Speech Range Profile Research Articles

Responsiveness of the Absolute Error of Estimated Speaking Fundamental Frequency (AEF0) after Surgical Intervention of Voice Disorders

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the responsiveness of the absolute error of estimated speaking fundamental frequency (AEF0) after intervention of voice disorders. The correlation between the changes in AEF0 measures and multidimensional voice measurements were explored. Usefulness of the changes in the AEF0 (ΔAEF0) measures for predicting vocal improvement was also explored. Methods: 30 male and 30 female patients with benign vocal fold lesions participated in the study. Participants were asked to perform voice and speech range profile and passage-reading tasks to yield the AEF0. Pre- vs. post-operative AEF0 in voice and speech range profile tasks were compared. The correlation between the ΔAEF0 and changes in the voice parameters was explored. The cutoff score of the ΔAEF0 for the improved group was calculated. Results: For both male and female patients, voice and speech range profile measures did not show significant change after surgery. On the other hand, AEF0 measured by voice and speech range profiles decreased regardless of gender. ΔAEF0 after surgery showed weak to moderate correlation with the changes in the multidimensional voice measurements. The area under the curve of the ΔAEF0VRP, ΔAEF0SRP, ΔAEF0SUM for screening vocal improvement were .693, .669, and .753; and the cutoff scores were ≤ 4.035, ≤ -2.403, ≤ 0.389, respectively. Conclusion: The results revealed that AEF0 measures could function as an indicator of post-treatment vocal improvement reflecting vocal ranges.

Prosodic Differences in the Voices of Transgender and Cisgender Women: Self-Perception of Voice - An Auditory and Acoustic Analysis

The voice is an important parameter for identifying the speaker's gender. Transgender people seek to adapt their bodies to gender identity, and transgender women have greater difficulties in achieving vocal acceptance. In this context, the evaluation of the various parameters of the voice of transgender and cisgender women is essential to make it possible to propose appropriate intervention measures. To identify the differences in vocal characteristics of transgender and cisgender women. An sectional study was conducted. The sample comprised 20 transgender women and 20 cisgender women who underwent evaluation of acoustic parameters, emotional prosody, self-perception, and perception of gender by lay listeners. The vocal characteristics of transgender and cisgender women differ in terms of the following parameters: f0, glottal noise excitation (GNE), vocal intensity, speech range profile (SRP), the first three formants of the vowel /a/, and in terms of emotional prosody, including duration and melodic contour. Higher values ​​were mostly found in the cisgender population, except for noise level and vocal intensity. In addition, in most cases lay listeners identified the voices of transgender women as belonging to the male gender. There was a negative correlation between vocal dissatisfaction and f0 among transgender women. Even though they perform vocal adjustments, the voices of transgender women are different from cisgender women in terms of acoustic parameters, vocal extension, and emotional prosody including duration and melodic contour. These differences have repercussions on the perception of gender by listeners.

Impact of hydration on vocal loading using phonetogram measures

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Vocal loading is a phenomenon that affects the vocal folds and voice parameters. Prolonged vocal loading may cause vocal fatigue. Hydration is one of the easiest precautions to reduce the effect of vocal loading. Voice range profile is an analysis of a participant’s vocal intensity and fundamental frequency ranges. Speech range profile is a graphical display of frequency intensity interactions occurring during functional speech activity. Phonetogram software can analyse VRP and SRP.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Total sixty normophonic participants (thirty male and thirty female) were included in this study. Phonetogram, version 4.40 by Tiger DRS, software used to measure the voice range profile and speech range profile. For VRP, participants were asked to produce vowel /a/ and a passage reading task was given for SRP measurement.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> All sample recording were done at pre vocal loading task, VLT and after hydration. Parameter that were used to measure the effects were Fo-range, semitone, max-F, min-F, SPL range, max-I, min-I, area (dB). Result showed that after VLT all other parameters like Fo-range, semitone, max-F, min-F, SPL range, max-I, min-I, area (dB) in VRP and SRP were reduced except min-F VRP in male, min-I VRP and min-I SRP in both male and female participants. After hydration all other parameters were improved except max-F VRP and min-F VRP in female, max-I VRP, min-F VRP and area VRP.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> This study concluded that vocal loading has negative impact on vocal fold tissue and mass. </p>

Influence of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Transient Unilateral Palsy on Objective Voice Parameters and on Voice Handicap Index after Total Thyroidectomy (Including Thyroid Carcinoma).

