Perceptual and Acoustic Assessment of Strain Using Synthetically Modified Voice Samples.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Park Y
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8608200 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:Bulbar and respiratory weakness occur commonly in children with Pompe disease and frequently lead to dysarthria. However, changes in vocal quality associated with this motor speech disorder are poorly described. The goal of this study was to characterize the vocal function of children with Pompe disease using auditory-perceptual and physiologic/acoustic methods. High-quality voice recordings were collected from 21 children with Pompe disease. The Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain (GRBAS) scale was used to assess voice quality and ratings were compared to physiologic/acoustic measurements collected during sustained phonation tasks, reading of a standard passage, and repetition of a short phrase at maximal volume. Based on ratings of grade, dysphonia was present in 90% of participants and was most commonly rated as mild or moderate in severity. Duration of sustained phonation tasks was reduced and shimmer was increased in comparison to published reference values for children without dysphonia. Specific measures of loudness were found to have statistically significant relationships with perceptual ratings of grade, breathiness, asthenia, and strain. Our data suggest that dysphonia is common in children with Pompe disease and primarily reflects impairments in respiratory and laryngeal function; however, the primary cause of dysphonia remains unclear. Future studies should seek to quantify the relative contribution of deficits in individual speech subsystems on voice quality and motor speech performance more broadly.
| S-EPMC8396833 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Objectives/hypothesisThe objectives of this study were to (1) identify optimal clusters of 15 standard acoustic and aerodynamic voice metrics recommended by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to improve characterization of patients with primary muscle tension dysphonia (pMTD) and (2) identify combinations of these 15 metrics that could differentiate pMTD from other types of voice disorders.Study designRetrospective multiparametric METHODS: Random forest modeling, independent t-tests, logistic regression, and affinity propagation clustering were implemented on a retrospective dataset of 15 acoustic and aerodynamic metrics.ResultsTen percent of patients seen at the New York University (NYU) Voice Center over two years met the study criteria for pMTD (92 out of 983 patients), with 65 patients with pMTD and 701 of non-pMTD patients with complete data across all 15 acoustic and aerodynamic voice metrics. PCA plots and affinity propagation clustering demonstrated substantial overlap between the two groups on these parameters. The highest ranked parameters by level of importance with random forest models-(1) mean airflow during voicing (L/sec), (2) mean SPL during voicing (dB), (3) mean peak air pressure (cmH2O), (4) highest F0 (Hz), and (5) CPP mean vowel (dB)-accounted for only 65% of variance. T-tests showed three of these parameters-(1) CPP mean vowel (dB), (2) highest F0 (Hz), and (3) mean peak air pressure (cmH2O)-were statistically significant; however, the log2-fold change for each parameter was minimal.ConclusionComputational models and multivariate statistical testing on 15 acoustic and aerodynamic voice metrics were unable to adequately characterize pMTD and determine differences between the two groups (pMTD and non-pMTD). Further validation of these metrics is needed with voice elicitation tasks that target physiological challenges to the vocal system from baseline vocal acoustic and aerodynamic ouput. Future work should also place greater focus on validating metrics of physiological correlates (eg, neuromuscular processes, laryngeal-respiratory kinematics) across the vocal subsystems over traditional vocal output measures (eg, acoustics, aerodynamics) for patients with pMTD.Level of evidenceII.
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Project description:The ability to recognize an individual from their voice is a widespread ability with a long evolutionary history. Yet, the perceptual representation of familiar voices is ill-defined. In two experiments, we explored the neuropsychological processes involved in the perception of voice identity. We specifically explored the hypothesis that familiar voices (trained-to-familiar (Experiment 1), and famous voices (Experiment 2)) are represented as a whole complex pattern, well approximated by the average of multiple utterances produced by a single speaker. In experiment 1, participants learned three voices over several sessions, and performed a three-alternative forced-choice identification task on original voice samples and several "speaker averages," created by morphing across varying numbers of different vowels (e.g., [a] and [i]) produced by the same speaker. In experiment 2, the same participants performed the same task on voice samples produced by familiar speakers. The two experiments showed that for famous voices, but not for trained-to-familiar voices, identification performance increased and response times decreased as a function of the number of utterances in the averages. This study sheds light on the perceptual representation of familiar voices, and demonstrates the power of average in recognizing familiar voices. The speaker average captures the unique characteristics of a speaker, and thus retains the information essential for recognition; it acts as a prototype of the speaker.
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Project description:ObjectiveThe primary objective of the present systematic review is to: (1) identify the current vocal tasks being used for acoustic and/or auditory perceptual analysis to differentiate between individuals with and without voice disorders. The secondary objectives are to: (2) evaluate the evidence of the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of those vocal tasks for acoustic and/or auditory perceptual analysis in discriminating the individuals with voice disorders from those without; and (3) compare the values between the vocal tasks in discriminating individuals with voice disorders from those without.Method and analysisWe search the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed Central and Google Scholar. Grey literature searches will include ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. Websites of professional organisations and textbooks will be hand searched for relevant information related to the research question. Study screening, selection and data extraction will be conducted independently by two reviewers. Any disagreements will be resolved by discussion or by involving a third reviewer.The methodological quality of the included studies will be appraised using the relevant Critical Appraisal Tools by JBI. The clinical guidelines and recommendations for voice assessment by professional bodies will be appraised using the Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in HealThcare (RIGHT) checklist. The findings will be presented in the form of an information matrix with the tasks identified tabulated against the nature of the task, dimensions being tested, and their accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in identifying individuals with voice problems.Ethics and disseminationFormal ethics approval is not required. The findings will be presented at national and international conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.Prospero registration numberCRD42023431634.
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Project description:Little is known about the nature or extent of everyday variability in voice quality. This paper describes a series of principal component analyses to explore within- and between-talker acoustic variation and the extent to which they conform to expectations derived from current models of voice perception. Based on studies of faces and cognitive models of speaker recognition, the authors hypothesized that a few measures would be important across speakers, but that much of within-speaker variability would be idiosyncratic. Analyses used multiple sentence productions from 50 female and 50 male speakers of English, recorded over three days. Twenty-six acoustic variables from a psychoacoustic model of voice quality were measured every 5?ms on vowels and approximants. Across speakers the balance between higher harmonic amplitudes and inharmonic energy in the voice accounted for the most variance (females?=?20%, males?=?22%). Formant frequencies and their variability accounted for an additional 12% of variance across speakers. Remaining variance appeared largely idiosyncratic, suggesting that the speaker-specific voice space is different for different people. Results further showed that voice spaces for individuals and for the population of talkers have very similar acoustic structures. Implications for prototype models of voice perception and recognition are discussed.
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Project description:Background and objectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of two items in vocal fold paresis and paralysis screening after thyroid and parathyroid surgery: patient self-assessment of voice using the Voice Handicap Index and computer-based acoustic voice analysis using the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program.MethodsThis was a prospective study of 181 patients who underwent thyroid or parathyroid surgery over a 1-year study period (2017). Preoperatively, all patients underwent laryngoscopic vocal fold inspection and acoustic voice analysis, and they completed the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire. Postoperatively, all patients underwent laryngoscopy prior to hospital discharge; 2 weeks after the surgery, they completed the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire a second time. Two weeks postoperatively, patients with vocal fold paresis or paralysis and 20 randomly selected controls without vocal fold paresis or paralysis underwent a follow-up acoustic voice analysis.ResultsFourteen patients had a new postoperative vocal fold paresis or paralysis. Postoperatively, the total Voice Handicap Index score was significantly higher (p = 0.040) and the change between preoperative and postoperative scores was greater (p = 0.028) in vocal fold paresis or paralysis patients. A total postoperative Voice Handicap Index score > 30 had 55% sensitivity, and 90% specificity, for vocal fold paresis or paralysis. In the postoperative Multi-Dimensional Voice Program analysis, vocal fold paresis or paralysis patients had significantly more jitter (p = 0.044). Postoperative jitter > 1.33 corresponded to 55% sensitivity, and 95% specificity, for vocal fold paresis or paralysis.ConclusionsIn identifying postoperative vocal fold paresis or paralysis, patient self-assessment and jitter in acoustic voice analysis have high specificity but poor sensitivity. Without routine laryngoscopy, approximately half of the patients with postoperative vocal fold paresis or paralysis could be overlooked. However, if the patient has no complaints of voice disturbance 2 weeks after thyroid or parathyroid surgery, the likelihood of vocal fold paresis or paralysis is low.
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Project description:The placement of fluorophores in close proximity to metal nanoparticle surfaces is proposed to enhance several photophysical properties of the dyes, potentially leading to improved quantum yields and decreased photobleaching. It is difficult in practice, however, to establish and maintain the nanoscale distances that are required to maximize these effects. The type of metal, size, and shape of the nanoparticle, the physical distance separating the metal nanoparticle from the organic dye, and the spectral properties of the fluorophore itself are all proposed to influence the quantum yield and lifetime. This results in a complex behavior that can lead to either enhanced or quenched fluorescence in different contexts. In this report, we describe a well-defined system that can be used to explore these effects, while physically preventing the fluorophores from contacting the nanoparticle surfaces. The basis of this system is the spherical protein capsid of bacteriophage MS2, which was used to house gold particles within its interior volume. The exterior surface of each capsid was then modified with Alexa Fluor 488 (AF 488) labeled DNA strands. By placing AF 488 dyes at distances of 3, 12, and 24 bp from the surface of capsids containing 10 nm gold nanoparticles, fluorescence intensity enhancements of 2.2, 1.2, and 1.0 were observed, respectively. A corresponding decrease in fluorescence lifetime was observed for each distance. Because of its well-defined and modular nature, this architecture allows the rapid exploration of the many variables involved in metal-controlled fluorescence, leading to a better understanding of this phenomenon.
