Abstract
The vocal extent measure (VEM) represents a new diagnostic tool to express vocal capacity by quantifying the dynamic performance and frequency range of voice range profiles (VRPs). For VEM calculation, the VRP area is multiplied by the quotient of the theoretical perimeter of a circle with equal VRP area and the actual VRP perimeter. Since different diseases affect voice function to varying degrees, pathology-related influences on the VEM should be investigated more detailed in this retrospective study, three years after VEM implementation. Data was obtained in a standardized voice assessment comprising videolaryngostroboscopy, voice handicap index (VHI-9i), and acoustic-aerodynamic analysis with automatic calculation of VEM and dysphonia severity index (DSI). The complete dataset comprised 1030 subjects, from which 994 adults (376 male, 618 female; 18-86 years) were analyzed more detailed. The VEM differed significantly between pathology subgroups (p < 0.001) and correlated with the corresponding DSI values. Regarding VHI-9i, the VEM reflected the subjective impairment better than the DSI. We conclude that the VEM proved to be a comprehensible and easy-to-use interval-scaled parameter for objective VRP evaluation in all pathology subgroups. As expected, exclusive consideration of the measured pathology-related influences on the VEM does not allow conclusions regarding the specific underlying diagnosis.
Highlights
Phoniatric voice diagnostics require sophisticated and highly specialized investigation methods, including objective and subjective measuring procedures [1,2,3]
By using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc analysis, we examined the differences of mean values and their significance considering pathology subgroups, gender, and voice usage
VLS revealed in 691 subject (69.5%) organic diseases at vocal folds (VF) level
Summary
Phoniatric voice diagnostics require sophisticated and highly specialized investigation methods, including objective and subjective measuring procedures [1,2,3]. Within this multifactorial approach, the recording of a voice range profile (VRP) under standardized conditions represents an established objective and noninvasive tool for the examination of vocal function [4,5,6]. The VEM documents the vocal capacity by quantification of the dynamic and frequency range It is indicated as interval-scaled value usually ranging between 0 and 120, whereas these limits may be exceeded on both sides in severely impaired and exceptionally great voices. The AVA software [13] computes the VEM automatically after VRP measurement and displays it without additional manual effort or delay
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