Larynx and airway: acoustic jitter and shimmer: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Larynx and airway: acoustic jitter and shimmer

Sample item

Acoustic analysis of a hoarse voice reports increased cycle-to-cycle variation in the fundamental frequency. Which parameter is this?

AShimmerBMaximum phonation timeCJitterDHarmonics-to-noise ratio

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Jitter

Jitter measures short-term variability in the frequency of successive vibratory cycles, whereas shimmer measures variability in amplitude. Both increase with irregular vocal fold vibration.

Option by option

A. Shimmer
Shimmer is the cycle-to-cycle variation in amplitude.
B. Maximum phonation time
Maximum phonation time is the longest duration of a sustained vowel on one breath.
C. Jitter (correct)
Correct. Jitter is the cycle-to-cycle variation in frequency.
D. Harmonics-to-noise ratio
Harmonics-to-noise ratio compares periodic sound energy with noise energy.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Jitter. Jitter measures short-term variability in the frequency of successive vibratory cycles, whereas shimmer measures variability in amplitude.

Why is "Shimmer" not the answer?

Shimmer is the cycle-to-cycle variation in amplitude.

Why is "Maximum phonation time" not the answer?

Maximum phonation time is the longest duration of a sustained vowel on one breath.

Why is "Harmonics-to-noise ratio" not the answer?

Harmonics-to-noise ratio compares periodic sound energy with noise energy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx and airway: acoustic jitter and shimmer in ENT. Both increase with irregular vocal fold vibration.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Larynx and airway: acoustic jitter and shimmer?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.