Spectral noise estimation in the evaluation of pathological voice
Murphy, P.J.
Logopedics Phoniatrics Vocology 31(4): 182-189
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 1401-5439
PMID: 17114131
DOI: 10.1080/14015430600576238
Accession: 050358993
A measure of the harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR) in voice signals is used for assisting in the classification of voice pathologies. HNR estimation for voice signals has been investigated using time domain, cepstral, Fourier series and Fourier transform analyses. The present investigation focuses on methods that use a direct application of the Fourier transform to the signal. Three approaches to obtaining a HNR index from the power spectrum are reviewed. The present study uses synthetic voice signals to provide an unambiguous assessment of methods. The study highlights the fact that even though the indices derived from the power spectrum are useful in separating pathological and normal voice data sets, they provide only indirect information regarding the HNR of the glottal signal.