Association Between Facial Length and Width and Fundamental Frequency

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the association between facial width and length and fundamental frequency (F0) and habitual frequency. Study design Prospective cross-sectional study. Subjects A total of 50 subjects (35 females;15 males) were included in this study. Methods Lateral and posteroanterior cephalometric measurements included: facial height (N–Me); widths of the maxilla (J–J), mandible (AG–AG), and face (Zyg–Zyg); ratios J–J to AG–AG, N–Me to Zyg–Zyg, and lower face to total face heights. All subjects underwent acoustic analysis using Visi-Pitch IV. Sample was stratified according to age and gender. Results In the total group (mean age: 14.19±6.49 years; range 6-35 years), a significantly moderate negative correlation existed between Zyg–Zyg, J–J, and AG–AG, and F0 and habitual pitch. Similarly, N-Me moderately correlated with habitual pitch. In males, there was a significant moderate negative correlation between Zyg–Zyg and J–J, and habitual pitch, and between J–J and F0 (−0.571;p=0.026). In females, a significant moderate correlation existed between Zyg–Zyg and AG–AG, and habitual pitch, and between AG–AG and F0 (−0.347;p=0.041). In the prepubertal group (n=25), a negative moderate correlation occurred between J–J and AG–AG, N–Me and habitual frequency, and between J–J and F0 (−0.407;p=0.043). In the postpubertal group, there was a significant moderate correlation only between AG–AG and F0 (−0.403;p=0.046). Conclusion Facial length correlates significantly with habitual frequency, and facial width correlates significantly with both F0 and habitual pitch. A larger sample of adult subjects is needed to substantiate this conclusion. © 2017 The Voice Foundation