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Project description:OBJECTIVES:Voice handicap has generally been measured at a single timepoint. Little is known about its variability from hour to hour or day to day. Voice handicap has been shown to be negatively related to voice-related perceived control in cross-sectional studies, but the within-person variability in voice-related perceived control is also unknown. We aimed to use ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to (1) assess the feasibility of EMA to examine daily voice handicap and voice-related perceived control in patients with voice disorders, (2) measure within-person variability in daily voice handicap and perceived control, and (3) characterize temporal associations (eg, correlations over time) between daily voice handicap and perceived control. METHODS:Adults with voice problems were recruited from a large public university medical center in the Midwest. They completed baseline measures, followed by twice-daily assessments, including selected items measuring voice handicap and perceived control, and then repeated the baseline measures at the final timepoint. Feasibility was assessed via completion rates. Within-person variability was measured using standard deviations. Temporal associations were characterized using simulation modeling analysis. RESULTS:EMA of voice handicap and perceived control was feasible in this patient population. Momentary voice handicap varied more than perceived control, though both were variable. Multiple patterns of temporal associations between daily voice handicap and perceived control were found. CONCLUSIONS:These findings identified important variability in (1) measures of voice handicap and perceived control and (2) their associations over time. Future EMA studies in patients with voice disorders are both feasible and warranted.
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Project description:Speech carries identity-diagnostic acoustic cues that help individuals recognize each other during vocal-social interactions. In humans, fundamental frequency, formant dispersion and harmonics-to-noise ratio serve as characteristics along which speakers can be reliably separated. The ability to infer a speaker's identity is also adaptive for members of other species (like companion animals) for whom humans (as owners) are relevant. The acoustic bases of speaker recognition in non-humans are unknown. Here, we tested whether dogs can recognize their owner's voice and whether they rely on the same acoustic parameters for such recognition as humans use to discriminate speakers. Stimuli were pre-recorded sentences spoken by the owner and control persons, played through loudspeakers placed behind two non-transparent screens (with each screen hiding a person). We investigated the association between acoustic distance of speakers (examined along several dimensions relevant in intraspecific voice identification) and dogs' behavior. Dogs chose their owner's voice more often than that of control persons', suggesting that they can identify it. Choosing success and time spent looking in the direction of the owner's voice were positively associated, showing that looking time is an index of the ease of choice. Acoustic distance of speakers in mean fundamental frequency and jitter were positively associated with looking time, indicating that the shorter the acoustic distance between speakers with regard to these parameters, the harder the decision. So, dogs use these cues to discriminate their owner's voice from unfamiliar voices. These findings reveal that dogs use some but probably not all acoustic parameters that humans use to identify speakers. Although dogs can detect fine changes in speech, their perceptual system may not be fully attuned to identity-diagnostic cues in the human voice.
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Project description:Purpose Telepractice improves patient access to clinical care for voice disorders. Acoustic assessment has the potential to provide critical, objective information during telepractice, yet its validity via telepractice is currently unknown. The current study investigated the accuracy of acoustic measures of voice in a variety of telepractice platforms. Method Twenty-nine voice samples from individuals with dysphonia were transmitted over six video conferencing platforms (Zoom with and without enhancements, Cisco WebEx, Microsoft Teams, Doxy.me, and VSee Messenger). Standard time-, spectral-, and cepstral-based acoustic measures were calculated. The effect of transmission condition on each acoustic measure was assessed using repeated-measures analyses of variance. For those acoustic measures for which transmission condition was a significant factor, linear regression analysis was performed on the difference between the original recording and each telepractice platform, with the overall severity of dysphonia, Internet speed, and ambient noise from the transmitter as predictors. Results Transmission condition was a statistically significant factor for all acoustic measures except for mean fundamental frequency (f o). Ambient noise from the transmitter was a significant predictor of differences between platforms and the original recordings for all acoustic measures except f o measures. All telepractice platforms affected acoustic measures in a statistically significantly manner, although the effects of platforms varied by measure. Conclusions Overall, measures of f o were the least impacted by telepractice transmission. Microsoft Teams had the least and Zoom (with enhancements) had the most pronounced effects on acoustic measures. These results provide valuable insight into the relative validity of acoustic measures of voice when collected via telepractice. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14794812.
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