Do children with hearing loss perform worse in terms of speaking and singing voice parameters in comparison to normal hearing children?

Purpose Only few data is available about vocal capability of children with hearing loss which are fitted with hearing aids and/or cochlea implants (CI). Aim of the study was to determine voice range profiles of speaking and singing voice of children – with an at least moderate hearing loss (WHO). It was hypothesis that these children perform louder in speaking voice profile and have a reduced singing voice profile compared to children without hearing loss.

Method In a prospective setting 46 children with an at least moderate hearing loss of the better hearing ear and 97 children without hearing loss at the age of 5;05 -10;05 years were examined. On both groups a voice range profile of speaking and singing voice was measured in order to analyze mean frequency and sound pressure level of speaking voice in four intensities as well as the range of singing voice measured in halftones and intensity.

Results No critical differences could be found in speaking and singing voice profiles between both groups. Yet, female children with normal hearing were able to modulate the intensity of their singing voice significantly better than hearing impaired children.

Conclusion Children with hearing loss which are sufficient fitted with hearing aids are able to perform speaking and singing voice range profile equal to normal hearing children.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2023