Voice characteristics of children aged between 6 and 13 years: Impact of age, gender, and vocal training

Abstract

Objective. To determine impact of age, gender, and vocal training on voice characteristics of children aged 6–13 years. Methods. Voice acoustic and phonetogram parameters were determined for the group of 44 singing and 31 non-singing children. Results. No impact of gender and/or age on phonetogram, acoustic voice parameters, and maximum phonation time was detected. Voice ranges of all children represented a pre-pubertal soprano type with a voice range of 22 semitones for non-singing and of 26 semitones for singing individuals. The mean maximum voice intensity was 81 dB. Vocal training had a positive impact on voice intensity parameters in girls. Conclusion. The presented data on average voice characteristics may be applicable in the clinical practice and provide relevant support for voice assessment.

Key words::

• Children's voice parameters
• vocal training
• voice type

Acknowledgements

An Independent Ethics Committee at Kaunas University of Medicine has acknowledged the study.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.