An Analytical Study of Age and Gender Effects on Voice Range Profile in Bengali Adult Speakers using Phonetogram

The study was aimed to analyze the changes in acoustic parameters based upon age and gender effects and to obtain normal voice range profile (VRP) of adult male and female of three different age range. Total no. of 90 subjects were grouped into three groups as per their age (20-30, 40-50 and 60-70 years) consisting 15 males and 15 females in each group. All participants were native Bengla speakers, not reported to have any speech, language, hearing, respiratory, or any other motor/ sensory deficits. Dr. Speech Software Phonetogram (version 4) and SPSS software (version 11.0) were used as tools. VRP parameters such as maximum and minimum fundamental frequency (F0), fundamental frequency range, sound pressure level (SPL), semitone and area were measured. Subjects were asked to phonate /a/ vowel in seven consistent registering in normal loudness. The mentioned parameters were measured by the tools. Responses were statistically analyzed by SPSS software (version 11.0). There was significant difference in fundamental frequency of males and females. But, there were no such significant difference in other parameters. For females endochronological changes results in more massive vocal folds and consequently, reduced F0 in old age group. Elderly males had a significantly higher F0 than young and middle aged due to vocal cord atrophy and tissue stiffening. In daily practice, the clinician prefers to make use of visual tools to treat the patient with voice problem.