Vocal Parameters of Elderly Female Choir Singers

Abstract

Introduction Due to increased life expectancy among the population, studying the vocal parameters of the elderly is key to promoting vocal health in old age. Objective This study aims to analyze the profile of the extension of speech of elderly female choristers, according to age group. Method The study counted on the participation of 25 elderly female choristers from the Choir of Messianic Church of São Paulo, with ages varying between 63 and 82 years, and an average of 71 years (standard deviation of 5.22). The elders were divided into two groups: G1 aged 63 to 71 years and G2 aged 72 to 82. We asked that each participant count from 20 to 30 in weak, medium, strong, and very strong intensities. Their speech was registered by the software Vocalgrama that allows the evaluation of the profile of speech range. We then submitted the parameters of frequency and intensity to descriptive analysis, both in minimum and maximum levels, and range of spoken voice. Results The average of minimum and maximum frequencies were respectively 134.82–349.96 Hz for G1 and 137.28–348.59 Hz for G2; the average for minimum and maximum intensities were respectively 40.28–95.50 dB for G1 and 40.63–94.35 dB for G2; the vocal range used in speech was 215.14 Hz for G1 and 211.30 Hz for G2. Conclusion The minimum and maximum frequencies, maximum intensity, and vocal range presented differences in favor of the younger elder group.

Machine-Learning Analysis of Voice Samples Recorded through Smartphones: The Combined Effect of Ageing and Gender

“…Finally, concerning measures in the frequency domain, previous studies using spectral analysis have also shown age-related changes in voice even though with some inconsistency. For instance, in the elderly, the fundamental frequency (f0) decreased [ 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 ], increased [ 68 , 69 , 70 ], or even remain unchanged [ 71 , 72 , 73 ].…”

Vocal range profile in elderly women with and without voice symptom

“…The differences registered between young and elderly women are also expected, as the loss of vocal flexibility due to laryngeal changes in old age is taken into consideration 21,22 . In chorists, on the other hand, the registered average reach for younger elderly women was of 349.96 Hz, whereas the group of older elderly women had an average value of 348.59 Hz 14 . Hence, it is reinforced the difficulty to reach higher frequencies in old age.…”

“…Moreover, it is interesting to notice that elderly chorist women may present an even lower reach, possibly resulting from training. A research has presented average values corresponding to 134.82Hz and 137.28Hz in elderly chorist women of two different age groups 14 .…”

“…Furthermore, it is highlighted that the intensity control is directly related to laryngeal tonicity and glottal resistance, which, in elderly, may be reduced. Studies carried out with elderly women present either similar or lower average 14,18 .…”

“…Furthermore, the presence of negative vocal symptoms, as coughing, throat clearing, screaming, difficulty to speak, and vocal fatigue interfered with the vocal range performance of elderly women chorists, especially in the group presenting greater occurrence of these vocal symptoms 14 .…”