Introduction: Total thyroidectomy (TT) is one of the most common surgical endocrine surgeries. Voice impairment after TT can occur not only in patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) transient paralysis, but also in cases of normal vocal cord mobility. Aim: To compare voice limits using a speech range profile (SRP) in patients before and 14 days after TT and to investigate the influence of the early results of voice quality after TT on the personal lives of patients. We focused on the perception of voice change before and shortly after TT. Materials and methods: A retrospective study, in the period 2018–2020, included 65 patients aged 22–75 years. We compared two groups of patients: group I (n = 45) (without RLN paresis) and group II (n = 20) (with early transient postoperative RLN paresis). Patients underwent video flexible laryngocopy, SRP, and Voice Handicap Index-30 (VHI-30). Results: In group I, the mean values of Fmax (maximum frequency) and Imax (maximum intensity) decreased in women (both p = 0.001), and VHI-30 increased (p = 0.001). In group II after TT in women, the mean Fmax and Imax values decreased (p = 0.005 and p = 0.034), and the frequency range of the voice was reduced from 5 to 2 semitones. The dynamic range of the voice was reduced by 3.4 dB in women and 5.1 dB in men.VHI-30 increased (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The study documented a worsening of the mean values of SRP, VHI-30, and voice parameters of patients in group II. Voice disorders also occurred in group I without RLN paresis. Non-paretic causes can also contribute to voice damage after TT. SRP and VHI-30 are suitable tools for comparing voice status in two groups of patients, including those with dysphonia. Our data support the claim that the diagnosis of a thyroid cancer does not necessarily imply a higher postoperative risk of impaired voice quality for the patient.

Changes in Speech Range Profile Are Associated with Cognitive Impairment

Background and PurposeThe aim of this study was to describe the variations in the speech range profile (SRP) of patients affected by cognitive decline.MethodsWe collected the data of patients managed for suspected voice and speech disorders, and suspected cognitive impairment. Patients underwent an Ear Nose and Throat evaluation and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). To obtain SRP, we asked the patients to read 18 sentences twice, at their most comfortable pitch and loudness as they would do in daily conversation, and recorded their voice on to computer software.ResultsThe study included 61 patients. The relationship between the MMSE score and SRP parameters was established. Increased severity of the MMSE score resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the average values of the semitones to the phonetogram, and the medium and maximum sound pressure levels (p<0.001). The maximum predictivity of MMSE was based on the highly significant values of semitones (p<0.001) and the maximum sound pressure levels (p=0.010).ConclusionsThe differences in SRP between the various groups were analyzed. Specifically, the SRP value decreased with increasing severity of cognitive decline. SRP was useful in highlighting the relationship between all cognitive declines tested and speech.

Immediate Effect of the Finger-Kazoo Technique Associated with Glissandos in the Voice of Individuals with Parkinson's Disease

To verify the immediate effect of the Finger Kazoo technique associated with glissandos in the voice of individuals with Parkinson's disease. Thirty subjects with Parkinson's Disease comprised of 15 men and 15 women with a mean age of 63.8 years (± 6.88) and mean time of diagnosis of 97.33 (± 63.53) months, all with preserved cognition. The subjects' voice range profile (VRP), speech range profile (SRP), and the maximum phonation time were assessed, before and after applying the Finger Kazoo technique associated with ascending and descending glissando. After the technique, a vocal satisfaction questionnaire was completed. After the applied technique there was an increase in the minimum and maximum fundamental frequency recorded respectively in the SRP and in the VRP; there was an increase in the vocal range (measured in Hertz and semitones) of the women, recorded in the VRP; in the male population, there was an increase in maximum phonation time. A higher percentage of positive references to vocal improvement was observed after the exercise. In patients with Parkinson's Disease, the Finger Kazoo with glissando technique promoted an increase in the minimum fundamental frequency of the SRP and in the vocal extensions of women, as well as increasing the maximum phonatory time of men. In addition, patients reported satisfaction with the use of the technique and its results.

