Validation of the Acoustic Voice Quality Index Version 03.01 in Latvian
Marta Mezaraupa1, Baiba Trinite1
1Speech and Voice Research Laboratory, Riga Technical University Liepaja Academy, Liepaja, Latvia.
Background:
The Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) has recently gained recognition as a reliable tool for evaluating voice quality using multiple acoustic parameters. Research indicates that combining sustained vowel phonation with connected speech enhances the reliability of the voice assessment. Although AVQI has not yet been validated in the Latvian-speaking population, it is the first tool to integrate both speech types in analysis, providing an objective and valuable measure for diagnosing voice disorders and monitoring therapy outcomes.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to validate the AVQI version 03.01 (AVQIv3) in the Latvian-speaking population.
Methods:
A total of 179 participants were enrolled, with 90 assigned to the study group and 89 to the control group. All participants completed Voice Handicap Index-30, and then voice recordings were performed, during which the phonation of the sustained vowel /a/ and connected speech passage was recorded. The most appropriate number of syllables to use for the analysis of the connected speech in Latvian was identified. Auditory-perceptual voice evaluation was conducted using the "G" parameter of the GRBAS scale and was made by three speech-language pathologists. An interrater reliability assessment, the criterion validity, and diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off point between normophonic and dysphonic voice) of the AVQIv3 were determined.
Results:
It was found that in Latvian, 25 syllables is the most appropriate number to ensure a balanced analysis of sustained vowel and connected speech recordings. The results indicated moderate inter-rater agreement for the auditory-perceptual assessment (Fκ = 0.414, CI [0.412, 0.416], P < 0.001). Spearman's rank correlation results showed a strong, positive relationship between AVQI scores and auditory-perceptual ratings (Rs = 0.716, P < 0.001). Finally, Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified an optimal AVQI cut-off value of 2.08 for distinguishing normophonic and dysphonic voices in Latvian, with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 83%.
Conclusions:
The results of the study demonstrate that AVQIv3 is an ecologically valid tool for objective differentiation between dysphonic and normal voices in the Latvian language.
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