Normative Voice Range Profile of the Young Female Voice.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Normative data are important in the clinical setting of Speech and Language Pathology. The purpose of this study was to develop a normative reference dataset of voice range profiles from young females. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study including a prospective collection of voice range profile data. METHODS: Voice range profile recordings from 39 females with healthy voices aged 18 to 28 years were conducted. Seven voice range profile variables were analyzed minimum and maximum fundamental frequency and intensity, semitone and intensity ranges, and voice range profile area. Descriptive statistical methods were applied. RESULTS: An age-specific voice range profile normative dataset was established. The mean values and standard deviations were as follows semitone range 34.7 ± 3.9 ST, minimum fundamental frequency 143.6 ± 21.7 hertz, maximum fundamental frequency 1063.5 ± 160 hertz, intensity range 65.6 ± 5.0 dB, minimum intensity 43.2 ± 2.5 dB SPL, maximum SPL 108.9 ± 5.1 dB SPL, and voice range profile area 1346 ± 222 cells. CONCLUSION: A normative dataset usable for optimization of future voice assessments has been established. It may especially benefit evaluation and treatment planning for younger females suffering from vocal fold nodules.