Application of Speech Range Profile in Hindi in Hyperfunctional Voice Disorders: A Case-controlled Observational Study

Application of Speech Range Profile in Hindi in Hyperfunctional Voice Disorders: A Case-controlled Observational Study

정상 성인에서 음성 및 말소리 범위 프로파일을 이용한 발화 기본주파수 예측*

This study sought to investigate whether mean speaking fundamental frequency (SFF) can be predicted by parameters of voice and speech range profile (VRP and SRP) in Korean normal adults. Moreover, it explored whether gender differences exist in the absolute differences between the SFF and estimated SFF (ESFF) predicted by the VRP and SRP. A total of 85 native Korean speakers with normal voice participated in the study. Each participant was asked to perform the VRP task using the vowel /a/ and the SRP task using the first sentence of a Korean standard passage “Ga-eul”. In addition, the SFF was measured with electroglottography during a passage reading task. Predictive factors of the SFF were explored and the absolute difference between the SFF and the ESFF (DSFF) was compared between gender groups. Results indicated that predictive factors were age, gender, minimum pitch and pitch range for the VRP (adjusted <italic>R</italic>² = .931), and pitch range (in semi-tones) and maximum pitch for the SRP (adjusted <italic>R</italic>² = .963), respectively. The SFF and ESFF predicted by the VRP and SRP showed a strong positive correlation. The DSFF of the VRP and SRP, as well as their sum did not differ by gender. In conclusion, the SFF during a passage reading task could be successfully predicted by the parameters of the VRP and SRP tasks. In further studies, clinical implications need to be explored in patients who may exhibit deviations in SFF.

발화범위 프로파일 과제 개발 및 타당성 검증*

발화범위 프로파일 과제 개발 및 타당성 검증*

Effect of direct and indirect voice training in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology students.

To verify the effect of two approaches of vocal training in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology students, a direct and an indirect approach. Participants were 25 female Speech Language Pathology and Audiology students divided into two groups: direct training with vocal exercises, DTG (n=13); and indirect training with vocal orientations, ITG (n=12). The training sessions were conducted by the same speech language pathologist in six weekly sessions of 30 minutes. Both groups underwent multidimensional voice assessment, pre- and post-training: vocal self-assessment; Vocal Symptoms Scale (VSS); auditory perceptual analysis of sustained vowel and connected speech; acoustic analysis of voice through the Vocal Range Profile (VRP) and Speech Range Profile (SRP); and Group Climate Questionnaire, only at the end of training. The DTG showed changes in auditory perceptual analysis of vowel, which was less diverted after training; and expansion of the voice range in the VRP and SRP, which proves best vocal performance. However, the ITG showed no changes in any of the parameters evaluated. In Group Climate, the ITG obtained the highest conflict score in comparison to the DTG, probably because the indirect approach did not favor exchange in the group and did not allow a better quality interaction. The direct approach provided greater benefits to students than the indirect approach, with significant change in voice quality, and can serve as inspiration to Speech Language Pathology and Audiology courses to prevent dysphonia.

Speech Range Profile (SRP) Findings Before and After Mutational Falsetto (Puberphonia)

Mutational falsetto is a temporary adolescent voice. Voice therapy support in mutational falsetto helps the individual to regain a healthy voice. Speech Range Profile (SRP) is considered to be a method requiring less time in the pretherapy and posttherapy evaluations of voice patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences between the SRP results of male subjects experiencing mutational falsetto before and after therapy. Sixteen male participants have been included in this study. F0, MinF0, MaxF0, F0Range, F0Range (st), MindB SPL, and MaxdB SPL have been taken to evaluation. SRP recordings of all subjects have been performed. All the recordings have been repeated before and after therapy. A statistically significant difference has been observed between the F0 and MinF0 values before and after therapy (P<0.001). SRP provides important information about frequency and intensity. In mutational falsetto, SRP is a useful technique in terms of evaluating success in therapy.

