Effectiveness of a Biofeedback Intervention Targeting Mental and Physical Health Among College Students Through Speech and Physiology as Biomarkers Using Machine Learning: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Biofeedback therapy is mainly based on the analysis of physiological features to improve an individual's affective state. There are insufficient objective indicators to assess symptom improvement after biofeedback. In addition to psychological and physiological features, speech features can precisely convey information about emotions. The use of speech features can improve the objectivity of psychiatric assessments. Therefore, biofeedback based on subjective symptom scales, objective speech, and physiological features to evaluate efficacy provides a new approach for early screening and treatment of emotional problems in college students. A 4-week, randomized, controlled, parallel biofeedback therapy study was conducted with college students with symptoms of anxiety or depression. Speech samples, physiological samples, and clinical symptoms were collected at baseline and at the end of treatment, and the extracted speech features and physiological features were used for between-group comparisons and correlation analyses between the biofeedback and wait-list groups. Based on the speech features with differences between the biofeedback intervention and wait-list groups, an artificial neural network was used to predict the therapeutic effect and response after biofeedback therapy. Through biofeedback therapy, improvements in depression (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.001), insomnia (p = 0.013), and stress (p = 0.004) severity were observed in college-going students (n = 52). The speech and physiological features in the biofeedback group also changed significantly compared to the waitlist group (n = 52) and were related to the change in symptoms. The energy parameters and Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) of speech features can predict whether biofeedback intervention effectively improves anxiety and insomnia symptoms and treatment response. The accuracy of the classification model built using the artificial neural network (ANN) for treatment response and non-response was approximately 60%. The results of this study provide valuable information about biofeedback in improving the mental health of college-going students. The study identified speech features, such as the energy parameters, and MFCC as more accurate and objective indicators for tracking biofeedback therapy response and predicting efficacy. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov ChiCTR2100045542.

Phonetic analysis during treatment with rapid maxillary expander.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate possible changes and/or device-related impairments in phonetic habits produced by rapid maxillary expansion (RME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients scheduled for RME were divided into two groups: Group A (banded two-arm Hyrax) and Group B (banded four-arm Hyrax). Speech samples were collected at six time points, before, during and after RME removal. Acoustical analysis was performed using PRAAT and BioVoice analysis tools. Ten volunteers completed a questionnaire on the acceptability of patient's speech. Maxillary dimensions and palatal volume were measured on dental casts before and after expansion using a digital gauge. RESULTS: Voice analysis showed an increase in the peak frequency of fricative consonants (/s/,/ʃ/) after expansion, whereas there was no change of formant frequencies of palatal consonants (/ɲ/,/ʎ/). Vowel /i/ displayed a lowering of the first formant frequency, and an increase in the second and third formant frequencies. After bonding, Group B showed both a greater reduction in the peak frequency of fricatives and a greater increase in the formant frequencies of palatal consonants than Group A. CONCLUSION: Rapid maxillary expansion causes a slight phonetic change in the acoustical parameters of both consonants and vowels. The two-arm Hyrax caused less speech impairment than the four-arm Hyrax during the treatment.

Speech Acoustic Parameters for Predicting Presbyphagia: A Preliminary Study in the Elderly Shanghainese Population.

PURPOSE: Age is a high-risk factor for dysphagia. Speech and swallowing share the same anatomical and neurophysiological basis. Their functions are closely related; hence, speech assessment can predict the risk of dysphagia. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing presbyphagia in a normal elderly Shanghainese population by analyzing speech acoustic parameters. METHODS: Relevant speech acoustic parameters were compared between 15 people with dysphagia and 15 without dysphagia. After extracting sensitive speech acoustic parameters related to swallowing, changes in sensitive parameters were compared at different ages to analyze the relevant factors influencing presbyphagia in the normal elderly population. RESULTS: Eight speech acoustic parameters related to swallowing, including maximum phonation time (MPT), max F0, /ʔʌ/Jitter, /ʔʌ/L-DDK, /hʌ/L-DDK, /pataka/DDK, F1/a/, and vowel space area, were extracted after comparing the relevant data between the two groups. Analyzing the changes in each of these parameters between different age groups (age 18-39, 40-64, and 65 and above), we discovered that three speech acoustic parameters, including MPT, /hʌ/L-DDK, and /pataka/DDK, had statistical differences, with a decreasing trend in their mean values with increasing age. CONCLUSIONS: The elderly group had significantly lower MPT, /hʌ/L-DDK, and /pataka/DDK than the young and middle-aged groups. We hypothesized that reduced respiratory support and control, decreased range of mouth movements and coordination, closed control of the vocal cords, and inadequate airflow control in vocal cord abduction are risk factors for presbyphagia in the elderly Shanghainese population.

Is There an Ideal Performance Time for the Latex Tube Exercise?

PURPOSE: SOVTE has been widely used in voice clinic. Estimates of time to perform the technique with a flexible latex tube are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effect of flexible latex tube immersed in water on amateur singers after 1, 3, 5 and 7 minutes, considering: (a) the singers' self-assessment regarding voice and vocal effort; (b) acoustic parameters; and (c) auditory-perceptual parameters of voice quality. METHODS: Twenty nine amateur singers (14 women and 15 men) performed the exercise with latex tube (35 cm X 0.9 cm) in one 1-minute set and three 2-minute sets. Data collection was conducted before and immediately after each set using sustained emission of vowel [a]. RESULTS: Women and men were considered separately. Vocal self-assessment showed a statistically significant increase in negative sensations after 7 minutes of exercise for women. Auditory-perceptual analysis indicated voices were perceived more often as "equal" comparing pre exercise with first minute set and more often as "better" in the third and fifth minutes comparing with pre exercise only for women. The other parameters showed no significance. CONCLUSIONS: The exercise with flexible latex tube in amateur singers promoted improvement in vocal quality after 3 and 5 minutes for women. Also, the women presented significant negative sensations after 7 minutes. Immediate effect on the analyzed parameters was not observed in men.

Estudantes de fonoaudiologia: autoavaliação da voz, sintomas vocais e diagrama de desvio fonatório / Speech pathologist students: voice self-assessment, vocal symptoms and phonatory deviation diagram / Estudiantes de fonoaudiología: autoevaluación de la voz, síntomas vocales y diagrama de desviación fonatoria

Introdução: considera-se importante que fonoaudiólogos apresentem suas vozes como modelo ao realizar uma intervenção fonoaudiológica. Objetivo: conhecer a autoavaliação da voz e sintomas vocais de um grupo de acadêmicos de fonoaudiologia relacionando os achados ao diagrama de desvio fonatório. Método: estudo do tipo analítico, observacional, com 88 estudantes de Fonoaudiologia de uma mesma faculdade, 82 mulheres e seis homens, média de idade de 21,9 anos, sem diagnóstico de disfonia, autorreferidos saudáveis. Foram registrados e comparados dados relativos à autoavaliação da voz e de sintomas vocais, utilizando-se a Escala de Sintomas Vocais. Numa segunda etapa os estudantes foram convidados a realizar uma análise acústica de suas vozes e os que aceitaram (63,6%) procederam com a coleta das amostras de voz, programa VoxMetria® ­ CTS. Para tratamento dos dados foram utilizados Teste T ­ student e Matriz de Correlações construída com os resultados do Teste T- student (nível de confiança de 95%, alpha 5%). Resultados: a Escala de Sintomas Vocais revelou 44,31% dos participantes com escores brutos igual ou superior a 16 pontos, indicando risco vocal, com maior comprometimento do domínio físico. Alunos do último ano obtiveram escores mais elevados, com predomínio de secreção e pigarro na garganta. Houve correlação positiva entre fumar (7,95%) e aumento da nota final. A análise acústica revelou 40% das vozes com diagrama de desvio fonatório fora do quadrante de vozes normais, irregularidade da voz, jitter e shimmer alterados. Conclusão: a combinação dos dois instrumentos utilizados para conhecimento de risco de disfonia em estudantes de Fonoaudiologia mostra-se relevante e reforça a importância de programas de prevenção de saúde vocal também em futuros fonoaudiólogos. (AU)

Introduction: speech therapists must present their voices as a model for a speech therapy intervention. Objective: to understand the voice self-assessment and vocal symptoms of a group of speech therapy students, relating the findings to the phonatory deviation diagram. Method: an analytical observational study was conducted with 88 speech therapy students from the same college, consisting of 82 women and 6 men, averaging 21.9 years old, who reported no diagnosis of dysphonia, and self-reported as healthy. Data relating to voice self-assessment and vocal symptoms were recorded and compared, using the Vocal Symptoms Scale (VoiSS). In the second stage, students were invited to perform an acoustic analysis of their voices and those who accepted (63.6%) proceeded with the collection of voice samples, using the VoxMetria® ­ CTS program. To process the data, the T-student Test and Correlation Matrix constructed with the results of the T-student Test (confidence level of 95%, alpha 5%) were used. Results: The Vocal Symptoms Scale (student T-test) revealed 44.31% of participants with raw scores equal to or greater than 16 points, indicating vocal risk and greater impairment of the physical domain. Final year students obtained higher scores, with a predominance of secretion and throat clearing. There was a positive correlation between smoking (7.95%) and an increase in the final grade. The acoustic analysis revealed 40% of the voices with a phonatory deviation diagram outside the quadrant of normal voices, voice irregularity, altered jitter, and shimmer. Conclusion: The combination of the two instruments used to understand the risk of dysphonia in speech therapy students is relevant and reinforces the importance of vocal health prevention programs for future speech therapists. (AU)

Introducción: los fonoaudiologos deben presentar su voz como modelo para realizar una intervención logopédica. Objetivo: comprender la autoevaluación vocal y los síntomas vocales de un grupo de estudiantes de fonoaudiología, relacionando los hallazgos con el diagrama de desviación fonatoria. Método: se realizó un estudio observacional analítico, observacional, con 88 estudiantes de fonoaudiología de la misma facultad, conformados por 82 mujeres y 6 hombres, com edad promedio de 21,9 años, quienes no refirieron diagnóstico de disfonia y se autorefiriron como sanos. Los datos relacionados con la autoevaluación de la voz y los síntomas vocales se registraron y compararon mediante la Escala de Síntomas Vocales. En la segunda etapa, los estudiantes fueron invitados a realizar un análisis acústico de sus voces y los que aceptaron (63,6%) procedieron a la recolección de muestras de voz, utilizando el programa VoxMetria® ­ CTS. Para procesar los datos se utilizó la Prueba T de Student y la Matriz de Correlación, construida con los resultados de la Prueba T de Student (nivel de confianza del 95%, alfa 5%). Resultados: La Escala de Síntomas Vocales (prueba T de Student) reveló puntuaciones brutas iguales o superiores a 16 puntos (44,31%), lo que indica riesgo vocal y mayor afectación del dominio físico. Los estudiantes de último año obtuvieron puntuaciones más altas, con predominio de secreción y carraspeo. Hubo correlación positiva entre fumar (7,95%) y aumento en la nota final. El análisis acústico reveló voces presentando diagrama de desviación fonatoria fuera del cuadrante de normaliadad (40%), irregularidad de la voz, jitter y shimmer alterados. Conclusión: La combinación de los dos instrumentos utilizados para comprender el riesgo de disfonía en estudiantes de fonoaudiologia es relevante y refuerza la importancia de los programas de prevención de la salud vocal para futuros fonoaudiologos. (AU)

Campo dinâmico vocal: avaliação da funcionalidade da voz / Dynamic vocal analysis: vocal functionality evaluation

RESUMO O campo dinâmico vocal (CDV) é uma estratégia de avaliação vocal perceptivo-auditiva e acústica que oferece estimativas sobre a biomecânica e a aerodinâmica da produção vocal por meio da realização de tarefas de variação de frequência e de intensidade e do uso da espectrografia acústica da voz. Esse relato de experiência tem como objetivo demonstrar a aplicação do CDV na avaliação da funcionalidade vocal de indivíduos disfônicos e não-disfônicos, com foco especial na musculatura laríngea. As tarefas fonatórias envolvem emissão de vogal sustentada e/ou de fala encadeada em três intensidades autosselecionadas (habitual autorreferida, fraca e forte) e em três frequências (habitual autorreferida, aguda, grave), além do glissando. As tarefas de variação de intensidade e de frequência possibilitam a avaliação da musculatura laríngea no controle da adução glótica e do alongamento e encurtamento das pregas vocais. A tarefa de variação de frequência permite também a análise da musculatura extrínseca no controle da posição vertical da laringe no pescoço. Enquanto a vogal sustentada avalia a funcionalidade vocal com foco na laringe, a fala encadeada permite a avaliação dos ajustes articulatórios empregados. A aplicação do CDV será demonstrada por meio de pranchas espectrográficas de indivíduos normais e disfônicos. Indivíduos vocalmente saudáveis realizam as tarefas do CDV de forma equilibrada, com qualidade vocal adequada e sem esforço fonatório, denotando boa funcionalidade vocal. Por outro lado, indivíduos com dificuldade na realização das tarefas do CDV, com piora da qualidade vocal e/ou com aumento da tensão muscular, podem apresentar funcionalidade vocal alterada.

ABSTRACT Dynamic vocal analysis (DVA) is an auditory-perceptual and acoustic vocal assessment strategy that provides estimates on the biomechanics and aerodynamics of vocal production by performing frequency and intensity variation tasks and using voice acoustic spectrography. The objective of this experience report is to demonstrate the use of DVA in the assessment of vocal functionality of dysphonic and non-dysphonic individuals, with a special focus on the laryngeal musculature. Phonatory tasks consisted of sustained vowel, "a" or "é", and/or connected speech, in three intensities (habitual, soft, and loud) and three frequencies (habitual, high, and low), as well as ascending and descending glissando. The adjustments of the laryngeal and paralaryngeal muscles can be inferred from the different DVA tasks. The main characteristics of the laryngeal muscles analyzed are control of glottic adduction, stretching, and shortening of the vocal folds; the main characteristics of the paralaryngeal musculature are mainly related to the vertical laryngeal position in the neck. While the sustained vowel evaluates the vocal functionality with a focus on the larynx, connected speech allows the evaluation of the articulatory adjustments employed. An acoustic spectrographic software can be used to visualize the performance of such tasks. The clinical application of the DVA will be exemplified using acoustic spectrography plates from normal and dysphonic voices, taken from a voice bank. Individuals who perform the DVA tasks in a balanced way, with adequate vocal quality and without phonatory effort, demonstrate good vocal functionality. On the other hand, difficulties in performing these tasks with worsening vocal quality and/or increased muscle tension may be indications of altered vocal functionality.

Perceptual Error Analysis of Human and Synthesized Voices.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: To assess the quality of synthesized voices through listeners' skills in discriminating human and synthesized voices. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: Eighteen human voices with different types and degrees of deviation (roughness, breathiness, and strain, with three degrees of deviation: mild, moderate, and severe) were selected by three voice specialists. Synthesized samples with the same deviations of human voices were produced by the VoiceSim system. The manipulated parameters were vocal frequency perturbation (roughness), additive noise (breathiness), increasing tension, subglottal pressure, and decreasing vocal folds separation (strain). Two hundred sixty-nine listeners were divided in three groups: voice specialist speech language pathologists (V-SLPs), general clinician SLPs (G-SLPs), and naive listeners (NLs). The SLP listeners also indicated the type and degree of deviation. RESULTS: The listeners misclassified 39.3% of the voices, both synthesized (42.3%) and human (36.4%) samples (P = 0.001). V-SLPs presented the lowest error percentage considering the voice nature (34.6%); G-SLPs and NLs identified almost half of the synthesized samples as human (46.9%, 45.6%). The male voices were more susceptible for misidentification. The synthesized breathy samples generated a greater perceptual confusion. The samples with severe deviation seemed to be more susceptible for errors. The synthesized female deviations were correctly classified. The male breathiness and strain were identified as roughness. CONCLUSION: VoiceSim produced stimuli very similar to the voices of patients with dysphonia. V-SLPs had a better ability to classify human and synthesized voices. VoiceSim is better to simulate vocal breathiness and female deviations; the male samples need adjustment.

Influência do fator de aprendizagem na análise perceptivo-auditiva / Learning factor influence on the perceptual-auditory analysis

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar o fator de aprendizagem durante uma tarefa perceptivo-auditiva para três grupos diferentes em uma tarefa não usual. Método 269 ouvintes, divididos em três grupos: 73 no grupo dos fonoaudiólogos especialistas em voz (GE), 84 no grupo dos fonoaudiólogos não especialistas em voz (GNE) e 112 no grupo leigo (GL), dos não fonoaudiólogos. Todos foram submetidos a uma sessão de escuta que incluiu 18 vozes humanas e 18 vozes sintetizadas com diferentes tipos e graus de desvio, mais 50% de repetição para avaliar a consistência intraindivíduo. A tarefa era classificar as vozes como humana ou sintetizada. Analisou-se o fator de aprendizagem pela comparação da porcentagem de erros do começo, primeiras 18 vozes, e do final, últimas 18 vozes, da sessão de escuta. Resultados O GE foi submetido ao fator de aprendizagem, apresentando menos erros no final da tarefa (25,5%), do que no começo (28,6%), com diferença estatística (p = 0,024). O GNE e o GL não apresentaram diferença da porcentagem de erros no começo e no final da tarefa (GNE começo = 36,5%; GNE final = 35,3%; GL começo = 38,3%; GL final = 37,7%). Conclusão O GE foi o único grupo que apresentou indícios evidentes do fator de aprendizagem. Parece que a experiência profissional influencia de modo positivo a análise perceptivo-auditiva, reforçando o impacto de um treinamento para se tornar um especialista em voz. Ainda, o especialista em voz parece estar mais preparado e mais suscetível a utilizar estratégias de aprendizagem para melhorar sua performance durante uma tarefa perceptivo-auditiva mesmo que pouco usual.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the learning factor during a perceptual-auditory analysis of an unusual task in three different groups. Methods 269 listeners, divided into three groups: 73 voice specialists Speech Language Pathologists (EG), 84 voice specialists Speech Language Pathologists (NEG); and 112 non-speech pathologists in the Naive Group (NG). They all completed a listening session that included 18 synthesized and 18 human voices with different types and degrees of deviation (50% of repetition for intra-rater consistency analysis). The task was to classify the voices as human or synthesized. We analyzed the learning factor by comparing the initial error percentage, first 18 voices, with the final, last 18 voices. Results EG presented less error towards the end of the task (25.5%) than at the beginning (28.6%) with statistical difference (p = 0.024). The error percentage of the beginning and the end of the task did not differ for the NEG and the NG (NEG beginning = 36.5%, end = 35.3%; NG beginning = 38.3%, end = 37.7%). Conclusion The EG was the only group to present evidence of learning factor. Therefore, it seems that professional experience positively influences the perceptual-auditory analysis, which reinforces the impact of its training to become a voice specialist. Moreover, the voice specialists seem to be more prepared and more susceptible to use learning strategies to improve their performance during a perceptual-auditory analysis task, even if unusual.

Speech acoustics: How much science?

Human vocalizations are sounds made exclusively by a human vocal tract. Among other vocalizations, for example, laughs or screams, speech is the most important. Speech is the primary medium of that supremely human symbolic communication system called language. One of the functions of a voice, perhaps the main one, is to realize language, by conveying some of the speaker's thoughts in linguistic form. Speech is language made audible. Moreover, when phoneticians compare and describe voices, they usually do so with respect to linguistic units, especially speech sounds, like vowels or consonants. It is therefore necessary to understand the structure as well as nature of speech sounds and how they are described. In order to understand and evaluate the speech, it is important to have at least a basic understanding of science of speech acoustics: how the acoustics of speech are produced, how they are described, and how differences, both between speakers and within speakers, arise in an acoustic output. One of the aims of this article is try to facilitate this understanding.

Comparação dos efeitos do finger kazoo e da fonação em tubo em mulheres com voz normal / Comparison of effects of finger kazoo and tube phonation techniques in women with normal voice

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar voz antes e após a execução do finger kazoo e de fonação em tubo de vidro imerso em água, em mulheres sem queixas vocais e com laringes sem alterações. Métodos Participaram 46 mulheres no grupo que realizou a técnica finger kazoo e 12, no grupo que realizou a técnica de fonação em tubo de vidro imerso em água. Coletou-se a vogal /a:/, antes e imediatamente após a realização das técnicas, para análises acústicas, por meio do Multi-Dimensional Voice Program Advanced e do Real Time Spectrogram, e para análise perceptivo-auditiva, com a escala RASATI. As técnicas foram realizadas em três séries de 15 repetições, com repouso de 30 segundos entre elas. Resultados Quando comparados os métodos, a fonação em tubo de vidro imerso em água mostrou melhora significativa da definição do primeiro formante, da presença de sub-harmônicos, do quociente de perturbação do pitch suavizado, da variação da frequência fundamental (f0) e do índice de turbulência da voz. O finger kazoo apresentou redução significativa do desvio padrão da f0. Na análise perceptivo-auditiva, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos. Conclusão A fonação em tubo de vidro imerso em água proporcionou melhora mais perceptível nos aspectos vocais acústicos relacionados à ressonância, ruído e estabilidade, do que o finger kazoo.

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the voice before and after the finger kazoo and phonation into a glass tube immersed in water in women without vocal complaints or laryngeal affections. Methods Forty-six women participated of the group that performed the finger kazoo and 12 of the group performed the phonation into a glass tube immersed in water. It was collected the vowel /a:/, before and after the techniques, for acoustic analysis through the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program Advanced and the Real Time Spectrogram; and auditory perceptual with RASATI scale. The techniques were performed on three series of the 15 repetitions, with 30 seconds of rest between them. Results In comparison, phonation into a glass tube immersed in water showed significant improvement: definition of the first formant, subharmonic presence, smoothed pitch perturbation, variation of f0 and voice turbulence index; and the finger kazoo showed a significant reduction in the standard deviation of f0. The auditory perceptual analysis had no significant difference between groups. Conclusion In comparison, phonation into a glass tube immersed in water provided more noticeable improvement in acoustic vocal aspects related to resonance, noise and stability than the finger kazoo.

Disfonias orgânicas por neoplasias: análise de diagramas de desvio fonatório / Phonatory deviation diagram in organic dysphonia by neoplasia

OBJETIVO: comparar dados acústicos obtidos por meio de diagrama de desvio fonatório de vozes de pacientes disfônicos submetidos a laringectomias parciais com vozes de sujeitos de mesma faixa etária, porém sem queixa vocal. MÉTODOS: foram estudadas as vozes de 28 sujeitos sendo 14 sujeitos laringectomizados parciais e 14 sujeitos sem queixa vocal, compondo um grupo controle. Ambos os grupos do sexo masculino com mesma faixa etária e nível de escolaridade. RESULTADOS: as vozes dos laringectomizados parciais 100% distribuíram-se fora do quadrante de normalidade, sendo que 64,3% se localizaram no quadrante superior direito, 100% apresentaram desvios horizontais e 85,7% tiveram desvio vertical de ruído. Do grupo controle 28,5% distribuíram-se dentro do quadrante de normalidade, 71,5% localizaram-se no quadrante inferior direito, 57,2% apresentaram desvio horizontal de irregularidade - em shimmer e 7,2% em jitter. Apenas 7,2% apresentou desvio vertical de ruído no grupo controle. Houve significância estatística em relação aos parâmetros de jitter, shimmer e GNE (glottal to noise excitation) e entre a distribuição das vozes nos quadrantes direito superior e inferior do diagrama, na presença de vozes alteradas. CONCLUSÃO: o diagrama permitiu analisar e discriminar vozes alteradas daquelas com disfonia após laringectomia parcial diferenciando-as por meio de seus parâmetros, distribuição, localização e tipo de voz sendo considerado um recurso útil para análise vocal. .

PURPOSE: to compare acoustic data obtained through the phonatory deviation diagram of voices of dysphonic patients submitted to partial laryngectomy with voices of subjects of the same age range, however, without vocal complaint. METHODS: the voices of 28 subjects were studied: 14 submitted to partial laryngectomy and 14 without vocal complaints, composing a control group. Both groups of males with same age and educational level. The perceptual analysis of voices was conducted by GRBASI scale double-blind; and acoustic analysis used software VOXMETRIA(r). RESULTS: voices of partial laryngectomy group (100%) were distributed outside the normality quadrant, 64,3% were located in the upper right quadrant, 100% presented horizontal deviation of jitter and shimmer and 85,7% had a vertical deviation. In the control group, 28,5% were distributed within the normality quadrant, 71,5% were located in the lower right quadrant, 57,2% presented altered shimmer and 7,2% altered jitter. Only 7,2% had a vertical deviation in the control group. Statistical significance was observed regarding the parameters of jitter, shimmer and GNE (glottal to noise excitation) and between the distribution of the voices in the upper right and left quadrants of the diagram in the presence of altered voices. CONCLUSION: the diagram allowed to analyze and discriminate the performance of normal and pathological voice differentiating them through their parameters, distribution, location and type of voice, being considered a useful resource for voice analysis. .

Caracteristicas vocais acústicas de homens com voz e laringe normal / Vocal acoustic characteristic in men with normal voice and laryngeal

TEMA: características vocais acústicas do filtro e das medidas da fonte vocal masculina. OBJETIVO: realizar uma revisão de literatura descrevendo e discutindo os aspectos que envolvem as características vocais acústicas de homens com laringe normal relacionadas às medidas da fonte e ao filtro vocal. CONCLUSÃO: as medidas de Jita, ShdB e NHR tendem a ser maiores nos homens, enquanto a f0, PHR/HNR e o ATRI tendem a ser menores. As espectrografias tendem a apresentar formantes graves, com média de alcance menor, com escurecimento variável e menos regular do que nas mulheres.

BACKGROUND: vocal acoustic characteristics of the filter and the male measures of the vocal source. PURPOSE: to accomplish a literature review describing and discussing the aspects that involve the vocal acoustic characteristic in men with normal laryngeal related to measures of the source and the vocal filter. CONCLUSION: the measures related to Jita, ShdB and NRH tend to be bigger in men, when f0, PHR/HNR and ATRI tend to be smaller. Spectrographies tend to show deep formants with darker variation and less regular than in women.

Estudo da constância de medidas acústicas de vogais prolongadas e consecutivas em mulheres sem queixa de voz e em mulheres com disfonia / Study of the acoustic measures' constancy of sustained vowels consecutive phonations in women without vocal complaint and women with dysphonia

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a constância de medidas acústicas da frequência fundamental, jitter em porcentagem, quociente de perturbação de frequência (QPF), shimmer em dB, shimmer em porcentagem, quociente de perturbação de amplitude (QPA) e proporção harmônico-ruído (PHR), extraídas de emissões sustentadas e consecutivas de uma mesma vogal, em mulheres sem queixa vocal e em mulheres com disfonia. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os parâmetros acústicos selecionados em três grupos: 20 mulheres sem queixa vocal, 20 com disfonia e nódulo vocal e dez com disfonia e edema de Reinke, utilizando o programa Multi-Speech Model 3700 da Kay Elemetrics®; utilizou-se a vogal sustentada é, emitida 15 vezes consecutivas. RESULTADOS: Os valores de frequência fundamental apresentaram variações estatisticamente significantes até a 6ª emissão nos grupos sem queixa vocal e com disfonia e nódulo vocal. Os valores de jitter, QPF, shimmer em dB, shimmer em porcentagem, QPA e PHR não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes nos três grupos estudados, nas consecutivas emissões. CONCLUSÕES: As medidas dos sinais acústicos, em diferentes emissões consecutivas de uma mesma vogal sustentada são constantes, à exceção da frequência fundamental que pode se deslocar para o agudo nas primeiras emissões de indivíduos sem lesões laríngeas e queixas vocais e com disfonia e nódulos de pregas vocais.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the constancy of the acoustic measures fundamental frequency, percentage jitter, frequency perturbation quotient (FPQ), shimmer (dB), percentage shimmer, amplitude perturbation quotient (APQ), and harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR), obtained from consecutive phonations of a sustained vowel, in women without vocal complaint and women with dysphonia. METHODS: The selected acoustic parameters were assessed in three different groups: 20 women without vocal complaint, 20 women with dysphonia and vocal nodules, and ten women with dysphonia and Reinke's edema. The acoustic analysis was carried out using the Multi-Speech Model 3700 computer program, from Kay Elemetrics®. Recordings were made of a sustained /å/ vowel, produced 15 consecutive times. RESULTS: The values of fundamental frequency showed statistically significant variability up to the 6th token for the group without vocal complaint and for the group with dysphonia and vocal nodules. Values of jitter, FPQ, shimmer (dB), percentage shimmer, APQ and HNR didn't show significant differences in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Acoustic measures of different consecutive phonations of the same sustained vowel are constant, except for fundamental frequency, which can increase during the first phonations of individuals without vocal complaint and subjects with dysphonia and vocal nodules.