ABSTRACT
Computer-assisted voice analysis has recently been introduced as a noninvasive approach to the management of paediatric dysphonia. The aim of this study was to determine which parameters of voice analysis distinguish vocal cord nodules from normal patterns. Following diagnosis by flexible nasolaryngoscopy, 12 male children with vocal cord nodules, aged 7 to 12, underwent voice analysis by MultiDimensional Voice Program (MDVP; Kay Elemetrics, Lincoln Park, NJ, USA). These subjects were divided into two age groups (7-9 years, n = 5; 10-12 years, n = 7) and compared to age-matched controls. Results suggest that across all age groups, subjects with vocal cord nodules had statistically significant (p < .01) elevations in absolute jitter, jitter percent, relative average perturbation, pitch period perturbation quotient, smoothed amplitude perturbation quotient, and fundamental frequency variation. Further studies are required to assess the role of MDVP in the diagnosis of other voice pathologies and the monitoring of voice therapy.
