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Rives H, Clark CM, Estes CM, Sulica L. Return to Vocal Performance Following Microlaryngoscopy in Singers. Laryngoscope 2024; 134:329-334. [PMID: 37431830 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although microlaryngoscopy has been recognized to be effective in addressing lesions in vocal performers, no detailed information regarding return to performance (RTP) following surgery exists. We describe our experience and offer proposals to establish standardized criteria for RTP among vocal performers. METHODS Records for adult vocalists who underwent microlaryngoscopy for benign vocal fold (VF) lesions and had a clearly documented RTP date between 2006 and 2022 were reviewed. Patient demographics, diagnoses, interventions, and postsurgical care before and after RTP were described. The need for medical and procedural interventions and rate of reinjury were used to determine the success of RTP. RESULTS Sixty-nine vocal performers (average age: 32.8 years, 41 [59.4%] female, 61 [88.4%] musical theater) underwent surgery for 37 (53.6%) pseudocysts, 25 (36.2%) polyps, 5 (7.2%) cysts, 1 (1.4%) varix, and 1 (1.4%) mucosal bridge. Fifty-seven (82.6%) underwent voice therapy. The average time to RTP was 65.0 ± 29.8 days. Prior to RTP, six (8.7%) experienced VF edema requiring oral steroids and one (1.4%) underwent a VF steroid injection. Within 6 months following RTP, eight (11.6%) received oral steroids for edema and three underwent procedural interventions (two steroid injections for edema/stiffness, one injection augmentation for paresis). One patient experienced pseudocyst recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Return to vocal performance at an average of 2 months following microlaryngoscopy for benign lesions appears overwhelmingly successful, with low rates of need for additional intervention. There is a need for validated instruments to better measure performance fitness to refine and possibly accelerate RTP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 134:329-334, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hal Rives
- Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, U.S.A
| | - Christine M Clark
- Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, U.S.A
| | - Christine M Estes
- Voice and Swallowing Program, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Westchester Medical Center Speech and Hearing Center, Westchester Institute for Human Development, New York Medical College Institute of Public Health, Valhalla, New York, U.S.A
| | - Lucian Sulica
- Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, U.S.A
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White AC, Awad R, Carding P. Pre and Post-operative Voice Therapy Intervention for Benign Vocal Fold Lesions: A Systematic Review. J Voice 2023; 37:857-874. [PMID: 34272141 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Benign vocal fold lesions cause dysphonia by preventing vocal fold closure, causing irregular vibration and increasing compensatory muscle tension. Voice therapy delivered in addition to phonosurgery may improve voice and quality of life outcomes but the evidence base is lacking and what constitutes voice therapy for this population is not defined. The purpose of this systematic review is to critically evaluate the evidence for pre and post-operative voice therapy to inform the development of an evidence based intervention. STUDY DESIGN Systematic Review. METHODS Electronic databases were searched using key terms including dysphonia, phonosurgery, voice therapy and outcomes. Eligible articles were extracted and reviewed by the authors for risk of bias and for information regarding the content, timing and intensity of any pre and post-operative voice therapy intervention. RESULTS Of the 432 articles identified, 35 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. 5 were RCTs, 2 were individual cohort studies, 1 was a case control study and 26 were case series. There was considerable heterogeneity in participant characteristics. Information was frequently lacking regarding the content timing and intensity of the reported voice therapy intervention, and where present, interventions were highly variable. CONCLUSION Reporting in relevant literature is limited in all aspects of content, timing and intensity of intervention. Further intervention development work is required to develop a robust voice therapy treatment intervention for this population, before effectiveness work can commence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C White
- Division of Rehabilitation, Wellbeing and Ageing, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH; Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, NG72UH.
