Analysis of Glottal Vibration

성대진동검사

Because the human voice is produced through vibration of the vocal cords during the exhalation of airflow, it is important to observe the vibration pattern of the vocal cords in patients complaining of voice changes. However, it is not easy to observe the actual vibration pattern of the vocal cord because it vibrates so fast that it cannot be observed by the naked eye and it is located deep in the throat. Recently, with advances in instruments, including laryngoscopes and video camera systems, the vibration pattern of the vocal cords can now be observed. However, considering that present video camera systems can detect 30-60 images per second and the vocal cord vibrates at 100-200 and 200-300 times per second in men and women, respectively, it is not possible to record the whole mucosal wave of the vocal cord in real time. To overcome this limitation, a stroboscope, which converts fast movements of the vocal cord into slower images, has been developed. Since then, several instruments were developed to examine vocal vibration pattern. However, each instruments have advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we should know about these things to apply them in patients with voice problem.