The Characterization of Normal Male and Female Voice from Surface Electromyographic Parameters

Abstract

Currently, there is no consensus on the characterization of the human voice. The objective of the present study is to describe the myoelectric behavior of the extrinsic musculature of the larynx in 146 people with normal voice (Spanish speakers), aged between 20 and 50 years old. Different vocal tasks were recorded using a surface electromyograph (SEMG). In all vocal tasks, it was observed that women had higher activation (µV) in the suprahyoid and sternocleidomastoid muscles than men, while men had higher activation in the infrahyoid muscles. SEMG is a valid procedure to help define normal vocal characteristics in the studied population, providing reference values during clinical examination. However, it is necessary to adopt a universal system of assessment tasks and standardized measurement techniques to allow for comparisons with future studies.