From the Guidelines
Vocal mimicry in neurology is a therapeutic technique used to treat functional voice disorders, where patients are encouraged to imitate various sounds, such as coughing, yawning, or whimpering, to help them regain control over their voice. This approach is based on the idea that by mimicking different vocalizations, patients can relearn how to produce sounds and improve their voice quality. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 1, vocal mimicry is a key component of symptomatic voice therapy, which has been shown to be effective in treating functional dysphonia. The study provides a comprehensive overview of various vocal mimicry techniques, including natural, reflexive, or instinctive behaviors, such as coughing and clearing the throat, as well as more playful and pre-linguistic sounds, like blowing raspberries or phonating with a rising and falling scale.
Some of the specific vocal mimicry techniques mentioned in the study include:
- Coughing and clearing the throat to allow voice to be present
- Yawning followed by a sigh to relax the vocal cords
- Whimpering sounds, like a small distressed animal, to encourage high-pitched voice
- Grunting or groaning, as if in pain, to facilitate low-pitched voice
- Gargling with a firm sound, first with water and then simulated without water, to improve vocal control
- Pretending to snore or using slow, easy onset with prolonged speech sounds, such as /mmyyy-mmumm/, to promote relaxation and vocal flexibility.
These techniques are often used in combination with other forms of therapy, such as education and explanatory approaches, physical and postural maneuvers, and psychological counseling, to address the underlying causes of functional voice disorders. By incorporating vocal mimicry into their treatment plan, patients with functional voice disorders can improve their voice quality, reduce symptoms, and enhance their overall quality of life. As noted in the study, outcomes are more likely to be positive if patients understand the relationship between their voice problem and any ongoing psychosocial issues and have strategies in place to deal with them 1.
From the Research
Definition and Examples of Vocal Mimicry
- Vocal mimicry refers to the ability to imitate sounds, particularly vocalizations, made by others, including humans and other animals 2.
- This ability has been observed in various species, such as killer whales, which can imitate novel conspecific and human speech sounds 2.
- Vocal mimicry is also related to the ability to keep a beat or entrain motor activity to a rhythmic auditory stimulus, which has been demonstrated in non-vocal mimics like California sea lions 3.
Neurological Aspects of Vocal Mimicry
- The neural basis of auditory perception and feedback-dependent imitation is still not fully understood, but research on songbirds suggests that neural correlates of song perception are present in auditory areas and are preserved in the auditory responses of downstream neurons that are also active when the bird sings 4.
- Vocal mimicry may be linked to the integration of auditory and vocal-motor information in the central nervous system, which is a fundamental goal of systems neuroscience 4.
- Abnormal vocalizations, such as voice tremor, can be a common feature of neurological diseases, including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and multiple system atrophy 5.
Individual Differences in Vocal Mimicry
- Individual differences in accent imitation are influenced by factors such as perceptual, motor, cognitive, personality, and demographic factors, as well as attitudes towards the imitated talkers 6.
- Deliberate accent imitation skill is modulated by core perceptual and motor skills, as well as by personality and social context 6.
- The ability to imitate vocalizations can vary greatly between individuals and species, and is thought to be an important aspect of communication and social learning 2.