An experimental replica of the vocal folds to study normal and pathological voice

International audienceIn order to test the relevance and accuracy of theoretical models for speech production, validation on in-vitro controlled set-ups is needed. Since the pioneer work of Van Den Berg (1957) numerous mechanical replicas have been built in an increasing effort towards rendering the complexity of the human vocal folds. In this paper we present a new experimental set-up based on a replica of the vocal folds made of several successive layers of liquids and latex. Compared with existing mechanical models, this replica allows that essential parameters such as the degree of abduction, the acoustical loading, the upstream pressure and the elasticity of the replica can be controlled and varied individually. Further, pathological configurations, involving a local alteration of the vocal folds, such as polyps and cysts, can be easily simulated by adding growths of known masses and shapes. Typical examples of measurements performed on this replica will be presented for normal and pathological configurations. The results will be discussed with respect to human phonation and compared to some theoretical predictions using low-order mechanical models