Relationship Between Acoustic Parameters and Body Mass Analysis in Young Males

Prevalence of Obesity in Patients with Dysphonia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of obesity in patients with dysphonia and the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study that included 304 patients who visited the senior author's Otolaryngology practice between the years 2018 and 2020. Patients were divided into two groups, those presenting for dysphonia and those presenting for other otolaryngologic complaints (Controls). Patients were also stratified as Normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2) vs. Overweight (BMI between 25-30 kg/m2), vs. Obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). The VHI-10 was used as a subjective outcome measure reported by patients with dysphonia.

RESULTS

A total of 304 patients included in this study, 203 presenting with dysphonia and 101 with other otolaryngologic complaint. Within the dysphonia group, a significantly higher percentage of patients had a BMI ≥ 25 (70.4%) as compared to the control group (57.4%). The odds ratio were 1.76, meaning that obese patients were 1.76 times more likely to present with dysphonia. There was a weak negative correlation between overweight, obesity, and VHI-10 scores (r=-0.007 and r=-0.039, respectively).

CONCLUSION

There was a significantly higher prevalence of overweight and obesity in patients with dysphonia vs. patients with no dysphonia. Although there was a weak correlation between BMI and VHI, our results demonstrate that overweight and obese patients are more likely to have dysphonia.

Perceptual, Aerodynamic and Acoustic Evaluation of Vocal Characteristics in Subjects With Obesity

INTRODUCTION

Obesity has tripled since 1975 and affects health across many domains. Increasing body mass index increases the risk to the obese subject of many non-communicable diseases. The study evaluated the perceptive, aerodynamic, and acoustic parameters that characterize the voice of the obese population.

METHODOLOGY

Eighty adult subjects (40 participants in each obese and control group) aged 18-50 years were enrolled. The perceptual voice analysis was performed using the Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice. The aerodynamic and acoustic voice analyses were performed using the MIR Spiro lab instrument and Doctor's Speech software. A digital stopwatch was also used to measure maximum phonation time.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (P-value <0.05 and t value >2) between two groups on acoustic parameters, specifically Normalized noise energy and fundamental frequency tremor (F0 tremor). Normalized noise energy and fundamental frequency tremor were greater in the obese group. Moreover, maximum phonation time and expiratory reserve volume were significantly reduced in the obese group.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Results of the present study showed poor voice quality and reduced expiratory reserve volume in obese individuals. This could be credited to the adverse effects of accrued adipose on the functioning of the laryngeal and respiratory systems. Increasing body mass index escalates the risk to the obese subjects of many non-communicable diseases.

Effects of Age-Dependent Hormonal Changes and Estrogen Supplementation on Voice in Girls with Anorexia Nervosa-Preliminary Report

INTRODUCTION

Human development includes lots of physical and emotional changes. The human voice depends on age. Voice production is a complex physiological and acoustic phenomenon that depends on many factors such as structure, hormone level, degree of fatigue or nutrition and hydration of the body, systemic diseases, and emotional state. All these factors can be present in anorexia nervosa (AN), such as excessive weight loss, generated hydro-electrolytic changes, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal disturbances in the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, and emotional distress. The prevalence of AN ranges between 0.3% and 3%, and it is the third most common chronic disease affecting adolescent girls. However, voice changes related to AN have not been fully investigated.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of AN on age-related changes in the voice of adolescent women-before and after puberty, particularly through acoustic analysis. An additional objective was to evaluate estrogen substitution in female patients with AN in order to investigate their effect on voice condition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

126 girls diagnosed with AN (15.32 ± 2.12 years, range 12-19, BMI = 14.38 ± 1.67), were assessed for the condition of the voice such as perceptual voice evaluation on the GRBAS scale, maximal phonation time (MPT), laryngoscopy, with special attention to voice acoustic analysis-Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP). The control group (B) included 93 girls without eating disturbances (aged 12-19, mean age 15.52 ± 2.40, BMI = 21.50 ± 1.54). Perceptual voice assessment, aerodynamic test MPT, and acoustic parameters were analyzed in age groups (≤16 years and >16 years). The human vocal tract is sensitive to sex hormones, so the analysis was carried out in the group up to the age of 16 and above 16 to check possible effects.

RESULTS

GRBAS scale was higher in girls with AN compared to the control group for breathiness (B) (P = 0.0002) and asthenia (A) (P < 0.05). The median GRBAS scale for the older group of anorexic women was the highest (2.0). The mean MPT for group A was significantly lower (15.40 ± 3.51 seconds). Comparing age subgroups there was a prolongation of MPT in the healthy group (in groups ≤16 years and >16 years respectively 21.13 seconds versus 25.40 seconds) and a shortening in the anorectic group (≤16 years versus >16 years: 17.06 seconds versus 14.17 seconds). There was no difference between groups A and C up to 16 years of age, but above 16 years of age appeared (14.17 seconds versus 25.40 seconds). Acoustic analysis revealed lower F0 values in group A and C in older subgroups (215,85 Hz versus 236,01 Hz-statistically significant), as well as between subgroups both groups (A: 251,38 Hz versus 215,85 Hz; C: 248,20 Hz versus 236,01 Hz). A narrowing of the vocal range in girls over 16 years in group A was observed. There were no statistically significant differences in F0 between subgroups ≤16 years in groups A and C (251.38 Hz versus 248.20 Hz). The ENT study found that more than half of the girls (54.55%) over the age of 16 who took hormone supplementation manifested laryngeal structure that was normal for their age, there was no effect of hormone supplementation on any of the MDVP parameters between the drug-taking and non-drug-taking groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The acoustic results of the voice in MDVP measurements in adolescent women with AN are not within the normal range and do not mimic the normal developmental changes of the voice. The most important acoustic characteristics of the voice are changes in the fundamental frequency F0 and the range of the voice tended to be more severe in anorectic women >16 years of age and to increase with age, indicating a possible cumulative effect of malnutrition-related disorders as well as hormonal dysfunctions. MDVP can be considered a simple, non-invasive method of assessing the voice organ in AN. MPT differentiated the study groups well: statistically significant differences were noted both between the groups, as well as between age groups. There was no significant effect of oral hormone supplementation on any parameters of the voice. In conclusion, body mass and fat volume in AN may be related to voice production/physiology, affecting voice quality, voice acoustic parameters, voice aerodynamics, and phonatory range in an age-dependent manner. Future studies are needed to assess the long-term efficacy of estrogen treatment in AN.

Acoustics Features of Voice in Adolescent Females With Anorexia Nervosa

INTRODUCTION

The process of human voice production is a complex physiological and acoustic phenomenon that depends on many structural, physical, and hormonal factors, systemic diseases as well as emotional states. All these factors can be present in eating disorders. However, studies on eating disorders and voice problems have usually been evaluated in terms of bulimia. Chronic starvation and emotional problems in the course of anorexia nervosa (AN) appear to be under-researched, despite various biochemical, metabolic, and hormonal changes.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate voice quality, specifically acoustic analysis, in adolescent female with AN from the point of view of the possible influence on the function and structure of the larynx, low body mass accompanying AN, as well as energy deficiency, hormonal and emotional disturbances.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 84 girls diagnosed with AN (Gr.A) (15.32 years, SD = 2.12; range 12-19, BMI = 14.11 ± 1.72) were assessed for the condition of the voice such as perceptual voice evaluation on the GRBAS scale, maximal phonation time (MPT), laryngoscopy, with special attention to voice acoustic analysis - Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP). The control group (Gr.C) included 62 girls without eating disturbances (aged 12-19, mean age 15.41 ± 2.40, BMI = 21.60 ± 1.92). Perceptual voice assessment, aerodynamic test MPT, and acoustic parameters were analyzed according to girls' age.

RESULTS

Total GRBAS scale was higher in girls with AN compared to the control group mainly for two parameters: breathiness (B) (P = 0.00015) and asthenia (A) (P < 0.05). The MPT for Gr.A was significantly shorter compared to Gr.C (15.40 ± 3.51 seconds vs. 23.19 ± 5.17 seconds) (P < 0.001), and a correlation of MPT values with the age of the adolescent female was observed: Spearman's coefficient for Gr.A = (-)0.5378, for Gr.C = 0.5516 (P = 0.0012). Acoustic analysis revealed the decrease in the basic frequency F0 in Gr.A compared to Gr.C (231.08 Hz vs. 242.30 Hz), and narrowing of the voice scale was observed, resulting mainly from a reduction in the upper limit. Significant differences were found for measures of frequency perturbations (Jita, Jitter, RPA, PPQ, sPPR), with Gr.A scoring significantly higher than Gr.C (P < 0.05 for all). Significant changes in voice acoustic analysis parameters were found with age. Negative correlations were found for measures of F0 for Gr.A to a much greater extent compared to Gr.C. Positive correlations were found with measures of tremor assessment (SPI, FTRI, ATRI) for Gr.A.

Assessment of the obesity based on voice perception

Human voice is an extremely important biological signal which contains information about sex, age, emotional state, health and physical features of a speaker. Estimating a physical appearance from a vocal cue can be an important asset for sciences including forensics and dietetics. Although there have been several studies focused on the relationships between vocal parameters and ratings of height, weight, age and musculature of a speaker, to our knowledge, there has not been a study examining the assessment of one’s BMI based on voice alone. The purpose of the current study was to determine the ability of female “Judges” to evaluate speakers’ (men and women) obesity and body fat distribution from their vocal cues. It has also been checked which voice parameters are key vocal cues in this assessment. The study material consisted of 12 adult speakers’ (6 women) voice recordings assessed by 87 “Judges” based on a 5-point graphic scale presenting body fat level and distribution (separately for men and women). For each speaker body height, weight, BMI, Visceral Fat Level (VFL, InBody 270) and acoustic parameters were measured. In addition, the accuracy of BMI category was verified. This study also aimed to determine which vocal parameters were cues for the assessment for men and women. To achieve it, two independent experiments were conducted: I: “Judges” had to choose one (obese) speaker from 3 voices (in 4 series); II: they were asked to rate body fat level of the same 12 speakers based on 5-point graphic scale. Obese speakers (i.e., BMI above 30) were selected correctly with the accuracy greater than predicted by chance (experiment I). By using a graphic scale, our study found that speakers exhibiting higher BMI were rated as fatter (experiment II). For male speakers the most important vocal predictors of the BMI were harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR) and formant dispersion (Df); for women: formant spacing (Pf) and intensity (loudness). Human voice contains information about one’s increased BMI level which are hidden in some vocal cues.

A study of voice quality in obese Egyptian children

Background

Obesity is considered a health problem that affects many systems of the body among which the respiration and voice. The objective of the study was to analyze the impact of obesity in children on quality of their voice. Thirty obese children were included in this cross-sectional study and compared to 30 age- and sex-matched healthy children as a control group. Voice of cases and controls were assessed subjectively by auditory perceptual assessment and objectively by studying acoustic parameters using Computerized Speech Lab. Flexible laryngoscopy was done for cases with dysphonia.

Results

Dysphonia perceived in 60% of cases, voice analysis revealed increased jitter and noise to harmonic ratio with significant difference than controls.

Conclusion

The voice of children with morbid obesity reveals significant modifications pertaining to vocal characteristics in comparison to non-obese persons, so voice hygiene and voice therapy could be added to their therapy program as prophylactic or therapeutic management of voice disorder.

Vocal Indicators of Size, Shape and Body Composition in Polish Men

OBJECTIVES

From a human evolution perspective, identifying a link between physique and vocal quality could demonstrate dual signaling in terms of the health and biological condition of an individual. In this regard, this study investigates the relationship between men's body size, shape, and composition, and their vocal characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eleven anthropometric measurements, using seven indices, were carried out with 80 adult Polish male participants, while the speech analysis adopted a voice recording procedure that involved phonetically recording vowels /ɑː/, /ɛː/, /iː/, /ɔː/, /uː/ to define the voice acoustic components used in Praat software.

RESULTS

The relationship between voice parameters and body size/shape/composition was found. The analysis indicated that the formants and their derivatives were useful parameters for prediction of height, weight, neck, shoulder, waist, and hip circumferences. Fundamental frequency (F₀) was negatively correlated with neck circumference at Adam's apple level and body height. Moreover neck circumference and F₀ association was observed for the first time in this paper. The association between waist circumference and formant component showed a net effect. In addition, the formant parameters showed significant correlations with body shape, indicating a lower vocal timbre in men with a larger relative waist circumference.

DISCUSSION

Men with lower vocal pitch had wider necks, probably a result of larynx size. Furthermore, a greater waist circumference, presumably resulting from abdominal fat distribution in men, correlated with a lower vocal timbre. While these results are inconclusive, they highlight new directions for further research.

