What is 'Cepstral Peak Prominence' (CPP) used to measure in voice assessment?

Cepstral Peak Prominence (CPP) is primarily used to assess the clarity and distinctness of a voice signal. This measurement provides insight into the regularity and periodicity of the vocal fold vibrations, which are crucial factors in determining the quality of the voice. In voice assessment, a higher CPP indicates a more distinct and clearer voice, while lower values can suggest issues such as voice disorders or irregularities in vocal fold vibration.

The concept behind CPP involves analyzing the acoustic signal to separate the periodic components (the fundamental frequency of the voice) from the aperiodic components (noise and other irregular sounds). By focusing on these characteristics, clinicians can evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for voice disorders or monitor changes in the vocal quality over time.

In summary, while other aspects of voice might be analyzed through different methods, CPP specifically targets the clarity and distinctness of the voice signal, making it a valuable tool in voice assessment.