| | - Rehab Awad
- Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, University Hospital Lewisham Hospital, Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 6LH; Kasr Alaini Hospital, Cairo University, Al-Saray Street, El Manial, Cairo, 11956, Egypt
| | - Paul Carding
- Health & Life Sciences, Oxford Institute of Nursing, Midwifery & Allied Health Research, Jack Straws Lane, Oxford, OX3 0FL, England
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Wang Z, Müller M, Caffier F, Caffier PP. Harnessing Machine Learning in Vocal Arts Medicine: A Random Forest Application for "Fach" Classification in Opera. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2870. [PMID: 37761237 PMCID: PMC10528521 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13182870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vocal arts medicine provides care and prevention strategies for professional voice disorders in performing artists. The issue of correct "Fach" determination depending on the presence of a lyric or dramatic voice structure is of crucial importance for opera singers, as chronic overuse often leads to vocal fold damage. To avoid phonomicrosurgery or prevent a premature career end, our aim is to offer singers an improved, objective fach counseling using digital sound analyses and machine learning procedures. For this purpose, a large database of 2004 sound samples from professional opera singers was compiled. Building on this dataset, we employed a classic ensemble learning method, namely the Random Forest algorithm, to construct an efficient fach classifier. This model was trained to learn from features embedded within the sound samples, subsequently enabling voice classification as either lyric or dramatic. As a result, the developed system can decide with an accuracy of about 80% in most examined voice types whether a sound sample has a lyric or dramatic character. To advance diagnostic tools and health in vocal arts medicine and singing voice pedagogy, further machine learning methods will be applied to find the best and most efficient classification method based on artificial intelligence approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehui Wang
- Institute for Digital Transformation, University of Applied Sciences Ravensburg-Weingarten, Doggenriedstraße, 88250 Weingarten, Germany;
| | - Matthias Müller
- Occupational College of Music BFSM Krumbach, Mindelheimer Str. 47, 86381 Krumbach, Germany;
| | - Felix Caffier
- School of Computing, Communication and Business, HTW Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Treskowallee 8, 10318 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Philipp P. Caffier
- Department of Audiology and Phoniatrics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Barna A, Ranjbar PA, Balouch B, Alnouri G, Omari AIA, Martha V, Sataloff RT. Postoperative Voice Surgical Outcomes in Professional Singers vs Non-Singers. J Voice 2023:S0892-1997(22)00422-2. [PMID: 36746734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Professional singers often are described as vocal athletes, and just as professional athletes get injured, injuries to professional singers can occur during practice and performances. In other fields of medicine, research has shown that competitive sports athletes recover more quickly after orthopedic surgical procedures compared to non-athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether similar differences occur with voice patients by comparing voice surgical outcomes between professional singers and non-singers. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted that included a consecutive sample of 194 adult subjects who underwent voice surgical procedures in the operating room. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon, the senior author of this study (RTS). Data were reviewed for patients with medical records between January 1, 2010 to February 1, 2022. Subjects who reported receiving income from singing or reported studying voice at a collegiate level or higher were classified as professional singers. Subjects reporting careers in all other professions, including unpaid avocational singers or singers without formal training, were assigned to the non-singer control group. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Statistical significance was determined using independent samples t test for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test or binary logistic regression for binary outcomes. RESULTS There were 194 subjects included in this study (43.81% male/56.19% female). The average age was 42.60 ± 15.17. Ninety subjects were professional singers and 104 were non-singers. Revision of surgical plan was significantly different for professional singers compared to non-singers (14.44% versus 0%, P < 0.001). The rate of postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the singer and non-singer groups, even when adjusting for other factors. Professional singers presented with slightly more severe vocal fold hemorrhages on the first postoperative visit compared to non-singers (1.73 ± 0.73 versus 1.32 ± 0.65, P = 0.003), but there was no difference by the second visit. Following surgery, professional singers adhered to a longer duration of voice rest. However, both groups participated equally in voice therapy postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS No differences were found in operative complications between professional singers and non-singers. This study describes outcomes and considerations in patient care for professional singers. It also provides insight into potentially modifiable factors, such as voice rest, that could impact patient care postoperatively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ghiath Alnouri
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine
| | - Ahmad Issa Al Omari
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology
| | - Vishnu Martha
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine
| | - Robert T Sataloff
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Lankenau Institute for Medical Research.
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New objective timbre parameters for classification of voice type and fach in professional opera singers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17921. [PMID: 36289365 PMCID: PMC9605961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22821-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Voice timbre is defined as sound color independent of pitch and volume, based on a broad frequency band between 2 and 4 kHz. Since there are no specific timbre parameters, previous studies have come to the very general conclusion that the center frequencies of the singer's formants are somewhat higher in the higher voice types than in the lower ones. For specification, a database was created containing 1723 sound examples of various voice types. The energy distribution in the frequency bands of the singer's formants was extracted for quantitative analysis. When the energy distribution function reached 50%, the corresponding absolute frequency in Hz was defined as Frequency of Half Energy (FHE). This new parameter quantifies the timbre of a singing voice as a concrete measure, independent of fundamental frequency, vowel color and volume. The database allows assigning FHE means ± SD as characteristic or comparative values for sopranos (3092 ± 284 Hz), tenors (2705 ± 221 Hz), baritones (2454 ± 206 Hz) and basses (2384 ± 164 Hz). In addition to vibrato, specific timbre parameters provide another valuable feature in vocal pedagogy for classification of voice type and fach according to the lyric or dramatic character of the voice.
