Abstract
Vocal efficiency is discussed in terms of energy conversion principles. Metabolic power is computed and compared with aerodynamic power, acoustic power, and the power dissipated in vocal fold tissues during phonation. A distinction is made between vocal efficiency and glottal efficiency, which has a more restricted definition. Vocal efficiency should ultimately include estimates of muscular ergometrics and a cost/benefit criterion for increased mechanical stress due to forceful contact and collision of vocal fold tissues.

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