EGG and Acoustic Analyses of Different Voice Samples: Comparison between Perceptual Evaluation and Voice Activity and Participation Profile

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated whether different electroglottographic (EGG) parameters may be used to estimate voice quality and loading related to it, and whether voice quality is related to self-estimation of voice problems and laryngeal status. The effect of sample type was also considered. Methods: EGG and acoustic signals of a sustained vowel [a:] (90 dB_{6 cm}) and text reading during noise exposure were recorded from 93 female kindergarten teachers. Analyses were made from the sustained vowel and vowel [a:] from a stressed word. Contact quotient (CQ) was calculated. Maximum velocity of increase in contact area inferred from derivative (MDEGG) was examined. Fundamental frequency was calculated from the EGG signal. From the acoustic signal sound pressure level (SPL) was computed and pressedness in voice quality was evaluated perceptually. Self-evaluation was made with Voice Activity and Participation Profile (VAPP). Indirect laryngoscopy was also performed. Results: Pressedness in voice correlated with EGG results only for the sustained vowel, and better with MDEGG than CQ values. VAPP and laryngeal evaluation did not correlate with the acoustic or EGG parameters or with perception. Conclusions: MDEGG is worth testing as an indicator of impact stress. Sustained vowel at a controlled SPL is more suitable for voice quality evaluation than a long stressed vowel from connected speech.

Vocal Loading in Speaking a Foreign Language

“…Some other parameters, like voice quality, should also be taken into account in the investigation of vocal loading. Thus, perceptual analyses should be included to provide information on the speakers' phonation type [41] and on the possible vocal impairment due to vocal overloading after a prolonged voice use in the foreign language compared to that in the native language. More detailed acoustic analysis, e.g.…”

Comparison of parametrization methods of electroglottographic and inverse filtered acoustic speech pressure signals in distinguishing between phonation types

“…Earlier results [62] had shown a relatively good correlation between MDEGG and perceived firmness of phonation in females. In the present study, the correlation was good for females but weak for males.…”

“…This method uses the maximum peak in the DEGG signal (see [62] for more details). (Adapted from [78]).…”

“…Therefore, it should also correlate with SPL, F0, and phonation type. Results by Kankare et al showed that MDEGG correlates with the perceived firmness of phonation in female speakers [62]. As far as the authors know, the parameter has not been systematically studied.…”

“…In summary, for the EGG signal, DEGG should be more accurate in reflecting the glottal opening and closing events than the threshold-based methods [49], and MDEGG should reflect perceived firmness of phonation well, at least for females voices [62]. So far MDEGG has not been tested for male voices.…”