Speech Range Profile for Moderate‐to‐Severe Hearing Impaired Persons

Objectives: Analyze the differences between speech range profile (SRP) parameters in moderate-to-severe hearing impaired and well-hearing persons and to establish the key parameters for speech discrimination. Methods: Data were analyzed in a retrospective study of SRPs in combination with voice range profiles (VRP) recorded at a university hospital during 2001-2004.Standard protocols were derived from 80 adult patients (26 males, 54 females) with moderate-to-severe hearing loss without hearing-aids or laryngeal pathology. Ninety-eight non-hearing impaired age and gender matched persons (33 males, 65 females) with normal voices were also analyzed. Eight SRP parameters were assessed: fundamental frequency (F0), maximum speaking frequency and speaking tone range; habitual intensity, maximum speaking intensity and speaking intensity range; location of F0 within VRP pitch range, and slope of speaking curve. Results: When compared to -normal hearing persons, both genders of hearing impaired individuals exhibited significantly decreased mean values of speaking intensity range and increased in percent of location of F0 within the VRP pitch range ( P &lt; 0.05). Overall discrimination accuracy of these two SRP key parameters was 93.3%. Conclusions. Moderate-to-severe hearing impaired persons demonstrated restricted speaking capabilities in comparison to non-hearing impaired persons. Key parameters of speech range profile may be useful for assessment of hearing and speech rehabilitation efficacy.

Speech and voice range profiles of adults with untrained normal voices: Methodological implications

Automatic recordings were made of speech and voice range profiles for 63 vocally healthy Australian men and women without voice training (30 males and 33 females aged 21 to 65 years). Test-retest reliability, evaluated for a subgroup, was high. Speech range profile results were consistent with results reported by others. However, voice range profiles were larger than shown in several previous studies. Nevertheless, voice range profiles were consistent with results reported for a recent study that used a similar elicitation and recording protocol and similar equipment. Results are discussed with reference to methodological issues important for reliable phonetogram recordings. The data may also be clinically useful for comparisons between disordered and healthy voices if similar equipment and elicitation and recording protocols are used.

Do body mass index and fat volume influence vocal quality, phonatory range, and aerodynamics in females?

To analyze the impact of body weight and body fat volume on selected parameters of vocal quality, phonatory range, and aerodynamics in females. Based on measurements of body mass index in combination with body fat volume, 29 normophonic female subjects were classified as normal weight, underweight, and obese. Voice quality was investigated via auditory-perceptual ratings of breathiness, roughness, and overall dysphonia severity, via various acoustic measures and a multiparametric index. Phonatory range performance was examined using selected measures of the voice range profile and speech range profile. Measures of vocally relevant aerodynamics included vital capacity (i.e., VC), expected VC, phonation quotient, and maximum phonation time (i.e., MPT). Significant differences between the three weight groups were found across several measures of intensity, VC, MPT, and shimmer. As compared to the other groups, significantly higher values of maximum and minimum intensity levels, as well as sound pressure level during habitual running speech were observed for the obese group (all p-values<0.05); whereas, the underweight group had significantly lower values for VC and ratio of expected to measured VC (p-values<0.01). Furthermore, underweight subjects differed significantly as compared to normal weight subjects with lower MPT (p=0.025) and higher lowest-F0 (p=0.035). Finally the obese group showed significantly lower shimmer values than the normal weight subjects (p<0.05). Body weight and body fat volume appear to influence select objective measures of voice quality, vocal aerodynamics, and phonatory range performance.

Prosodic Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease: Assessment and Clinical Relevance

Prosodic Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease: Assessment and Clinical Relevance

Effects of Vocal Training on Singing and Speaking Voice Characteristics in Vocally Healthy Adults and Children Based on Choral and Nonchoral Data

This prospective cross-sectional study examines the effects of voice training on vocal capabilities in vocally healthy age and gender differentiated groups measured by voice range profile (VRP) and speech range profile (SRP). Frequency and intensity measurements of the VRP and SRP using standard singing and speaking voice protocols were derived from 161 trained choir singers (21 males, 59 females, and 81 prepubescent children) and from 188 nonsingers (38 males, 89 females, and 61 children). When compared with nonsingers, both genders of trained adult and child singers exhibited increased mean pitch range, highest frequency, and VRP area in high frequencies (P<0.05). Female singers and child singers also showed significantly increased mean maximum voice intensity, intensity range, and total VRP area. The logistic regression analysis showed that VRP pitch range, highest frequency, maximum voice intensity, and maximum-minimum intensity range, and SRP slope of speaking curve were the key predictors of voice training. Age, gender, and voice training differentiated norms of VRP and SRP parameters are presented. Significant positive effect of voice training on vocal capabilities, mostly singing voice, was confirmed. The presented norms for trained singers, with key parameters differentiated by gender and age, are suggested for clinical practice of otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists.

