Assessment of Acoustic Parameters in Healthy Young Saudi Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to establish a database of normative acoustic parameters in healthy young adults in Saudi Arabia.

Study design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: A cross-sectional on-site instrumental assessment was conducted in a controlled research environment at the College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University. Participants were categorized according to sex (male vs female) and stratified based on age into young adults (18-20 years) and adults (21-30 years). Sustained phonation, dynamic range, and frequency range were used to assess the acoustic parameters, which were calculated using multidimensional voice program software.

Results: Of 351 participants assessed, 330 participants (122 males, 208 females) had complete data and were included in the final analysis. Females demonstrated significantly higher values in fundamental frequency, pitch, and amplitude (P < 0.05) than males. Males, on the other hand, showed higher values in tone, jitter, and dynamic range (P < 0.05) than females. Age-related differences were observed. In males, amplitude tremor frequency was inversely associated with age (r = -0.26; P < 0.01), whereas mean dynamic range was positively associated with age (r = 0.23; P < 0.05). Females demonstrated inverse associations for several voice parameters. Young adult males (18-20 years) had higher frequency and mean dynamic range (P = 0.02), whereas young adult females had higher values in several voice parameters (P < 0.05). Adult females had higher values in amplitude, pitch, and mean period than in the young adult age group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: These results suggest that the acoustic parameters of the voice exhibit age-related and sex-specific differences, with distinct patterns emerging between young adult and adult participants and between males and females.