Voice frequency analysis through puberty using a new smartphone app
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Voice frequency analysis through puberty using a new smartphone app
IRAS ID
174474
Contact name
Gary Butler
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UCL
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 0 days
Research summary
Maturation of the voice is an integral part of male puberty. The lowering or ‘breaking’ of the voice arises from the increased size of the voice box and in particular length of the vocal chords under the influence of testosterone, the male sex hormone. This lowering of the voice occurs in parallel with the general increase in height and weight-the growth spurt- and this is closely linked to the physical changes of puberty.
The SpeechTest app has been designed to measure the average speaking voice frequency in males by asking them to perform a simple test-counting backwards from 20 to 0. The numbers are displayed on the screen to aid memory and to avoid issues of embarrassment especially if learning is delayed. It is intended that the accuracy of the app is validated in parallel with clinical evaluation of pubertal maturation during routine clinical examination in the outpatient clinic by a senior paediatrician. This will allow the puberty ratings displayed on the app to be validated and adjusted so the voice frequency analysis can be used as a substutute assessment of pubertal status in future studies without the need for clinical pubertal staging, an awkward and embarrassing procedure when not required as part of a medical clinical examination. Further corroboration of the progress through puberty will be made by asking the boys to collect a saliva/spit sample at home in the morning to measure the male hormone testosterone.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/YH/0340
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion