MultiDimensional Voice Program analysis in children with vocal cord nodules

Computer-assisted voice analysis has recently been introduced as a noninvas ive approach to the management of paediatric dysphonia. The aim of this stu dy was to determine which parameters of voice analysis distinguish vocal co rd nodules from normal patterns. Following diagnosis by flexible nasolaryng oscopy, 12 male children with vocal cord nodules, aged 7 to 12, underwent v oice analysis by MultiDimensional Voice Program (MDVP; Kay Elemetrics, Linc oln Park, NJ, USA). These subjects were divided into two age groups (7-9 ye ars, n = 5; 10-12 years, n = 7) and compared to age-matched controls. Resul ts 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 variat ion. Further studies are required to assess the role of MDVP ill the diagno sis of other voice pathologies and the monitoring of voice therapy.