Effects of straw phonation on vocal attack time in Cantonese speakers

Abstract

The present study aimed to achieve three objectives. The first objective was to investigate the effects of straw phonation on vocal attack time (VAT). The second objective was to find out whether VAT values vary with straws of different inner diameters. The third objective was to determine if VAT varies as a function of different tones during straw phonations. Ten males and 10 females participated in the study. VAT values were obtained from their phonation during an open-mouth condition and during phonation into straws of different inner diameters. Results revealed that straw phonations yielded significantly longer VAT than open-mouth phonations. However, the VAT values obtained from straw phonation of different inner diameters were similar. Tone-by-gender interactive effects also existed. Contour tones yielded significantly longer VAT than level tones in female but similar tone effect did not exist in male. The results provided empirical data to support the use of straw phonation in voice therapy.