Factors affecting acoustic voice characteristics in children using unilateral cochlear implant

Abstract Background Children with severe profound hearing loss demonstrate problems in their voice and vary significantly from normal due to reduced speech perception. Nevertheless, it is also very important to explore the factors that could be responsible for these voice changes, as this would help modify and target these factors not only in the intervention but also in the assessment of the children with voice disorders. Method A cross–sectional study design where 33 participants were recruited for each group. Group A (Typically developing children) and Group B (Children with hearing impairment using cochlear implant). Acoustical assessment was done on both groups using MDVP in a sound treated room with a microphone kept at a distance of 6 cm. Result The data was analysed using SPSS Software package and normality was carried out which suggested data to be non-normally distributed; hence the Mann–Whitney U test was administered. The results revealed that there is a significant difference for Pitch perturbation quotient and number of detected pitch period among chronological age of children using cochlear implant. Pitch perturbation quotient and Soft Phonation Index between males and females for children using cochlear implant. Conclusion The Present study, highlights the factors affecting acoustical voice characteristics in children using unilateral cochlear implant. Voice of children fitted with cochlear implant showcased variations based on chronological age and gender, hence assessing the voice based on these specifications would yield us in accurate diagnosis and further intervention.