Usefulness of assessment of voice capabilities in female patients with reflux-related dysphonia

To analyze vocal capabilities in patients diagnosed with reflux related dysphonia versus controls with healthy voice with selection of the most informative discriminating quantitative parameters and to assess voice changes following treatment. Six parameters of voice range profile (VRP) and five parameters of speech range profile were taken and analyzed from 60 dysphonic outpatient females with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) diagnosed by reflux-related atypical and typical symptoms, videolaryngoscopic findings, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and positive response to empiric 3-month omeprazole treatment. Seventy-six females with healthy voice served as controls. All six parameters of voice range profile and three of 5 parameters of speech range profile showed significant differences comparing LPR patients with controls before omeprazole treatment (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed VRP maximum-minimum intensity range to be the most informative parameter for discrimination between reflux-related dysphonic and healthy voices (overall prediction accuracy, 86.8%). A threshold value of significant parameter was stated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Treatment with omeprazole significantly improved voice quality showing the greatest changes in the mean scores of majority of voice range profile parameters. Vocal capabilities, especially evaluated by voice range profile, are restricted in LPR female patients in comparison to subjects with healthy voice. Quantitative voice assessment with voice range profile may add more objective aspect for screening dysphonia and could be used as a criterion of evaluation of treatment efficacy in such patients.

Reliability of Speaking and Maximum Voice Range Measures in Screening for Dysphonia

Speech range profile (SRP) is a graphical display of frequency-intensity occurring interactions during functional speech activity. Few studies have suggested the potential clinical applications of SRP. However, these studies are limited to qualitative case comparisons and vocally healthy participants. The present study aimed to examine the effects of voice disorders on speaking and maximum voice ranges in a group of vocally untrained women. It also aimed to examine whether voice limit measures derived from SRP were as sensitive as those derived from voice range profile (VRP) in distinguishing dysphonic from healthy voices. Ninety dysphonic women with laryngeal pathologies and 35 women with normal voices, who served as controls, participated in this study. Each subject recorded a VRP for her physiological vocal limits. In addition, each subject read aloud the "North Wind and the Sun" passage to record SRP. All the recordings were captured and analyzed by Soundswell's computerized real-time phonetogram Phog 1.0 (Hitech Development AB, Täby, Sweden). The SRPs and the VRPs were compared between the two groups of subjects. Univariate analysis results demonstrated that individual SRP measures were less sensitive than the corresponding VRP measures in discriminating dysphonic from normal voices. However, stepwise logistic regression analyses revealed that the combination of only two SRP measures was almost as effective as a combination of three VRP measures in predicting the presence of dysphonia (overall prediction accuracy: 93.6% for SRP vs 96.0% for VRP). These results suggest that in a busy clinic where quick voice screening results are desirable, SRP can be an acceptable alternate procedure to VRP.

Voice disorders

This prospective cross-sectional study examines the effects of voice training on vocal capabilities in vocally healthy age and gender differentiated groups measured by voice range profile (VRP) and speech range profile (SRP).Frequency and intensity measurements of the VRP and SRP using standard singing and speaking voice protocols were derived from 161 trained choir singers (21 males, 59 females, and 81 prepubescent children) and from 188 nonsingers (38 males, 89 females, and 61 children).When compared with nonsingers, both genders of trained adult and child singers exhibited increased mean pitch range, highest frequency, and VRP area in high frequencies (P < 0.05). Female singers and child singers also showed significantly increased mean maximum voice intensity, intensity range, and total VRP area. The logistic regression analysis showed that VRP pitch range, highest frequency, maximum voice intensity, and maximum-minimum intensity range, and SRP slope of speaking curve were the key predictors of voice training. Age, gender, and voice training differentiated norms of VRP and SRP parameters are presented.Significant positive effect of voice training on vocal capabilities, mostly singing voice, was confirmed. The presented norms for trained singers, with key parameters differentiated by gender and age, are suggested for clinical practice of otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists.