Variación de los parámetros acústicos: f0, Jitter, Shimmer y Alpha ratio en relación con distintos niveles de ruido de fondo / Variation of the acoustic parameters: f0, Jitter, Shimmer and Alpha ratio in relation with different background noise levels

Antecedentes y objetivos: Las investigaciones que involucran el análisis acústico no siempre consideran el nivel de ruido de fondo del recinto donde van a realizar el proceso de grabación o si lo hacen el valor máximo de ruido de fondo que utilizan varía de autor en autor. El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar si los parámetros: f0, Jitter, Shimmer y Alpha ratio varían en relación con los distintos niveles de ruido de fondo del recinto donde se realiza la grabación, y determinar un valor máximo de este. Materiales y métodos Se utilizó el programa Praat® para obtener el valor promedio de los parámetros: f0, Jitter, Shimmer y Alpha ratio a partir de una muestra de voz en 33 sujetos al interior de una cabina Audiométrica cuyo nivel de ruido de fondo fue de 28,1dB(A). Se realizó una comparación estadística entre el valor promedio de cada parámetro al ir incrementando el nivel de ruido de fondo en relación con los valores promedio obtenidos con el nivel de ruido de fondo basal de la cabina para cada parámetro. Resultados Los parámetros f0 y Alpha ratio, muestran valores confiables hasta un nivel de ruido de fondo de 47,7dB(A), mientras que los parámetros Jitter y Shimmer lo hacen hasta un nivel de ruido de fondo de 43,8dB(A). Conclusiones Considerando que los parámetros acústicos se obtienen todos de la misma grabación, podemos señalar que el nivel de ruido de fondo máximo recomendable en el recinto donde se realicen las grabaciones debiese ser no superior a los 43,8dB(A). (AU)

Background and objectives: Research involving acoustic analysis does not always consider the level of background noise in the room where the recording process is going to be carried out, or if they do, the maximum value of background noise used varies from author to author. The objective of this research is to establish if the parameters: f0, Jitter, Shimmer and Alpha ratio vary in relation to different levels of background noise in the room where the recording process is carried out and to establish a maximum value of this. Materials and methods The Praat program was used to get the average value of the parameters: f0, Jitter, Shimmer and Alpha ratio from a voice sample of 33 subjects inside an audiometric booth whose background noise level was 28.1dB(A). A statistical comparison was made between the average value of each parameter as the background noise increased in relation to the average values obtained with the baseline background noise of the cabin for each parameter. Results The f0 and Alpha ratio parameters show reliable values up to a background noise level of 47.7dB(A), while the Jitter and Shimmer parameters do so up to a background noise level of 43.8dB(A). Conclusions Considering that the acoustic parameters are all obtained from the same recording, we can point out that the recommended maximum background noise level in the room where the recordings are made should not exceed 43.8dB(A). (AU)

Variation of the acoustic parameters: f0, jitter, shimmer and alpha ratio in relation with different background noise levels.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Research involving acoustic analysis does not always consider the level of background noise in the room where the recording process is going to be carried out, or if they do, the maximum value of background noise used varies from author to author. The objective of this research is to establish if the parameters: f0, Jitter, Shimmer and Alpha ratio vary in relation to different levels of background noise in the room where the recording process is carried out and to establish a maximum value of this. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Praat program was used to get the average value of the parameters: f0, Jitter, Shimmer and Alpha ratio from a voice sample of 33 subjects inside an Audiometric booth whose background noise level was 28,1 dB(A). A statistical comparison was made between the average value of each parameter as the background noise increased in relation to the average values ​​obtained with the baseline background noise of the cabin for each parameter. RESULTS: The f0 and Alpha ratio parameters show reliable values ​​up to a background noise level of 47,7 dB(A), while the Jitter and Shimmer parameters do so up to a background noise level of 43,8 dB(A). CONCLUSIONS: Considering that the acoustic parameters are all obtained from the same recording, we can point out that the recommended maximum background noise level in the room where the recordings are made should not exceed 43,8 dB(A).

Comparison of the Acoustic Parameters Obtained With Different Smartphones and a Professional Microphone.

Smartphones allow good quality recordings; however, it cannot be claimed that the acoustic parameters obtained from them are comparable to those obtained with a professional microphone. The objective of this study is to establish whether there are significant differences when comparing the values ​​of six acoustic parameters obtained from recordings using four smartphones and a professional microphone. The Praat programme was used to obtain the acoustic parameters: f0, Jitter, Shimmer, HNR, Alpha Ratio and L1 - L0 of the recording of a sustained vowel /a/ using iPhone SE, iPhone 6, Samsung S8, Huawei Y7 and the Behringer ECM 8000 microphone. The sample was made up of 26 men and 26 women, from 18 to 26 years old without declared voice pathology. The repeated sample ANOVA test was used to compare the values. All the equipment show reproducibility between consecutive repeated measurements. The parameters f0 and Jitter were the only ones that did not show significant differences between the smartphones and the professional microphone. None of the smartphones studied can replace the professional microphone in voice recording for the evaluation of the six parameters analysed, except for f0 and Jitter.

Comparación de parámetros acústicos obtenidos con diferentes teléfonos inteligentes y un micrófono profesional / Comparison of the acoustic parameters obtained with different smartphones and a professional microphone

Los teléfonos inteligentes permiten obtener grabaciones de buena calidad, sin embargo, no es posible afirmar que los parámetros acústicos obtenidos a partir de ellos sean comparables a los que se pueden obtener con un micrófono profesional. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar si existen diferencias significativas al comparar los valores de seis parámetros acústicos obtenidos a partir de las grabaciones, usando cuatro teléfonos inteligentes y un micrófono profesional. Se usó el programa Praat para obtener los parámetros acústicos: f0, Jitter, Shimmer, Harmonic to noise ratio (HNR), Alpha Ratio y L1 – L0 de la grabación de una vocal sostenida /a/ usando los teléfonos inteligentes: iPhone SE, iPhone 6, Samsung S8, Huawei Y7 y el micrófono Behringer ECM8000. La muestra la conformaron 26 hombres y 26 mujeres, de 18 a 26 años sin patología vocal declarada. Se usó la prueba ANOVA de muestras repetidas para comparar los valores. Todos los equipos presentan reproducibilidad entre mediciones repetidas consecutivas. Los parámetros f0 y Jitter, fueron los únicos que no presentaron diferencias significativas entre los teléfonos inteligentes y el micrófono profesional. Ninguno de los teléfonos inteligentes estudiados puede reemplazar al micrófono profesional en la grabación de la voz para la evaluación de los seis parámetros analizados, excepto para f0 y Jitter. (AU)

Smartphones allow good quality recordings; however, it cannot be claimed that the acoustic parameters obtained from them are comparable to those obtained with a professional microphone. The objective of this study is to establish whether there are significant differences when comparing the values of six acoustic parameters obtained from recordings using four smartphones and a professional microphone. The Praat programme was used to obtain the acoustic parameters: f0, Jitter, Shimmer, HNR, Alpha Ratio and L1 - L0 of the recording of a sustained vowel /a/ using iPhone SE, iPhone 6, Samsung S8, Huawei Y7 and the Behringer ECM8000 microphone. The sample was made up of 26 men and 26 women, from 18 to 26 years old without declared voice pathology. The repeated sample ANOVA test was used to compare the values. All the equipment show reproducibility between consecutive repeated measurements. The parameters f0 and Jitter were the only ones that did not show significant differences between the smartphones and the professional microphone. None of the smartphones studied can replace the professional microphone in voice recording for the evaluation of the six parameters analysed, except for f0 and Jitter. (AU)

Variación del parámetro acústico harmonic-to-noise ratio en relación con distintos niveles de ruido de fondo / Variation of the acoustic parameter harmonic-to-noise ratio in relation to different background noise levels

Introducción y objetivos: El análisis acústico es una herramienta muy utilizada por los profesionales afines al estudio de la voz que permite obtener información de ella a partir de una grabación. Se ha identificado que en las investigaciones que se realizan hoy en día que involucran análisis acústico, se realiza el proceso de grabación en recintos con distintos niveles de ruido de fondo. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar si el parámetro acústico harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR) varía en relación con los distintos niveles de ruido de fondo del recinto donde se realiza la grabación y determinar un valor máximo recomendado de ruido de fondo para esa sala.MétodosA través del programa Praat se obtuvo el valor promedio del parámetro acústico HNR de 43 sujetos, en el interior de la cabina audiométrica de la Universidad Autónoma de Chile, cuyo nivel de ruido de fondo es de 28,1dB(A), y se comparó con los valores promedio de HNR obtenidos con niveles de ruido de fondo superiores.ResultadosLos valores promedios de HNR fueron disminuyendo desde 19,8 hasta 14,0dB(A) a medida que el nivel de ruido de fondo del recinto aumentaba de 28,1 a 57,8dB(A). Se realizó la prueba t para muestras dependientes, con la cual se compararon los valores de HNR promedio obtenidos con el nivel de ruido de fondo basal (28,1dB[A]). Se encontraron diferencias significativas con el nivel de ruido de fondo basal cuando el nivel de ruido de fondo de la sala era superior a 47,7dB(A).ConclusionesEl ruido de fondo del recinto donde se realiza la grabación de voz necesaria para el análisis acústico influye en el valor del parámetro acústico HNR, el cual desciende a medida que el ruido de fondo del recinto aumenta. Se establece como valor máximo recomendado un nivel de ruido de fondo que no supere los 43,8dB(A). (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Acoustic analysis is a tool widely used by professionals related to the study of voice that gives us information from a recording. It has been identified that in investigations carried out today that involve acoustic analysis, the recording process takes place in rooms with different levels of background noise. The objective of this study is to establish whether the acoustic parameter harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR) varies in relation to the different background noise levels of the premises where the recording is made and recommend a maximum level of background noise.MethodsThrough the Praat programme, the average value of the acoustic parameter HNR of 43 subjects was obtained, inside the audiometric booth of the Universidad Autónoma de Chile, whose background noise level is 28.1dB(A) and it was compared with the HNR average values obtained with higher background noise levels.ResultsThe HNR average values decreased from 19.8 to 14.0dB(A) as the background noise level of the premises increased from 28.1 to 57.8dB(A). The t-test for dependent samples was performed, with which the HNR average values obtained were compared with the baseline background noise level (28.1dB[A]). Significant differences were found with the baseline background noise level when the room noise level was higher than 47.7dB(A).ConclusionsThe background noise of the premises where the voice recording for the acoustic analysis is performed, influences the value of the acoustic parameter HNR, which decreases as the background noise of the premises increases. It is recommended that the background noise level should not exceed 43.8dB(A). (AU)

Comparison of the acoustic parameters obtained with different smartphones and a professional microphone. / Comparación de parámetros acústicos obtenidos con diferentes teléfonos inteligentes y un micrófono profesional.

Smartphones allow good quality recordings; however, it cannot be claimed that the acoustic parameters obtained from them are comparable to those obtained with a professional microphone. The objective of this study is to establish whether there are significant differences when comparing the values of six acoustic parameters obtained from recordings using four smartphones and a professional microphone. The Praat programme was used to obtain the acoustic parameters: f0, Jitter, Shimmer, HNR, Alpha Ratio and L1 - L0 of the recording of a sustained vowel /a/ using iPhone SE, iPhone 6, Samsung S8, Huawei Y7 and the Behringer ECM8000 microphone. The sample was made up of 26 men and 26 women, from 18 to 26 years old without declared voice pathology. The repeated sample ANOVA test was used to compare the values. All the equipment show reproducibility between consecutive repeated measurements. The parameters f0 and Jitter were the only ones that did not show significant differences between the smartphones and the professional microphone. None of the smartphones studied can replace the professional microphone in voice recording for the evaluation of the six parameters analysed, except for f0 and Jitter.

Variation of the acoustic parameter harmonic-to-noise ratio in relation to different background noise levels. / Variación del parámetro acústico harmonic-to-noise ratio en relación con distintos niveles de ruido de fondo.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Acoustic analysis is a tool widely used by professionals related to the study of voice that gives us information from a recording. It has been identified that in investigations carried out today that involve acoustic analysis, the recording process takes place in rooms with different levels of background noise. The objective of this study is to establish whether the acoustic parameter harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR) varies in relation to the different background noise levels of the premises where the recording is made and recommend a maximum level of background noise. METHODS: Through the Praat programme, the average value of the acoustic parameter HNR of 43 subjects was obtained, inside the audiometric booth of the Universidad Autónoma de Chile, whose background noise level is 28.1dB(A) and it was compared with the HNR average values obtained with higher background noise levels. RESULTS: The HNR average values decreased from 19.8 to 14.0dB(A) as the background noise level of the premises increased from 28.1 to 57.8dB(A). The t-test for dependent samples was performed, with which the HNR average values obtained were compared with the baseline background noise level (28.1dB[A]). Significant differences were found with the baseline background noise level when the room noise level was higher than 47.7dB(A). CONCLUSIONS: The background noise of the premises where the voice recording for the acoustic analysis is performed, influences the value of the acoustic parameter HNR, which decreases as the background noise of the premises increases. It is recommended that the background noise level should not exceed 43.8dB(A).

Comparación de los valores de alpha ratio entre hombres y mujeres fumadores y no fumadores entre 18 y 26 años / Comparison of alpha ratio values between men and women smokers and non-smokers between 18 and 26 years

El hábito de fumar puede causar daños a la voz, incluso en etapas tempranas. El valor alpha ratio permitiría detectar cambios en el timbre de voz debido a dicho hábito, pudiendo ser un indicador preventivo de futuras patologías vocales. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar si existen diferencias significativas entre los valores de alpha ratio de hombres y mujeres, fumadores y no fumadores, sin patología vocal previa, de manera de respaldar su uso a nivel preventivo. Se midieron los valores Leq 0-1000 Hz y Leq 1000-5000 Hz, que componen alpha ratio, en 194 sujetos entre 18 y 26 años que no hacen uso profesional de la voz. El grupo se dividió en 32 hombres fumadores y 21 no fumadores, 61 mujeres fumadoras y 80 no fumadoras. Se grabaron sus voces en una cámara silente, utilizando los programas Audacity y PRAAT. Los valores alpha ratio en fumadores tanto en hombres como mujeres, presentaron valores promedio mayores que los no fumadores. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los valores de alpha ratio entre hombre fumadores y no fumadores (p = .2799) solo entre mujeres fumadoras y no fumadoras (p = .0111). Se compararon los valores Leq 0-1000 Hz y Leq 1000-5000 Hz entre mujeres fumadoras y no fumadoras encontrándose solo diferencias significativas en los valores Leq 1000-5000 Hz (p = .0095). Se puede concluir que el valor alpha ratio podría ser un buen indicador temprano de predisposición para el desarrollo de alteraciones que afecten el timbre de voz, en especial en el caso de las mujeres.

Smoking habit can cause damage to the voice, even in the early stages, which can hinder the communication process. Early identification of alterations in vocal parameters allows preventive measures to be taken prior to the generation of irreversible damage. The alpha ratio value is a vocal parameter obtained through an acoustic analysis that would allow detecting changes in the voice timbre, being able to be a preventive indicator of vocal pathologies. The objective of this investigation was to determine if there are significant differences between the alpha ratio values of men and women, smokers and non-smokers, without previous vocal pathology. The values Leq 0-1000 [Hz] and Leq 1000-5000 [Hz], which make up the alpha ratio value, were measured in 194 subjects between 18 and 26 years of age who did not use professional voice. The group was divided into 32 male smokers and 21 non-smokers, 61 females mokers and 80 non-smokers. The information gathering process was carried out in two stages: in the first one the subject was asked to inhale deeply and to emit a / a / sustained for a time of 5 seconds, for calibration and verification of parameters. In the second stage, a text of 101 words was requested: For the recording, a microphone was used 10 cm away from the face, with a 45° angle to it. Study subjects were standing at all times. The Audacity and PRAAT programs were used for recording and acoustic analysis, respectively, and for the statistical analysis the STATA version 14 program was used. Alpha ratio values in smokers (men and women) presented higher values than non-smokers. Male smokers average alpha ratio: .5181709; male non-smokers average alpha ratio value: .4972945. Female smokers, average alpha ratio: .5321025; Non-smoking women, average alpha ratio value: .5036634. However, no significant differences were found between the values of alpha ratio between male smokers and non-smokers (p = .2799) only among females mokers and non-smokers (p = .0111). When there were statistically significant differences between the alpha ratio values of smoking and non-smoking women, the values of Leq 0-1000Hz and Leq 1000-5000 Hz were analyzed independently. The mean value Leq 0-1000 Hz of female smokers was 36.80148; The mean value Leq 0-1000 Hz in non-smoking women was 35.8655. There is no significant difference between these values (p = .171). The mean value Leq 1000-5000 Hz of female smokers was 19.58016; the mean value Leq 1000-5000 Hz in non-smoking women was 18.15138; there is a significant difference between these values (p =.0095). These results are consistent with previous research since the alterations of the voice, due to tobacco damage, are manifested in frequencies above 1000 Hz, although it would have been expected that the values of smokers were lower than the non-smokers, and not higher as in this case. This could be due to the fact that the subjects in this study were healthy, with no diagnosed pathology, and are likely to be at an early stage of vocal damage and as a compensatory form their system is making an over exertion that manifests itself in more values high. From the results obtained it can be concluded that the alpha ratio value could be a good early indicator of predisposition for the development of alterations affecting voice timbre especially in the case of women. It is necessary in order to provide a correct preventive diagnosis, to establish reference values of normality that allow to identify alterations and to study how the value of alpha ratio was affected in a population of smokers with greater number of years of smoking habit.