The Voiced/Voiceless Phonation Time in Children With and Without Laryngeal Pathology

Abstract

Eleven children with vocal pathology were matched to 11 normal speaking children. All subjects produced maximum duration of phonation for /s/and /z/from detailed instructions and clinician models. The s/z ratio also was calculated. Results showed no difference in /s/durations between groups, but /z/durations and s/z ratios were significantly different. The /z/durations and s/z ratio results differ from those of previous research. Possible reasons for these differences are task construction and instructional variables. Results are discussed in relationship to these variables, as well as in relationship to reduced glottal efficiency.