Intraoral Pressure and Rate of Flow During Speech

Abstract

Instrumentation and procedures are described for simultaneous recording and study of sound, oral and nasal pressure, and oral and nasal airflow during speech. The pressure and flow instruments were developed to minimize interference with articulatory movements and sound propagation. Amplitude and duration measures of intraoral pressures for 30 normal speakers are reported as a function of: subject grouping (age and sex), phoneme classification, articulatory position, and phonetic context. Measures of oral pressure, rate of oral flow, and sound power associated with stress and increased vocal effort (loudness) are included to illustrate graphically the interrelationships between oral pressure and flow parameters, and the effect of differences in vocal effort upon both values. Further investigations using the type of instrumentation described are recommended to gain simultaneous and faithful recording of both pressure and flow parameters, thus permitting independent and interdependent analyses to facilitate understanding of the physical bases of speech.