The evaluation of dysphonia for Cantonese school-age children : a multiparametric approach

Abstract

The present study investigated the feasibility of using multiparametric approach to predict the presence of dysphonia in Cantonese school-age children. A total of 30 children (16 dysphonic and 14 control) aged 6;02 to 12;07 participated in the study. The voice of each child was recorded and evaluated acoustically, aerodynamically, and using voice range profiles. A minimal set of instrumental voice parameters was identified based on the predictive power of each parameter in discriminating dysphonic and normal voices. Results showed that the two groups performed significantly differently in six parameters, including relative average perturbation, shimmer percent, maximum phonation time, mean airflow rate, intensity range and profile area in voice range profile. The combined use of shimmer percent and maximum phonation time correctly predicted 93.33% of the voices. These results agreed with many previous studies, indicating the value of clinical use and further investigation of multiparametric approach in evaluating voice quality in children.