Multi-parametric evaluation of dysphonia severity in pediatric population

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the applicability of the multi-parametric evaluation of dysphonia severity in the Cantonese pediatric population. Twenty-five children (18 dysphonic and 7 vocally healthy) aged between 6;04 and 12;07 were recruited. The performances of the two groups in acoustic analysis, aerodynamic evaluation and voice range profile were compared. A minimal set of predictive voice parameters was selected according to the correlation of each parameter with perceived dysphonia severity. Results showed that the dysphonic group had significantly higher jitter and shimmer, shorter maximum phonation time, smaller voice range profile area and lower maximum intensity than the vocally healthy group. The weighted combination of three instrumental parameters: Shimmer (acoustic), maximum phonation time (aerodynamic) and profile area (voice range profile) successfully predicted 84% of the perceived overall severity. Moderate correlation with functional measure, the Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) was also noted. The results were consistent with most findings in the adult population and supported the use of multi-parametric evaluation in children. Future research with a larger sample size, balanced number of participants between groups and the inclusion of a full range of dysphonic severity is suggested.