Enter the duration of the sibilant /s/ and the voiced /z/ sounds to calculate the S/Z ratio. This ratio is used by speech therapists to assess phonatory function and laryngeal pathology.
S/Z Ratio Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the S/Z ratio.
S/Z Ratio = S Duration / Z Duration
Variables:
- S Duration is the duration of the sibilant /s/ sound (seconds)
- Z Duration is the duration of the voiced /z/ sound (seconds)
To calculate the S/Z ratio, divide the duration of the sibilant /s/ sound by the duration of the voiced /z/ sound.
What is an S/Z Ratio?
The S/Z ratio is a measure used in speech therapy to assess the efficiency of vocal fold closure during speech. A higher ratio may indicate possible laryngeal pathology, such as vocal fold nodules or polyps, and is used to determine the need for further evaluation or treatment.
How to Calculate S/Z Ratio?
The following steps outline how to calculate the S/Z Ratio.
- First, determine the duration of the sibilant /s/ sound (S Duration) in seconds.
- Next, determine the duration of the voiced /z/ sound (Z Duration) in seconds.
- Next, gather the formula from above = S/Z Ratio = S Duration / Z Duration.
- Finally, calculate the S/Z Ratio.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
duration of the sibilant /s/ sound (S Duration) = 8 seconds
duration of the voiced /z/ sound (Z Duration) = 5 seconds
