Normative Voice Range Profile of the Young Female Voice.

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.