based on the received operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Aerodynamic parameters will also be measured before and after treatment to evaluate treatment effectiveness.