A newly developed method for direct measurement of sub-glottal pressure is described. The technique involves employment of a miniaturized solid-state pressure transducer which is inserted into the sub-glottal space via the glottis. The minute size and wide frequency response of this series of transducers provides a new approach to the study of the rapid air-pressure variations inside the vocal mechanism.
Advantages of this procedure are discussed in comparison with other methods of measuring the sub-glottal pressure, such as those that employ an esophageal baloon, a thin catheter through the glottis, or a tracheal puncture. Some qualitative data, including the sub-glottal plessure wave recorded simultaneously with the supra-glottal pressure wave, or with the high speed motion picture of the larynx, are presented and debated. Limitations of the technique are considered together with the technical modification of the equipment needed for speech research.
