Perceptual Voice Profile One of the most difficult aspects of developing this package was the selection of perceptual voice terms and the descriptions of the probable physiological underpinning of those terms. We wished to use a voice evaluation format which would incorporate terminology and definitions which were as universally accepted as possible, reflect current knowledge of the relationships between perceptual features and vocal physiology, be comprehensive enough to include the majority of features of impaired voices, and be sufficiently clear for speech pathology students. Feedback to students about their ratings is provided using ratings made by expert speech-language pathologists. A panel of 10 clinicians with extensive experience in the management of clients with voice disorders was selected from three states in Australia to provide the expert ratings. Scientific understanding of the physiology underlying these components is not complete, but the descriptions used in this program are currently accepted by the majority of voice scientists.
Pitch is the perception of how high or low a voice is.
It is determined mainly by the speed of vibration of the vocal folds. The higher the pitch the faster the rate of vibration. The lower the pitch, the slower the rate of vibration. The average or modal pitch of a person's voice may be normal, too high or too low. We also use variations in pitch during speech to signal meaning and emotion and this is referred to as intonation.