Worldwide Healthy Adult Voice Baseline Parameters: A Comprehensive Review

The voice results in acoustic signals analyzed and synthetized at first for telecommunication matters, and more recently investigated for medical purposes. In particular, voice signal characteristics can evidence individual health conditions useful for screening, diagnostic and remote monitoring aims. Within this frame, the knowledge of baseline features of healthy voice is mandatory, in order to balance a comparison with their unhealthy counterpart. However, the baseline features of the human voice depend on gender, age-range and ethnicity and, as far as we know, no work reports as those features spread worldwide. This paper intends to cover this lack. Our database research yielded 179 relevant published studies, retrieved using digital libraries of IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, Iop Science, Taylor and Francis Online, and Scitepress. These relevant studies report different features, among which here we consider the most investigated ones, within the most investigated age-range. In particular, the features are the fundamental frequency, the jitter, the shimmer, the harmonic-to-noise ratio, and the cepstral peak prominence, the most investigated age-range is within 20-40 years and, related to the ethnicity, 20 countries are considered.

Maximum Phonation Time Normative Values Among Malaysians and Its Relation to Body Mass Index

OBJECTIVE

Maximum phonation time (MPT) is a test to measure glottic efficiency for laryngeal pathology screening and treatment monitoring. The normative value of MPT for South East Asia population has yet to be reported. It is postulated that MPT may be affected by body mass index (BMI) despite the paucity of evidence. Therefore, this study was designed to establish the normative value of MPT for a South East Asia population and investigate its relation to BMI.

DESIGN & SETTING

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center between May and September 2017.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Three hundred males and females with mean age of 30.23 (±11.04) years were recruited in equal number for each gender (n = 150) and divided into 3 groups of 50 according to their BMI (n = 50). The three groups are non-obese (BMI≤22.9kg/m²); obese (BMI between 23 and 34.9 kg/m²); and morbidly obese (BMI >35kg/m²). BMI and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) were obtained. The average of three readings of MPT was measured using a stopwatch while the participants phonate /a/, /i/ and /u/. Unpaired t-test and ANOVA were used to compare means between and across groups. Spearman correlation assessed the correlation between MPT and BMI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The normative values of MPT of both genders and correlation with BMI were analyzed.

RESULTS

The MPT normative values for males and females in the non-obese group were of 21.41 (±6.85) seconds and 18.05 (±5.06)seconds respectively for /a/. The MPT for all vowels were significantly higher in males across the BMI groups (P ≤ 0.05). There was low negative correlation between MPT and BMI in both genders.

CONCLUSIONS

This pioneering study documented the normative values of MPT among Malaysians showed that males had longer MPT than females across the BMI groups. Obesity affects the MPT in that as BMI increases, the MPT decreases.

Relations between body mass index, laryngeal fat pads, and laryngeal airway configuration in adult men population

BACKGROUND

The impact of body mass index (BMI) on pharyngeal fat pads has been well studied, yet no study has assessed its associations on laryngeal morphology.

OBJECTIVES

To study the associations of BMI differences on laryngeal morphology in adult males using computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans.

METHODS

All adult male patients who underwent head and neck CTAs between 2011 and 2018 were initially included and categorized according to their BMI: (1) BMI < 20; (2) 20 ≤ BMI < 25; (3) 25 ≤ BMI < 30; (4) 30 ≤ BMI < 35; and (5) BMI ≥ 35. Anatomical measurements included pre-epiglottic and paraglottic fat-pad dimensions, airway width at the epiglottis tip and base, and epiglottis angle. For statistical analysis, BMI was regarded both as a categorical and continuous variable.

RESULTS

One hundred and five scans were included. BMI ranged from 15.90 to 44.40 kg/m². Significant differences were found in pre-epiglottic and paraglottic fat measurements between BMI subgroups 1-5 (Pre-epiglottic fat depth: 17.75, 17.74, 19.04, 20.73, and 21.09 mm, respectively, P = 0.005, correlation 0.343, and P < 0.001 in continuous measurement; Paraglottic space average width: 3.5, 5.4, 5.46, 6.85, and 7.38 mm, P < 0.001, correlation 0.532, and P < 0.001 in continuous measurement). As BMI increased, the epiglottis-hard-palate angle increased (56.4°, 55.3°, 65.2°, 64°, and 68.4°, P = 0.001, correlation 0.354, and P < 0.001 in continuous measurement). No significant difference was found in airway width between subgroups at the epiglottis tip or base. Yet, in continuous variables analysis, a significant negative correlation was found between BMI scores and the airway width at the epiglottis base (-0.226, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In adult males, BMI is correlated with laryngeal fat-pad volume, affecting its morphology and airway width. Clinical implications regarding obstructive sleep apnea and voice quality should be further investigated.

Instrumental Acoustic Voice Characteristics in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate if there are differences in acoustic parameters between diabetic patients and normal controls.

METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional study was performed in 83 diabetic patients and 70 healthy controls. Voice parameters including fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, shimmer, amplitude perturbation quotient, noise-to-harmonic ratio, smoothed amplitude perturbation quotient, and relative average perturbation were analyzed using Computerized Speech Lab with the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program.

RESULTS

F0 in female diabetic patients was significantly lower than controls (222.23 ± 27.89 Hz versus 241.08 ± 28.21 Hz, P< 0.01). In female diabetic subgroups with disease duration more than 10 years, poor glycemic control, or neuropathy, the F0 was still significantly lower. Multivariate analysis showed that F0 was significantly associated with diabetes after controlled for age, body mass index, presence of hypertension, and dyslipidemia. (P= 0.022). However, F0 was not able to predict the presence of diabetes as shown by logistic regression analysis (P= 0.243).

CONCLUSIONS

Voice fundamental frequency is lower in females with diabetes. However, voice fundamental frequency cannot adequately predict the presence of diabetes.

Voice Disorders in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and the Role of CPAP

OBJECTIVE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by frequent interruptions in breathing related to upper airway collapse during sleep and may adversely affect phonatory function. This study aimed to: (1) establish the prevalence, risks, and quality of life burden of voice disorders in OSA and (2) explore the relation between voice disorders and positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional, descriptive epidemiology study.

METHODS

Analyses were based on 94 individuals with OSA (53 men, 41 women; mean age = 54.7 ± 12.8 years) who completed a telephone interview.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight percent of participants reported having a current voice disorder. Of those with a current voice disorder, 83% had experienced symptoms for at least a year, and 58% had symptoms for at least 4 years. The prevalence of a current voice disorder was greater in women than men (44% vs 15%, P = .0020) but did not vary significantly across different age groups, body mass index (BMI), apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) severity, or medical history. After adjusting for sex, consistent use of PAP therapy (with humidification) was associated with (1) lower occurrence of voice disorders in women (Mantel-Haenszel [MH] χ²P = .0195), (2) reduced snoring severity accompanied by fewer voice disorders in men (MH χ²P = .0101), and (3) fewer reports of acid reflux as a possible trigger for voice problems (MH χ²P = .0226). Patients with OSA who also had a current voice disorder experienced lower overall quality of life compared to those without.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic, longstanding voice disorders are common in women with OSA and produce significant adverse effects on quality of life. Nightly PAP use (with humidification) was associated with fewer voice symptoms and reduced severity of snoring and acid reflux as possible contributors. Further research is necessary to better understand the origin of these voice disorders in OSA and their potential response to treatment.

Maxillary arch dimensions associated with acoustic parameters in prepubertal children

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between maxillary arch dimensions and fundamental frequency and formants of voice in prepubertal subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five consecutive prepubertal patients seeking orthodontic treatment were recruited (mean age = 11.41 ± 1.46 years; range, 8 to 13.7 years). Participants with a history of respiratory infection, laryngeal manipulation, dysphonia, congenital facial malformations, or history of orthodontic treatment were excluded. Dental measurements included maxillary arch length, perimeter, depth, and width. Voice parameters comprising fundamental frequency (f0_sustained), Habitual pitch (f0_count), Jitter, Shimmer, and different formant frequencies (F1, F2, F3, and F4) were measured using acoustic analysis prior to initiation of any orthodontic treatment. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to measure the strength of associations between different dental and voice parameters. Multiple linear regressions were computed for the predictions of different dental measurements.

