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Correlation between acoustic parameters and Voice Handicap Index in dysphonic teachers
E Niebudek-Bogusz1, E Woznicka, E Zamyslowska-Szmytke
1Department of Audiology and Phoniatrics, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland. ebogusz @ imp.lodz.pl
Summary
This study found that voice problems in teachers significantly impact their quality of life, as measured by the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Objective voice measurements correlate with VHI scores, supporting its use in evaluating occupational dysphonia.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Voice disorders are common among teachers, impacting their professional and personal lives.
- The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) assesses the biopsychosocial effects of voice problems.
- Objective acoustic analysis provides measurable data on voice production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the correlation between acoustic voice analysis and the biopsychosocial impact of voice problems using the VHI.
- To determine the clinical utility of the VHI in assessing occupational dysphonia in teachers.
Main Methods:
- 120 female teachers with voice disorders (functional dysphonia or dysphonia with vocal fold masses) and 30 healthy controls were evaluated.
- Videolaryngostroboscopy was used for diagnosis.
- Pearson correlation and regression analyses assessed relationships between VHI scores and acoustic parameters.
Main Results:
- Teachers reported VHI scores over five times higher than controls.
- Significant positive correlations were observed between VHI scores and frequency and amplitude perturbation parameters in teachers.
- Acoustic parameters correlated with functional and emotional VHI subscales, but less so with the physical subscale.
Conclusions:
- A significant relationship exists between objective voice measurements and VHI scores.
- The VHI is a valuable tool for assessing the biopsychosocial impact of occupational dysphonia.
- Multidimensional voice evaluation should incorporate the VHI.
