- 作者：Mariana Nygren&lowast ; ; Mikaela Tyboni&lowast ; ; Fredric Lindströ ; m&dagger ; ; Anita McAllister&Dagger ; ; Jan van Doorn&lowast ; ; jan.vandoorn@logopedi.umu.se
- 关键词：Children's voice use ; Voice accumulator ; Day care environment ; Dysphonia
- 刊名：Journal of Voice
- 出版年：2012
- 出版时间：November, 2012
- 年：2012
- 卷：26
- 期：6
- 页码：817.e15-817.e18
- 全文大小：79 K
Summary
Background
The prevalence of dysphonia is higher in boys than in girls before puberty. This could be because of the differences in boys' and girls' voice use. Previous research on gender differences in prepubescent children's voice parameters has been contradictory. Most studies have focused on examining fundamental frequency.Objectives
The purpose of this study was to investigate voice use in boys and girls in a day care environment based on the voice parameters fundamental frequency (Hz), vocal intensity (dB SPL), and phonation time ( % ) and to ascertain whether there were any significant gender differences.
Study Design
Prospective comparative design.
Method
The study was conducted in a day care environment where 30 children (17 boys and 13 girls aged 4-5 years) participated. The participants' voices were measured continuously for 4 hours with a voice accumulator that registered fundamental frequency, vocal intensity level, phonation time, and background noise.
Results
Mean (standard deviation) fundamental frequency was 310 (22) and 321 (16) Hz, vocal intensity was 93 (4) and 91 (3) dB SPL, and phonation time was 7.7 (2.0) % and 7.6 (2.5) % for boys and girls, respectively. No differences between genders were statistically significant.
Conclusion
The finding of no statistically significant gender differences for measurements of voice parameters in a group of children aged 4-5 years in a day care environment is an important finding that contributes to increased knowledge about young boys' and girls' voice use.