Laryngeal aerodynamics associated with oral contraceptive use: Preliminary findings

The purpose of this study was to examine possible differences in laryngeal aerodynamic measures during connected speech associated with oral contraceptive (OC) use. Eight women taking an OC, and eight others not taking an OC, participated in the study. Three trials of syllable /p/repetitions were obtained using a circumferentially vented face mask and small translabial tube. All participants were recorded on or near days 7 and 14 of their menstrual cycle. Subglottal pressure (PSG) and average airflow rates were obtained to determine laryngeal airway resistance. Glottal airflow measures of peak flow, minimum flow, alternating flow, as well as relative sound level (RSL) were obtained. PSG was obtained from the pressure peak associated with/p/. All airflow parameters and RSL were obtained from the vowel portion. No significant differences were found related to day of recording or OC use, indicating that OC use does not significantly affect laryngeal airflow regulation.Learning outcomesThe reader will better understand the effects of hormones and oral contraceptives on the female voice, as well as the specific changes in vocal function that may occur in conjunction with the use of oral contraceptives.