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Childs LF, D'Oto A, Harris A, Rao A, Mau T. Voice Therapy Expectations for Injured Singers. J Voice 2022:S0892-1997(22)00125-4. [PMID: 35688766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Voice therapy is a mainstay treatment modality in the management of phonotrauma in singers. However, the typical duration of therapy an injured singer undergoes is unknown. The primary aims of the study were to determine (1) the number of therapy sessions preceding a decision for surgery and (2) the number of sessions and length of time to achieve improvement in singers who did not undergo surgery. Whether specific singer factors were associated with the length of therapy was also investigated. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective. METHODS Records of singers with phonotraumatic vocal fold lesions seen over a 9-year period at a tertiary care voice center were reviewed. RESULTS Sixty singers who underwent surgery and 183 singers who did not undergo surgery were included in the final analysis. In nearly ¾ of the surgical patients, five or fewer voice therapy sessions were completed prior to the decision for surgery. Singers who did not undergo surgery required on average 3-4 sessions before noting improvement. Over 60% of the non-surgical singers improved within 3 months and 84% were judged to be improved by 6 months. Lesion type, professional/amateur status, formal voice training, and having a current voice teacher/coach were not associated with the length of voice therapy. CONCLUSIONS The length of voice therapy prior to decision for surgery was limited, and so was the length of therapy leading to initial improvement in singers who did not require surgery. These findings provide a framework for voice therapy expectations and could be reassuring for this unique population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley F Childs
- Clinical Center for Voice Care, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
| | - Alexandra D'Oto
- Clinical Center for Voice Care, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Amy Harris
- Clinical Center for Voice Care, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ashwin Rao
- Clinical Center for Voice Care, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ted Mau
- Clinical Center for Voice Care, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Free N, Stemple JC, Smith JA, Phyland DJ. The Immediate Impact of Targeted Exercises on Voice Characteristics in Female Speakers With Phonotraumatic Vocal Fold Lesions. J Voice 2022:S0892-1997(22)00009-1. [PMID: 35140022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the immediate impact of 30 minutes of targeted voice exercises on measures of vocal function and lesion characteristics in female speakers with phonotraumatic vocal fold lesions (PVFLs). STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHOD Twenty-nine (n = 29) female subjects with PVFLs completed a 30 minutes targeted voice exercise protocol and a multidimensional voice analysis was conducted immediately pre and post-exercise. Analysis included expert perceptual evaluation of connected speech and stroboscopy recordings, instrumental analysis by selected aerodynamic and acoustic parameters, and self-ratings of effort and vocal function by participants. The direction and magnitude of the change from pre- to post-exercise for each individual across parameters was assessed against a Minimal Clinically Important Difference criteria. RESULTS Variability was observed among participants in their response to exercise and across parameters. Multidirectional change in function was demonstrated across instrumental parameters, with observations of both improvement and decline. The most consistent change observed was a reduced PTP post-exercises for 38% of participants (n = 11), and the greatest magnitude of change was observed in aerodynamic measures of airflow and pressure, and the acoustic parameter semitone range. Variability in the direction of change across instrumental measures was observed for 24% of participants (n = 7), while consistent improved function was seen for 45% (n = 13), declined function for 17% (n = 5) and no change for 14% (n = 4). Participant's self-reported effort and function post-exercise was also multidirectional, with the greatest number reporting improvement. Comparatively little change was observed in perceptual evaluation of speech and stroboscopy recordings. Findings suggest that individuals with all lesion types, sizes and liabilities have the potential to improve vocal function immediately post-exercises according to instrumental measures, with the greatest magnitude of change observed in participants with large lesions. Although participants' characteristics did not differentiate, those with nodules or polyps tended to report improvement in function and reduced effort post-exercise, whereas those with a diagnosis of pseudocyst/s or a unilateral lesion appeared to report no change or declined function. CONCLUSION Change in measures of vocal function was observed in female speakers with PVFLs immediately following a 30 minutes targeted exercises protocol. Many demonstrated improvement but a high degree of variability was observed in the way speakers respond, and it is likely an individual's response is influenced by a range of factors. Self-rating scales, along with key instrumental parameters sensitive to the presence of PVFLs, may prove most useful in tracking initial change in the immediate and short-term duration in this population, and in assessing stimulability and candidacy for therapy. Further exploration is warranted of stimulability for immediate and cumulative change to achieve sustained improvement in function and efficiency across time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Free
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Joseph C Stemple
