Acoustic Parameters of the Voice in the Polish Population: Normative Values Based on MDVP Tests.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to calculate normative values for major voice acoustic parameters in the Polish population based on the results of Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP) analysis of a representative sample of 204 Polish subjects. We focused on the parameters F0, relative frequency variation [Jitt, Jitta, relative average perturbation, pitch perturbation quotient, smoothed pitch perturbation quotient (sPPQ), vF0], relative amplitude variation [Shimm, Shimmer in dB, amplitude perturbation quotient, smoothed amplitude perturbation quotient, relative amplitude variation (vAm)], relative noise [noise-to-harmonic ratio, voice turbulence index, soft phonation index (SPI)], and voice tremor or modulation (frequency tremor intensity index, amplitude tremor intensity index). For the remaining MDVP indicators, only basic descriptive statistics with percentiles were calculated.

METHODS

The MDVP results from a study of 204 healthy subjects were analyzed. The participants were recruited among companions of our clinic's patients and volunteers from the staff, representing various regions of Poland.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences between women and men for a number of MDVP parameters: women obtained higher average values for F0 and vAm, while men obtained higher values for the parameters sPPQ and SPI. No significant correlation between any parameter and age was found in general analysis. Sten norms for each MDVP indicator were calculated.

CONCLUSIONS

Normative values for MDVP acoustic parameters of the Polish population are presented in terms of sten norms and percentile values.