Electroglotographic voice measurement analysis: normality standards for singers through Kay Pentax® CSL Program

Area of Science:

• Vocal acoustics and voice science.
• Physiology of singing and voice production.
• Speech and hearing sciences.

Background:

• Understanding vocal characteristics in singers is crucial for voice pedagogy and health.
• Electroglottography (EGG) provides objective measures of vocal fold function.
• Previous research suggests sex-based differences in voice production, but specific parameters in singers require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare key electroglottographic parameters in male and female singers.
• Investigate differences in fundamental frequency (f0), jitter, contact quotient (QC), and wave periodicity.
• Examine these vocal measures in the context of a habitual singing voice.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional observational study involving 60 singers (30 male, 30 female) from singing schools.
• Electroglottography (EGG) was performed using Kay Pentax CSL software (model 6103).
• Participants sustained the vowel /a/, and measurements of f0, jitter, QC, and periodicity were analyzed using Minitab 17.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences were observed across all analyzed parameters.
• Females exhibited higher fundamental frequency (226.91 Hz) compared to males (166.54 Hz).
• Females also showed higher contact quotient (40.46%) and periodicity (15.51%) than males (27.45% and 7.82%, respectively).
• Jitter was significantly higher in male singers than in female singers.

Conclusions:

• Female singers demonstrate distinct vocal fold behaviors compared to male singers.
• Higher f0, QC, and periodicity in females suggest differences in vocal fold closure and vibration patterns.
• Elevated jitter in males may indicate greater variability in vocal fold vibration.