Acoustic Voice Quality Index and Acoustic Breathiness Index as two examples for strengths and weaknesses of free software in medicine

The cepstral spectral index of dysphonia, the acoustic voice quality index and the acoustic breathiness index as novel multiparametric indices for acoustic assessment of voice quality

“…2). Its threshold varies between AVQI versions [18,19] and languages/cultural backgrounds [20]. It has high clinical utility and good results have been documented for diagnostic accuracy, concurrent validity and responsiveness to detect voice changes over time after different voice treatments (Y. Maryn, C. Batthyany, B. Barsties v. Latoszek, unpublished data).…”

“…2). Its threshold varies between AVQI versions [18,19] and languages/cultural backgrounds [20] Age has minimal-to-no influence on the AVQI score (especially for younger adults), and sex has none [21,22]. Acceptable scores have been found for AVQI on voice assessment within the dysphonia classification of voice disorders (normal versus organic and functional voice disorders) [23] and a moderate to high correlation with self-perceived, questionnaire-based voice handicap of voiceimpaired patients has been found [24,25].…”

“…The CSID, however, appears to perform better in direct comparison with the AVQI in terms of concurrent validity [26]. Caution should be taken when using updates to the open-source Praat software for AVQI analysis, because this analysis function may be altered by them [19].…”

“…Neither age and sex nor roughness significantly affect the ABI in the evaluation of natural [28] or synthetic voices [18]. Caution, however, is also needed for ABI analysis when using Praat updates which may alter its function [19].…”