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Quantitative and Qualitative Electroglottographic Wave Shape Differences in Children and Adults Using Voice Map-Based
Rita R Patel1, Sten Ternström2
1Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington.
Summary
Voice map analysis reveals significant differences in electroglottography (EGG) parameters between children and adults. These findings highlight distinct vocal fold contacting patterns across age groups, particularly in habitual and overlap vocal ranges.
Area of Science:
- Laryngology and Voice Science
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Understanding age-related differences in vocal fold dynamics is crucial for diagnosing and treating voice disorders.
- Electroglottography (EGG) provides noninvasive insights into vocal fold contact patterns.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated specific EGG parameter differences between pediatric and adult voices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare electroglottography (EGG) voice map parameters between children and adults.
- To identify age-specific differences in vocal fold contacting during habitual and overlap vocal frequency/intensity ranges.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of EGG voice maps from 22 children (4-8 years) and 26 adults (22-45 years) during connected speech and vowel phonation.
- Measurement of contact quotient by integration, normalized contacting speed, quotient of speed by integration, and cycle-rate sample entropy.
- Statistical evaluation using linear mixed models and analysis of covariance to compare group differences.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in contact quotient by integration, normalized contacting speed, quotient of speed by integration, and cycle-rate sample entropy were observed between children and adult males, and between children and both adult males and females in the overlap range.
- Children consistently lacked a 'knee' on the decontacting slope of the EGG waveform, unlike adults.
- Specific EGG parameters and the presence/absence of a 'knee' differentiated children from adults and adult males from adult females.
Conclusions:
- Electroglottography (EGG) parameters, including contact quotient, contacting speed, and cycle-rate sample entropy, along with waveform shape characteristics like the 'knee', effectively distinguish between child and adult voices.
- The absence of a 'knee' in children's EGG waveforms is a key differentiator from adult voices.
- These findings provide objective measures for understanding age-related vocal fold function and potential clinical applications.
