Development of a System for Quantitative Assessment of Vocal Loading

Abstract: Purpose of review The current article reviews recent literature examining occupational voice use and occupational voice disorders (January 2018-July 2019). Recent findings Our understanding of the prevalence of voice disorders and work-related vocal use, vocal load and vocal ergonomics (environmental and person influences) across different occupations is continuing to build. There is encouraging evidence for the value of intervention programs for occupational voice users, particularly of late with performers, teachers and telemarketers. Education and prevention programs are emerging for other 'at risk' occupations. Summary Occupational health and workforce legislation does not adequately acknowledge and guide educational, preventive and intervention approaches to occupational voice disorders. Voice disorders are prevalent in certain occupations and there is an urgent need for research to support occupational voice health and safety risk measurement, prevention and intervention. Large population-based studies are required with a focus on the health and economic burden of occupational voice disorders.

Abstract: Introduction Part I. General Concepts: 1. The semiotic framework 2. The relationship between phonetics and phonology 3. Accent, dialect and language Part II. The Anayltical Framework: 4. The phonetic analysis of speech 5. The architecture of phonetic classification Part III. Initiation and Phonotation: 6. Airstream mechanisms 7. Phonation Part IV. Linear Segmental Analysis: 8. Stop articulations 9. Fricative articulations 10. Resonant articulations 11. Multiple articulations Part V. Articulatory Co-ordination and Phonetic Settings: 12. Inter-segmental co-ordinations 13. Phonetic similarity and multi-segmental settings Part VI. Temporal, Prosodic and Metrical Analysis: 14. The temporal organization of speech segmental duration 15. The prosodic organization of speech: pitch and loudness 16. The metrical organization of speech: stress, syllable weight, prominence and rhythm 17. The temporal organization of speech continuity and rate Part VII. Principles of Transcription: 18. Types of transcription Part VIII Conclusion: 19. Evaluating general phonetic theory Envoi References Appendices Index of names Subject index.

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.