Phonation Threshold Pressure (PTP) – Q&A Study Sheet

Q: What is Phonation Threshold Pressure (PTP)?

A: The minimum amount of subglottic air pressure needed to start vocal fold vibration (phonation).

Q: What is the typical range of PTP for adults?

A: About 3–5 cm H₂O.

Q: How does vocal fold tension affect PTP?

A: Increased tension raises PTP, because tighter folds need more air pressure to start vibrating.

Q: How does dehydration affect PTP?

A: Dehydration increases PTP, since dry vocal folds become stiffer and harder to set into vibration.

Q: What happens to PTP if the vocal folds have lesions (e.g., nodules, polyps)?

A: Lesions make vibration less efficient, so PTP increases.

Q: What factors can lower PTP and make voicing easier?

A: Adequate hydration, healthy vocal fold tissue, and efficient closure of the vocal folds.

Q: Why is PTP clinically important?

A: It helps clinicians assess voice efficiency—abnormally high PTP may signal a voice disorder (like edema or muscle tension dysphonia).