RESULTS

Arch width and arch depth had moderate significant negative correlations with f0 ( r = -0.52; P = .001 and r = -0.39; P = .022, respectively) and with habitual frequency ( r = -0.51; P = .0014 and r = -0.34; P = .04, respectively). Arch depth and arch length were significantly correlated with formant F3 and formant F4, respectively. Predictors of arch depth included frequencies of F3 vowels, with a significant regression equation ( P-value < .001; R² = 0.49). Similarly, fundamental frequency f0 and frequencies of formant F3 vowels were predictors of arch width, with a significant regression equation ( P-value < .001; R² = 0.37).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant association between arch dimensions, particularly arch length and depth, and voice parameters. The formant most predictive of arch depth and width is the third formant, along with fundamental frequency of voice.

Associations of Sex Hormones and Anthropometry with the Speaking Voice Profile in the Adult General Population

OBJECTIVE

There is evidence that sexual hormone concentrations and anthropometric factors influence the human voice. The goal of this study was to investigate to what extent body mass index (BMI), body height, body weight, breast-to-abdomen-ratio, testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone are associated with the sound pressure level and the fundamental frequency of the speaking voice in a cross-sectional approach among adults in the general population.

METHODS

Speaking voice profiles with four different intensity levels, hormone concentrations, and anthropometric parameters were assessed for 2,381 individuals aged 40-79 years, who were randomly sampled from the population of a large city in Germany. Multivariate analysis was performed, adjusting for age and stratified by sex.

RESULTS

Taller body height was associated with lower frequencies. Higher body weight was associated with lower frequencies and higher sound pressure levels. The ratio of chest to abdominal circumference was associated with the sound pressure levels in males and females: participants with larger breast-to-abdomen-ratio were found to have higher sound pressure levels. Among the sexual hormones, higher concentrations of DHEA-S were associated with lower fundamental frequencies of the voice while using the normal speaking voice. In addition, bioavailable testosterone was associated with the sound pressure level of the normal speaking voice in men and the softest speaking voice in women.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that BMI, body height, body weight, breast-to-abdomen-ratio, bioavailable testosterone, and DHEA-S are associated with the speaking voice in adults. No associations between testosterone and the frequency of the speaking voice were found.

Is the speaking fundamental frequency in females related to body height?

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of body height on speaking fundamental frequency (SF0) while controlling for as many as possible influencing factors such as habits, biophysical conditions, medication, diseases, and others. Fifty-eight females were analyzed during spontaneous speech (i.e. explaining driving directions or a cooking recipe) of at least 60 seconds at comfortable pitch and loudness. The subjects showed a moderate negative and significant correlation between body height and SF0 (r = -0.40, P = 0.002). With r(2) = 0.16, however, a reasonable portion (16%) of the variance in SF0 is explained by the variance in body height. In comparison with other factors for which a correlation with SF0 was mentioned in literature (hypothyrodism, hemodialysis, auditory-maleness after female-to-male transsexualism, body weight, body mass index, and body fat), body height accounted for most of the proportion of SF0 in females. It is therefore possible to validate body height as a factor to account for in clinical F0 measurement.

Fundamental frequency, phonation maximum time and vocal complaints in morbidly obese women

BACKGROUND

Obese people have abnormal deposition of fat in the vocal tract that can interfere with the acoustic voice. Aim : To relate the fundamental frequency, the maximum phonation time and voice complaints from a group of morbidly obese women.

METHODS

Observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study that included 44 morbidly obese women, mean age of 42.45 (± 10.31) years old, observational group and 30 women without obesity, control group, with 33.79 (± 4.51)years old. The voice recording was done in a quiet environment, on a laptop using the program ANAGRAF acoustic analysis of speech sounds. To extract the values ​​of fundamental frequency the subjects were asked to produce vowel [a] at usual intensity for a period in average of three seconds. After the voice recording, participants were prompted to produce sustained vowel [ a] , [ i] and [ u] at usual intensity and height, using a stopwatch to measure the time that each participant could hold each vowel.

RESULTS

The majority, 31(70.5%), had vocal complaints, with a higher percentage for complaints of vocal fatigue 20(64.51%) and voice failures 19(61.29%) followed by dryness of the throat in 15 (48.38%) and effort to speak 13(41.93%). There was no statistically significant difference regarding the mean fundamental frequency of the voice in both groups, but there was significance between the two groups regarding maximum phonation.

CONCLUSION

Increased adipose tissue in the vocal tract interfered in the vocal parameters.