Application of Speech Range Profile in Hindi in Hyperfunctional Voice Disorders: A Case-controlled Observational Study

Abstract

Ab s t r Ac t Background: Speech range profile (SRP) is defined as the graphical plot of an individual’s frequency–intensity interactions occurring during connected speech production. As speech stimuli are better method to assess the functional limit of voice, SRP has advantage over voice range profile (VRP) in terms of application, easiness to administer the test, and duration needed to complete the test. There is a need for a simple tool to measure the physiologic limit of phonatory system in Hindi for Indian population. Objective: The objectives of the present study were to (1) measure SRP in persons with hyperfunctional voice disorders and to compare the findings with persons with normal voice in both male and female groups and (2) find whether SRP measure can be used to differentiate between the hyperfunctional voice disorder and normal voice. Design: A case-controlled observational study. Setting: The study was conducted at speech and hearing unit at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. The data were collected during 6 months between January and June 2019. Patients: The subject group (n = 70) comprised 35 male and 35 female participants with hyperfunctional voice disorders, while the control group (n = 70) comprised ageand gender-matched participants with normal voice quality. Measurements: After the videolaryngostroboscopy examination, SRP was obtained using the VRP module in Computerized Speech Lab software from Pentax Medical. The parameters analyzed were the lowest frequency (Fmin, Hz), highest frequency (Fmax, Hz), minimum intensity (Imin, dB SPL–sound pressure level), and maximum intensity (Imax, dB SPL). Results: The SRP values were compared between the two groups using Mann–Whitney U test. A significant difference was found between the subject group and the control group in mean values of minimum frequency and maximum frequency in female groups. In male groups, significant difference was seen in values of minimum frequency, maximum frequency, Imax, as well as intensity range. Subject group with hyperfunctional voice disorder had significantly lower values (p < 0.05). Limitations: The number of subjects is less. There is a need to perform SRP in a larger population and across various voice disorders. Effect of smoking habit was not considered in the study. Also, it is difficult to measure Fmax especially in early post-phonosurgery assessment. Conclusion: Our study shows that SRP can be used clinically to differentiate the hyperfunctional voice disorders from normal voice in both male and female groups.