Fundamental Voice Frequency: Acoustic, Electroglottographic, and Accelerometer Measurement in Individuals With and Without Vocal Alteration

Abstract

To analyze the values of the fundamental frequency obtained through acoustic, electroglottographic, and accelerometer assessments on the skin of the neck in individuals with and without vocal alterations. This was an observational cross-sectional study carried out at the Voice and Biomechanical Outpatient Clinic of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, approved by the Research Ethics Committee (study number 1,229,521). The nonprobabilistic sample consisted of 30 women (normal vocal quality, 15 and dysphonia, 15) aged 18-36 years (mean, 26.1 years) and 20 men (normal vocal quality, 15 and dysphonia, 5) aged 19-48 years (mean, 28.6 years). Subjects sustained a comfortable /ɑ/ with data captured by microphone, with electrodes on thyroid cartilage, and from accelerometer above the thyroid cartilage. Results of fundamental frequency extraction were compared between acoustic microphone vs electrodes vs accelerometer for each subject. Regarding the fundamental frequency, we observed a difference in the values estimated using the microphone and accelerometer, when compared to the values estimated by the electrodes, in the dysphonic and nondysphonic female groups and among nondysphonic men. The mean fundamental frequency found for normal voices was 195.8 Hz for female voices and 112.0 Hz for male voices obtained through the microphone and accelerometer. The values estimated using the electrodes were 209.6 Hz for female voices and 160.5 Hz for male voices. For dysphonic voices, the values were 187.7 Hz for female voices and 126.8 Hz for male voices obtained through the microphone and accelerometer. The values estimated using the electrodes were 226.8 Hz for female voices and 173.8 Hz for male voices. The fundamental frequency values estimated using the microphone and accelerometer showed perfect correlation; however, the values estimated by the electrodes differ from them.