Clinical Usefulness of Estimated Speaking Fundamental Frequency Using the Voice and Speech Range Profiles in Voice Disorders

Objectives:The purpose of the study was to determine whether estimated speaking fundamental frequency (ESF0) using the voice and speech range profiles and differences (Delta SF0(VRP), Delta SF0(SRP), Delta SF0(SUM)) between the ESF0 and the SF0 measured by electroglottography (SF0(EGG)) differ according to the presence of voice disorders and gender. Moreover, correlation between SF0(EGG) and Delta SF0 measures, and between the G of the GRBAS scale and LSF0 measures was explored. Clinical usefulness of Delta SF0 as a screening tool was also explored. Methods: A total of 85 patients with voice disorders and 85 normal adults participated in the study. For each participant SF0(EGG) was measured using a passage-reading task and electroglottography. Maximum/minimum pitch, pitch range in Hz and semitone were measured using the VRP and SRP tasks. ESF0(VRP), ESF0(SRP), Delta SF0(VRP), Delta SF0(S)(RP), and Delta SF0(SUM) were calculated. Results: Significant difference between groups in the ESF0SRP was found only for males. Patient group's Delta SF0 measures were higher than the normal group. Strong positive correlation between the SF0(EGG) and the Delta SF0 measures was found.There was weak positive correlation between the G and Delta SF0 measures. The AUC of the Delta SF0(VRP), Delta SF0(S)(RP), Delta SF0(SUM) was .690, .673, .771, the cutoff score 10.867, 10.347, 17.777, respectively. The AUC of the Delta SF0(SUM )was higher than those of the Delta SF0(VRP) and Delta SF0sRp. Conclusion: Results indicated that the Delta SF0 showed potential as an objective index for screening voice disorders, especially for those characterized by pitch change. The Delta SF0 could enhance the clinical usefulness of the VRP and SRP.