Linear Measurement of Females' Vocal Fold Across Different Ages

Abstract

Abstract Background One of the most complex oragns of the human body is the larynx so Understanding its morphology is an important step toward understanding the detailed laryngeal anatomy, and physiology. Different studies have described the linear measurements of the larynx in different measuring methods. but no studies have been structured to describe vocal fold length in vivo in females at different stages of their lives.The vocal instrument is comprised of the vibratory body, the respiratory power source and the oropharyngeal resonating chambers. Voice is characterized by its intensity, frequency, and harmonics. The harmonics are hormonally dependent. Aim of the Work The aim of this study is to screen the membranous vocal fold length in different ages throughout females’ life and if it is affected by hormonal changes in their lives or not. Study Design a comparative cross-sectional study. Patients and Methods This comparative cross-sectional study was carried out on 120 Egyptian Arabic speaking apparently healthy females at the outpatient clinic of the Units of Phoniatrics, ENT Department of both Ain Shams University Hospitals and Zagazig University Hospitals. Results It was obvious that female’s larynx is affected by age and sex hormones that is reflected on the laryngeal structure and function. Although the results showed non significant relation between the length of the membranous part to aging this may be due to small sample size that could not reflect that difference. Conclusion The vocal imprint is characteristic to each individual. It reveals personality and translates emotions. The voice evolves with age. It bears both the scars of life, as well as its joys and pleasures. Nevertheless, the human voice remains intangible and a fertile field for future research in the cycle of life.