Relative Fundamental Frequency Distinguishes Between Phonotraumatic and Non-Phonotraumatic Vocal Hyperfunction

Area of Science:

• Speech and Hearing Sciences
• Acoustic Analysis
• Vocal Health

Background:

• Vocal hyperfunction (VH) encompasses conditions affecting voice production.
• Distinguishing between phonotraumatic (PVH) and non-phonotraumatic (NPVH) subtypes is crucial for targeted treatment.
• Objective acoustic measures are needed to differentiate VH subtypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of relative fundamental frequency (RFF) in distinguishing between PVH and NPVH.
• To compare RFF values across control, PVH, and NPVH groups.

Main Methods:

• Acoustic analysis of RFF was performed.
• RFF values were measured in individuals with typical voices (controls, N=49), PVH (N=54), and NPVH (N=35).
• Statistical comparisons were made among the three groups.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in Offset Cycle 10 RFF were observed among all three groups, with values decreasing from controls to NPVH to PVH.
• PVH group exhibited lower RFF values for Offset Cycles 7, 8, and 9 compared to controls and/or NPVH.
• A trend for lower Onset Cycle 1 RFF was noted in the PVH group compared to the NPVH group.

Conclusions:

• RFF is a significant acoustic differentiator between typical voices and vocal hyperfunction.
• RFF effectively distinguishes between the phonotraumatic and non-phonotraumatic subtypes of vocal hyperfunction.
• Findings suggest functional differences between PVH and NPVH, potentially alongside structural variations.