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Rehabilitation and Health Sciences PhD Program, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Julian A Smith
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Debra J Phyland
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Currey J, Sheng D, Neph Speciale A, Cinquini C, Cuza J, Waite BL. Performing Arts Medicine. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2020; 31:609-632. [PMID: 32981582 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Performing artists are a unique subset of athletes. With the highly repetitive nature of performance training, emphasis on proper technique, ergonomics, and preventive cross-training is vital, as many injuries are due to overuse or poor technique. There are novel medical concerns in performers, including ENT problems, mental health concerns and substance use risks. While music is central to performances, it is also a treatment modality to address cognitive, sensory, and motor dysfunctions in certain neurological conditions. Due to this wide array of issues, it is imperative to understand the specific needs and risks of performers to provide optimal medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovauna Currey
- Department of Sports and Physical Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, The Permanente Medical Group, 3975 Old Redwood Highway, MOB 5, Suite 152, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, USA. https://twitter.com/jcurreymd
| | - Dana Sheng
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UC Davis, UC Davis Health, 4860 Y Street, Suite 3850, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Alyssa Neph Speciale
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UC Davis, UC Davis Health, 4860 Y Street, Suite 3850, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Camilla Cinquini
- Kaiser Permanente Rehabilitation, The Permanente Medical Group, 3975 Old Redwood Highway, MOB 5, Suite 154, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, USA
| | - Jorge Cuza
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UC Davis, UC Davis Health, 4860 Y Street, Suite 3850, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Brandee L Waite
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UC Davis School of Medicine, UC Davis Sports Medicine, 3301 C Street, Suite 1600, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA.
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Cutchin GM, Plexico LW, Weaver AJ, Sandage MJ. Data Collection Methods for the Voice Range Profile: A Systematic Review. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2020; 29:1716-1734. [PMID: 32579858 DOI: 10.1044/2020_ajslp-20-00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To assess data collection variability in the voice range profile (VRP) across clinicians and researchers, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the extent of variability of specific data collection points that affect the determination of frequency range and sound level and determine next steps in standardization of a VRP protocol. Method A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis checklist. Full-text journal articles were identified through PubMed, Web of Science, Psych Info, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, Google Scholar, and hand searching of journals. Results A total of 1,134 articles were retrieved from the search; of these, 463 were duplicates. Titles and abstracts of 671 articles were screened, with 202 selected for full-text review. Fifty-four articles were considered eligible for inclusion. The information extracted from these articles revealed the methodology used to derive the VRP was extremely variable across the data points selected. Additionally, there were eight common acoustic measures used for statistical analysis described in included studies that were added as a data point. Conclusions The data collection methods for the VRP varied considerably. Standardization of procedures was recommended for clinicians and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura W Plexico
- Department of Communication Disorders, Auburn University, AL
| | - Aurora J Weaver
- Department of Communication Disorders, Auburn University, AL
| | - Mary J Sandage
- Department of Communication Disorders, Auburn University, AL
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Monitoring the Outcome of Phonosurgery and Vocal Exercises with Established and New Diagnostic Tools. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:4208189. [PMID: 32090091 PMCID: PMC6998760 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4208189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Instrument-assisted measuring procedures expand the options within phoniatric diagnostics by quantifying the condition of the voice. The aim of this study was to examine objective treatment-associated changes of the recently developed vocal extent measure (VEM) and the established dysphonia severity index (DSI) in relation to subjective tools, i.e., self-evaluation via voice handicap index (VHI-12) and external evaluation via auditory-perceptual assessment of hoarseness (H). The findings for H (3 raters' group assessment), VHI-12, DSI, and VEM in 152 patients of both sexes (age range 16–75 years), taken before and 3 months after phonosurgery or vocal exercises, were compared and correlated. Posttherapeutically, all of the recorded parameters improved (p < 0.001). The degree of H reduced on average by 0.5, the VHI-12 score sank by 5 points, while DSI and VEM rose by 1.5 and 19, respectively. The correlations of these changes were significant but showed gradual differences between H and VHI-12 (r = 0.3), H and DSI (r = −0.3), and H and VEM (r = −0.4). We conclude that all investigated parameters are adequate to verify therapeutic outcomes but represent different dimensions of the voice. However, changes in the degree of H as gold standard were best recognized with the new VEM.
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