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If you've ever dabbled in vocal training, chances are you've heard of straw phonation or semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises. These exercises are widely used to improve vocal efficiency, reduce strain, and strengthen the voice. But did you know that not all straws provide the same benefits?
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Publish Date
Feb 10, 2025
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If you've ever dabbled in vocal training, chances are you've heard of straw phonation or semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises. These exercises are widely used to improve vocal efficiency, reduce strain, and strengthen the voice. But did you know that not all straws provide the same benefits?
That’s where things get really interesting. Different straw sizes, lengths, and diameters impact the level of resistance - essentially the amount of back pressure they create when you phonate through them. And resistance is key! It’s like weightlifting for the voice: too little, and you're not training effectively; too much, and you risk overexertion.
The Science Behind SOVT Exercises
Academic research has shown that SOVT exercises create a balance between subglottal and supraglottal pressures, which helps optimize vocal fold vibration. Studies indicate that these exercises can:
- Reduce phonation threshold pressure, making phonation easier.
- Improve vocal economy, allowing singers to produce sound with less effort.
- Decrease vocal fold collision forces, reducing strain and potential vocal damage.
- Enhance resonance and projection without forcing the voice.
A 2006 study by Ingo Titze found that phonating through a narrow tube increases intraoral pressure, helping to stabilize the vocal folds and encourage efficient vocal fold oscillation. This means that using the right level of resistance in straw phonation can significantly impact vocal training and therapy outcomes.
Testing Straw Resistance: My DIY Experiment
To get a clearer picture of how different straws affect resistance, I built a little contraption to simulate the lungs, vocal tract, and SOVT. It consists of:
- A 3-liter syringe to simulate airflow (the lungs)
- A differential pressure sensor to measure resistance (connected to the “oral cavity”)
- A custom designed 3D printed vocal tract model inside some PVC pipe
- The Resono Go, which allows for adjustable resistance settings
Essentially, airflow moves out of the syringe (lung), through and passed the vocal tract model, then into the oral cavity (blue space in image), where it meets the occlusion. The pressure sensor is plugged into the side to measure the intra-oral pressure. Then, as airflow moves through the occlusion we have back-pressure being generated.
By using this setup, I could objectively measure how much resistance different straw configurations provide and visually demonstrate why one size does not fit all when it comes to SOVT training.
Watch The Demo:
The Results: Comparing Resistance Levels
I tested the Resono Go at its widest and narrowest settings to see just how much variation in resistance we can get:
- Lowest resistance setting: ~2 cmH₂O (minimal back pressure, equivalent to lower physical weights)
- Highest resistance setting: 25+ cmH₂O (significantly increased back pressure, equivalent to heavier physical weights)
This means that with the Resono Go, singers can customise their training based on their vocal needs. This flexibility is crucial because no two voices are the same, and training demands vary.
Why Fixed Straws Aren’t Ideal
Many singers use regular drinking straws for SOVT exercises, but here’s the catch:
- A fixed-length and diameter straw will only ever provide one level of resistance.
- This means it may not be suitable for all singers or all vocal training situations.
- Having an adjustable resistance system allows for more precise control over vocal load, just like adjusting weights at the gym.
Academic Support for Adjustable Resistance
Research highlights the benefits of customisable SOVT exercises. Studies from The Journal of Voice have found that using adjustable resistance helps:
- Improve vocal endurance and reduce fatigue.
- Strengthen vocal fold closure for better sound production.
- Provide therapeutic benefits for individuals with voice disorders.
These findings emphasiwe why a one-size-fits-all approach to SOVT training is ineffective. Just as athletes adjust their workout intensity, vocalists should tailor their resistance levels for optimal performance.
Want Me to Test Your Straw?
If you have a particular straw size or length you’re curious about, let me know! I’d be happy to plug it into my setup and measure its resistance. Just message me on socials, and I’ll put it to the test.
