Pediatric voice analysis: comparison of 2 computerized analysis systems.

IMPORTANCE

This research contributes to the pediatric objective voice measurement database while identifying comparable measurements between 2 available voice analysis systems.

OBJECTIVE

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.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: 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.

INTERVENTIONS

Objective voice data were collected on the MDVP and the VES systems.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, and noise to harmonic ratio.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

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.