title: Pediatric voice analysis: comparison of 2 computerized analysis systems.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This research contributes to the pediatric objective voice measurement database while identifying comparable measurements between 2 available voice analysis systems.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare selective normative pediatric acoustic variables between the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP) and the Voice Evaluation Suite (VES) computerized voice analysis systems. Additionally, it describes the first comprehensive pediatric database analyzing fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, and noise to harmonic ratio using the VES.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study with planned data collection conducted at a tertiary referral otolaryngologic clinic. Participants were 335 children, aged 4 to 18 years, with normal voices.
  
  
  METHODS
  Objective voice data were collected on the MDVP and the VES systems.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, and noise to harmonic ratio.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The fundamental frequencies agreed with previous pediatric normative values. There was not a statistically significant difference between MDVP and VES measurements of mean fundamental frequency (P = .23). Jitter percentage (P < .001), shimmer percentage (P < .001), and noise to harmonic ratio (P < .002) for all children were statistically different between the 2 voice evaluation systems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data show that the measured fundamental frequency of normal voices in children is comparable between the MDVP and VES voice analysis systems. Jitter, shimmer, and noise to harmonic ratio values are not interchangeable between voice analysis systems. The voice analysis system should be reported when providing voice measurement outcomes in the literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rohrer
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maturo
authors.affiliation: Voice and Speech Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston3Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Courtney
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.affiliation: Voice and Speech Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston.
authors.forename: Glenn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bunting
authors.affiliation: Voice and Speech Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston.
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ballif
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts4Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hartnick
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000295:instrumentation; D012016:Reference Values; D012984:Software; D013060:Speech / Q000502:physiology; D013061:Speech Acoustics; D014831:Voice / Q000502:physiology*; D014833:Voice Quality; D055815:Young Adult