| The purpose of the present study was to acquire a normative database on laryngeal airway resistance for fifty male and female speakers (25 representing each gender) between the ages of 16–18 years. This data was obtained at three different intensity levels (70, 80, 90 dB SPL). Normative data on laryngeal resistance does not exist on this particular population. It was anticipated these normative values would prove to be beneficial in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of phonatory voice disorders.; Subject's resistances were measured at each intensity level and analyzed to determine if the differences existed across gender and the effects of increasing intensity on laryngeal resistance. Analysis of the samples at the three intensity levels followed the methods used by Smitheran and Hixon (1981). The hypothesis stated that females would produce greater resistances and as intensity increased, laryngeal airway resistance would also increase. The results of the study did not provide statistical data supporting greater resistance values in female speakers, however, as intensity increased laryngeal resistance was found to increase. |
