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Radhakrishnan plans to explain scientifically what great singers do physiologically, and using that knowledge, create therapy for people who have chronic voice problems due to health issues. He also hopes to help other singers sing better and teach people who use their voices professionally – such as teachers – how to do so without harming their voices over time. Radhakrishnan uses a set of non-invasive instruments – a band around a person’s neck and another mouthpiece to speak into – to record physically how individuals make themselves heard. Different organs and muscles that constitute someone’s voice, such as the lungs, larynx, vocal tract and articulators (lips, tongue, palate) all work together to produce sound. Instruments in the lab can take voice measurements at a multi-signal level and display exactly which organ or muscle is working and at what level when someone speaks or sings. If someone has an uncommonly weak voice, the lab will be able to pinpoint the problem, such as someone not providing enough air pressure from the lungs. Not every person uses organs and muscles to produce sound in the same way. “If the lung pressure is really high and air flow is very low, we can tell that the problem is somewhere at the valve level or the vocal chord level,” said Radhakrishnan, assistant professor of communication science and disorders in the MU School of Health Professions. “Once we know the source of the problem, we can correct it with different voice therapy techniques.” Producing sound is actually a very intricate process utilizing several systems of the body. Lung pressure is a major contributor to the way someone’s voice sounds. Lung pressure can change with volume. A softer voice would have less lung pressure and as a voice becomes louder, more pressure must be put on the lungs to increase air flow. “People with Parkinson’s disease have issues with vocal projection and loudness because their muscle power decreases as the disease progresses,” Radhakrishnan said. “When we can see physiologically how a great voice works, then we can create exercises to improve breathing and vocal aspects of voice production for people with vocal problems. Regular practice may help people speak in a louder voice and overcome vocal issues despite the progression of Parkinson’s disease.” www.HealthNewsDigest.com Top of Page 
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