Effects of age, sex, and disorder on voice range profile characteristics of 230 children.
In this study, the effect of age, sex, and disorder on the vocal performance of 230 children 6 to 11 years of age was investigated by means of the voice range profile (VRP). Ninety-four control children and 136 children with disorders were studied. The VRPs were quantitatively described by frequency and intensity characteristics, as well as by morphological characteristics. Significant differences between healthy children and children with disorders were found. Age has a different effect in girls than in boys regarding vocal performance. Most of the characteristics for the healthy girls change gradually over the period from 6 to 11 years. For the healthy boys, however, two age groups can be identified: one below and one above 8 years of age. It is hypothesized that the androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate may play a role in this phenomenon.
Wuyts
Floris L
FL
Departments of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Disorders, University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium. floris.wuyts@ua.ac.be
Heylen
Louis
L
Mertens
Fons
F
Du Caju
Marc
M
Rooman
Raoul
R
Van de Heyning
Paul H
PH
De Bodt
Marc
M
D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D014833:Voice Quality
D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone