Validation of the Acoustic Voice Quality Index Version 03.01 and the Acoustic Breathiness Index in Algerian Arabic.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to validate the Acoustic Voice Quality Index version 03.01 (AVQIv3) and the Acoustic Breathiness Index (ABI) for Algerian Arabic speakers.

METHODS

This cohort study enrolled 180 participants (dysphonic group, n = 130; control group, n = 50). The 130 dysphonic participants underwent perceptual assessment of overall voice quality (Grade, G) and breathiness severity (B), as rated by four experienced SLPs. To achieve higher ecological validity, the proportions of CS and SV were equalized by determining a standardized number of syllables for the CS part corresponding to 3 seconds of voiced segments. Correlation analyses were conducted on the 130 perceptually rated dysphonic participants. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis performed on the 130 dysphonic participants who received auditory-perceptual assessment, using G ≥ 0.5 versus G < 0.5 and B ≥ 0.5 versus B < 0.5 as reference classifications.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven syllables were identified as the standardized number for the CS part in Algerian Arabic. Significant correlations were found between AVQIv3 and G (rs = 0.94, P < .001, n = 130) and between ABI and B (rs = 0.92, P < 0.001, n = 130). The optimal diagnostic thresholds were 1.60 for AVQIv3 (sensitivity = 97.0%, specificity = 89.7%, AUC = 0.971) and 3.33 for ABI (sensitivity = 100.0%, specificity = 96.8%, AUC = 0.991), computed among the 130 perceptually rated dysphonic participants. Between-group comparisons revealed significantly higher AVQIv3 and ABI scores in the dysphonic group compared with the control group (P < 0.001 for both indices).

CONCLUSION

The AVQIv3 and ABI are valid instruments for quantifying overall voice quality and breathiness severity in Algerian Arabic speakers.