Karen Rogge-Miller

Bio: Karen Rogge-Miller is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Dosimeter & Phonation. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 3 publications receiving 31 citations.

Technical considerations in the design of a wearable voice dosimeter

Abstract: This paper deals with the technical issues involved in the design of a voice dosimeter, a wearable device to be used by teachers to measure vocal dose on the job, at home and elsewhere during the total waking hours of each day. The concept of vocal dose is introduced and definitions of various dose measures are presented. Practical issues of the design are discussed, including software development, selection of an external transducer, and devising a comfortable, reliable and repeatable means of attaching the transducer to the subject. The dosimeter software was designed to calculate SPL (sound pressure level), F0 (fundamental frequency) and voicing time. In addition, an interactive portion was developed that prompts the user to verify the validity of the stored data every two hours, and to perform a rating of vocal effort and quality of soft phonation. The SAL (surface acceleration level) to SPL relation for the prototype dosimeter was determined. The prototype has been field‐tested, and SPL, F0, and voicing time data have been analyzed. A sensitivity analysis shows that small errors in SPL have a large effect on the accuracy of dose calculations, while F0 errors have less of an effect.

The Calibration and Setup of the NCVS Dosimeter

Abstract: This memo is intended to document the technical procedures used by the NCVS researchers when measuring vocal doses with the NCVS Dosimeter (a Pocket PC-based voice dosimeter). The equipment settings, the calibration recordings and the analyses needed to obtain the pieces of information required by the dosimeter software are described. Information is provided on the dosimeter setup and on downloading the dosimeter software to the NCVS Dosimeter. Finally, the analyses for obtaining the relationship allowing estimation of sound pressure levels from the skin acceleration levels (SAL) are described. Functional examples of the Matlab scripts and of the calibration recordings can be downloaded at http://www.ncvs.org/ncvs/library/tech .

Teachers' Guide to Voice Dosimetry

Abstract: This memo contains a manual of the NCVS Dosimeter. This manual was written as a guide for teachers participating in the research project NIDCD, RO1-DC04224 “Research Towards Occupational Safety In Vocalization”. The basic functions of the NCVS Dosimeter are described, which are followed by the description of the dosimeter device and its components (Pocket PC, accelerometer, portable power supply and back-up battery pack, connectors and cables). Brief information is given on the dosimeter software. Detailed instructions are provided for attachment of the accelerometer to the skin of the neck as well as its detachment from the skin. The Dosimeter Operation chapter describes how to charge the pocket PC and the portable power supply, how to connect the power supply and the accelerometer to the pocket PC and how to start and stop the dosimeter application. The next chapter describes how to use the dosimeter application software and how to perform the necessary tests. The troubleshooting chapter provides information on dealing with some of the problems that can be experienced when using the NCVS dosimeter. In appendix A the dosimeter parts are described. In Appendix B, a sample of a daily log sheet is attached. Note that subjects are given copies of this entire document, excluding this page after a hands-on training of using the NCVS Dosimeter. This memo is available online at the website www.ncvs.org/ncvs/library/tech.

Variations in Intensity, Fundamental Frequency, and Voicing for Teachers in Occupational Versus Nonoccupational Settings

Abstract: Purpose In this study, the authors created a more concise picture of the vocal demands placed on teachers by comparing occupational voice use with nonoccupational voice use. Method The authors used...

Voicing and silence periods in daily and weekly vocalizations of teachers

Abstract: The National Center for Voice and Speech data bank on voice dosimetry was used to study the distributions of continuous voicing periods and silence periods in 31 teachers over the duration of two weeks. Recordings were made during all awake hours of the day. Voicing periods were grouped into half‐decades, ranging from 0.0316 0.10 s for the shortest periods of phonation to 31.6 100 s for the longest periods of phonation. Silence periods were grouped into similar half‐decades, but ranged up to periods of several hours. On average, the teachers had 1,800 occurrences of voicing (onset followed by offset) per hour at work and 1,200 occurrences per hour while not at work. Voicing occurred 23% of the total time at work, dropping to 13% during off‐work hours and 12% on weekends. The greatest accumulation of voicing occurred in the 0.316 1.0 s voicing periods, whereas the greatest accumulation of silence occurred in the 3 10 s silence periods. The study begins to lay the groundwork for understanding vocal fatigue in terms of repetitive motion and collision of tissue, as well as recovery from such mechanical stress.

Objective Measurement of Vocal Fatigue in Classical Singers: A Vocal Dosimetry Pilot Study:

Abstract: Objectives To collect objective vibration dose data on singers and relate them to subjective measurements of vocal fatigue. Study design and setting Seven subjects completed a 2-week study period. The National Center for Voice and Speech (NCVS) dosimeter recorded vocal load, soft phonation tasks, and subjective soft voice ratings. Three vocal doses (time, distance, and cycle) were measured in classical singers’ larynges during an intensive practice period. Results Spikes in vocal load are reflected as harsher subjective ratings on the same day as well as 24-72 hours later. When at least 48 hours of vocal rest occurred before a vocal load, improved subjective evaluations were seen after the load. Conclusions The NCVS dosimeter appears to be an effective tool for data collection on prolonged use of the voice. Significance This is the first multi-day study comparing objective and subjective data on vocal fatigue in a group of professional singers.

Comparison of Vocal Loading Parameters in Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers

Abstract: Purpose Although a global picture exists of teachers' voice demands in general, few studies have compared specific groups of teachers to determine whether some are more at risk than others. This study compared the vocal loadings of kindergarten and elementary school teachers; professional and nonprofessional vocal load were determined for both groups. Method Twelve kindergarten and 20 elementary school female teachers without voice problems were monitored during 1 workweek using the Ambulatory Phonation Monitor. Vocal loading parameters analyzed were F0, SPL, time dose, distance dose, and cycle dose. Results Comparisons between the groups showed significantly higher cycle dose and distance dose for kindergarten teachers than for elementary school teachers, in both professional and nonprofessional environments. Professional and nonprofessional voice use comparisons showed significant differences for all parameters, indicating that vocal load was higher in the professional environment for both groups. Concl...