Vocal characteristics during child development: perceptual-auditory and acoustic data

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Voice Science
• Acoustic Phonetics
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Understanding the developmental trajectory of children's voices is crucial for identifying vocal deviations.
• Perceptual-auditory and acoustic voice characteristics evolve throughout childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze perceptual-auditory and acoustic voice characteristics in children across different age groups (3-10 years).
• To identify age-related changes and vocal deviations in children's voices.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-three children aged 3-10 years were divided into three age groups (3-5, 6-7, 8-10 years).
• Vocal deviation severity, roughness, breathiness, strain, and instability were assessed using visual analog scales.
• Acoustic parameters including fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, shimmer, and glottal-to-noise excitation ratio were measured for sustained vowels and connected speech.

Main Results:

• Children aged 8-10 years demonstrated the highest severity of vocal deviation.
• Significant differences in mean F0 for sustained vowels and F0 variability were found between the 3-5 year olds and other groups.
• Phonation tension level decreased with age, with significant reductions in phonation tension, F0, jitter, and shimmer noted after age five.

Conclusions:

• Children aged 8-10 years present with the most pronounced vocal deviations.
• Voice parameters undergo significant changes after age five, indicating developmental shifts in phonation and vocal quality.