Excessive pharyngeal resonance is thought to be produced by retracting the tongue toward the pharyngeal wall. The voice is described as hollow in quality. In rating this quality it is important to differentiate nasal and pharyngeal resonance. Frequently, both distortions are apparent in the same speech sample and both should be rated accordingly on the five-point scale. In this instance, the lower rating will indicate the predominate resonance characteristic.
| Rating | Comments | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Resonance varies and cannot be judged. | no sample |
| Level 2 | Marked pharyngeal resonance. This recording demonstrates a marked or severe degree of pharyngeal resonance which is associated with breathiness. In this speaker, the distortion of pharyngeal resonance coexists with faulty laryngeal dynamics. The clarity and intensity of the glottal tone is greatly reduced thereby contributing to the loss of intelligibility. With increased stress and attempts to increase intensity and improve clarity, tonal quality suffers further distortion. | (Male) |
| Level 3 | Moderate pharyngeal resonance. This speech sample demonstrates moderate degree of the hollow, bottom of the well, voice quality termed pharyngeal resonance. There are instances within the recording when nasal resonance distortion is also apparent. | (Male) |
| Level 4 | Mild pharyngeal resonance. This speech sample is rated four indicating a mild degree of pharyngeal resonance. A slight tenseness and vocal quality and glottal stops are also noted. | (Male) |
| Level 5 | Normal resonance. | no sample |