Pediatric voice analysis: comparison of 2 computerized analysis systems

• Published in: JAMA otolaryngology-- head & neck surgery Vol. 140; no. 8; p. 742
• Main Authors: Rohrer, Joseph, Maturo, Stephen, Hill, Courtney, Bunting, Glenn, Ballif, Cathy, Hartnick, Christopher
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.08.2014
• Subjects: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Databases, Factual; Female; Humans; Male; Otolaryngology - instrumentation; Reference Values; Software; Speech - physiology; Speech Acoustics; Voice - physiology; Voice Quality; Young Adult
• DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2014.1162

This research contributes to the pediatric objective voice measurement database while identifying comparable measurements between 2 available voice analysis systems. To compare selective normative pediatric acoustic variables between the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP) and the Voice Evaluation Suite (VES) computerized voice analysis systems. Additionally, it describes the first comprehensive pediatric database analyzing fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, and noise to harmonic ratio using the VES. Cross-sectional study with planned data collection conducted at a tertiary referral otolaryngologic clinic. Participants were 335 children, aged 4 to 18 years, with normal voices. Objective voice data were collected on the MDVP and the VES systems. Fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, and noise to harmonic ratio. The fundamental frequencies agreed with previous pediatric normative values. There was not a statistically significant difference between MDVP and VES measurements of mean fundamental frequency (P = .23). Jitter percentage (P < .001), shimmer percentage (P < .001), and noise to harmonic ratio (P < .002) for all children were statistically different between the 2 voice evaluation systems. These data show that the measured fundamental frequency of normal voices in children is comparable between the MDVP and VES voice analysis systems. Jitter, shimmer, and noise to harmonic ratio values are not interchangeable between voice analysis systems. The voice analysis system should be reported when providing voice measurement outcomes in the literature.