Normative study of vocal acoustic parameters from children from 4 to 12 years of age without vocal symptoms. A pilot study

Regina Helena Garcia Martins,Elaine Lara Mendes Tavares,Roberto Badra de Labio

doi:10.1590/s1808-86942010000400013

Regina Helena Garcia Martins, Elaine Lara Mendes Tavares + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1808-86942010000400013

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Abstract

Acoustic vocal analysis is a simple and fast method that allows to differentiate normal from changed voices. There are few studies that analyze normal acoustic vocal parameters at different age ranges in children. AimsTo establish normative acoustic parameters of children's voice aged 4 to 12 years. MethodsTwo hundred and forty children were divided into four sub-groups by age: G1 (n-60; 4-5 years), G2 (n-60; 6-7 years), G3 (n-60; 8-9 years) and G4 (n-60; 10-12 years). The children's parents answered a questionnaire and the children were submitted to auditory acuity evaluation (Assessment of Transient Otoacoustic Emissions), acoustic vocal analyses, otorhinolaryngological and videolaryngoscopy exams. ResultsThe normal values for the acoustic vocal parameters studied were established according to age range and gender. As age increased, there was a decrease of f0 and APQ and an increased in SPI with statistical difference of these parameters. The vocal parameters did not differ between genders until the age of 12. Conclusionsthe characterization of the normative vocal patterns of children is an important reference for future studies. Some of the changes showed a direct relationship between age and a reduction of f0 and of APQ, and increase in SPI, with no difference between genders.

Highlights

Since speech is the most important means of communication and expression, any voice disorder can bring about deep implications to social life, both in children and in adults
Voice problems during childhood may reflect on the development of proper capacity to communicate in the adult life
The children were divided in 4 subgroups according to age: 4 to 5 years, 6 to 7 years, 8 to 9 years and 10 to 11 years

Summary

Introduction

Since speech is the most important means of communication and expression, any voice disorder can bring about deep implications to social life, both in children and in adults. According to Freitas et al.[1], a good vocal quality is important for social relations to happen effectively. Della Via[2] states that voice change during childhood may affect the child’s school, social and emotional performances. Voice problems during childhood may reflect on the development of proper capacity to communicate in the adult life. Children vocal disorders are relatively frequent, affecting 6 to 23% of the children population[3,4,5]. Vocal nodules are the main laryngeal lesions found in children, which pathophysiology is directly associated with vocal abuse[6,7]. Other predisposing factors include: obstructive nasal manifestations, hearing acuity reduction, velopharyngeal failure, viral or bacterial laryngitis, laryngeal papillomatosis, congenital tumors (hemangiomas, lymphangiomas), minimum structural lesions (asymmetries, cysts, sulci, bridges, microwebs), and others[8,9]

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