High-frequency power ratio of breathy voice

Abstract

Digital technological advances have made detailed voice analysis possible This report proposes with the use of such equipment a new method of quantifying differences in the high-frequency content of normal and breathy voices The high-frequency power ratio a ratio of high-frequency power versus total power was calculated as the lower limit of the high-frequency range (Fc) and varied from 1 to 10 kHz The high-frequency power ratio values of two groups 16 normal and 24 breathy voice individuals were then compared Three breathy individuals were also studied after type I thyroplasty High-frequency power ratio values measured at an Fc of 6 kHz significantly separated normal from breathy voices The specifications provided are appropriate for both the commercial voice lab and for clinical resources Furthermore a high-frequency power ratio (6 kHz) is a useful tool for the evaluation of phonosurgery. © The American Laryngological, Rhinological & Otological Society, Inc.