Expert-rated evaluation of voice was based on 3 sentences
read aloud at a comfortable speech loudness level.
The sentences included 17 words and lasted about
14.5 seconds. Voice samples were uploaded onto a compact
disk in a random order. A total of 150 voice samples were
analyzed by 3 trained speech and language therapists with
expertise in voice quality evaluation who were blinded to
the treatment groups. Voice quality was assessed on the
GRBAS scale, consisting of grade (G), reflecting overall
voice quality; roughness (R); breathiness (B); asthenia (A);
and strain (S). Ratings of these 5 aspects of voice quality
varied from 0 (normal) to 3 (extremely abnormal) (10). The
higher the score, the more dysphonic the voice.