Screening for Deviant Voice Characteristics in School Children

Abstract

Objectives: Early detection of voice disorders in children has obvious advantages but it is challenging due to lack of appropriate screening tool and referrals. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of vocal deviancies in children through screening and to confirm the results with acoustic measures. This also serves to create awareness among teachers, to make appropriate referrals. Method: 260 children aged 4.1 to 10.11 years were screened using “'Quick Screen for Identifying Pediatric Voice Disorders'. 30 children were re-screened after 2 weeks to measure reliability and acoustic measures such as F0, Jitter% and Shimmer% were analyzed using PRAAT software to correlate with the perceptual analysis. Results:15% of the total samples failed in the screening with the highest failure in phonatory subsystem (13.1%). Intra-judge and inter-judge reliability measures of the samples were found to be significant and acoustic measures were affected in those who failed in the screening. Conclusion: The screening tool was effective in identifying children with vocal deviancies. Early identification for appropriate intervention is essential in children to prevent the detrimental effects of voice disorders on communication and other aspects of life in these individuals.

Keywords: Screening, deviant voice, reliability, children

Cite this Article

Ruth Deborah D, VedhaSorubini K. Screening for Deviant Voice Characteristics in School Children. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2019; 9(1): 59–64p.