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Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
Vocal acoustic characteristics in pre-school aged children
Viviane Michele Cappellari1, Carla Aparecida Cielo
1UFSM, Brazil.
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
|June 24, 2008
Summary
Vocal acoustic analysis in preschool children reveals that four-year-olds exhibit immature voice structures and control. Maturation of these vocal characteristics begins around five to six years of age.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Speech and Hearing Science
- Otolaryngology
- Acoustic Phonetics
Background:
- Vocal parameter evaluation is crucial for treatment planning.
- Establishing normal vocal parameters provides a baseline for proper assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess vocal acoustic characteristics in 23 preschool children (aged 4 to 6 years 8 months).
- To identify age-related changes in vocal parameters within this age group.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, cross-sectional study design was employed.
- Data collection included parental questionnaires, auditory screening, and vocal-perception auditory assessment using the R.A.S.A.T. scale.
- Acoustic analysis was performed using the Multi Dimensional Voice Program.
Main Results:
- Higher noise-harmonic ratio (NHR) and frequency variation (vf0) were observed in the total sample compared to five and six-year-olds.
- NHR values decreased with increasing age.
- Increased amplitude perturbation quotient (APQ) correlated with higher vf0, variation of amplitude (vAm), soft phonation index (SPI), and NHR.
Conclusions:
- Four-year-olds demonstrated acoustic parameter patterns suggesting structural immaturity and lack of neuro-muscular control.
- The vocal maturation process appears to initiate around five to six years of age.
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