Aerodynamic measurements in singers at usual, low, and high frequencies

Purpose  To analyze aerodynamic measurements at habitual, low, and high frequencies in male and female singers without vocal changes.

Methods  This is a cross-sectional, analytical, observational study with 30 male and 30 female singers, aged 19 to 48 years. Aerodynamic parameters such as air pressure, expired and voiced airflow, expiratory volume, power and aerodynamic resistance, acoustic impedance, and aerodynamic efficiency were measured by emitting the syllable /pá/ seven consecutive times at usual intensity and usual, low, and high frequencies.

Results  Modifications in aerodynamic measurements during the emission of different vocal frequencies were more evident in male singers. They had higher values ​​of peak air pressure, aerodynamic resistance, acoustic impedance, and aerodynamic efficiency in high-pitched emissions, while female singers had higher values ​​of aerodynamic efficiency in usual emissions, followed by high-pitched emissions.

Conclusion  The variation in fundamental frequency of the voice causes greater changes in aerodynamic parameters in male singers. Female singers had higher values ​​of aerodynamic efficiency in usual voice production.

Keywords:
Acoustics; Music; Singing; Respiration; Voice