Utility of the voice handicap index as an indicator of postthyroidectomy voice dysfunction

The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) is a simple, reliable, self-administered questionnaire that has been used to identify negative voice outcomes after thyroidectomy. This study provides an updated report of a multiyear study examining the predictive ability of the VHI to classify normal versus negative voice outcomes (VOs).

Prospective observational, longitudinal study of the patient reported impact of voice changes after thyroidectomy using the VHI. Since the preliminary report, the sample size doubled and methods for classifying voice outcomes (VOs) were refined.

Ninety-one adults provided voice assessment data preoperatively (baseline) and at approximately 2 weeks postthyroidectomy. VO was defined according to endoscopic laryngeal examination, acoustic, auditory perceptual, and patient report parameters. The VHI was tested for its sensitivity and specificity for identifying VO.

Twenty-two participants (24.2%) qualified as having adverse VOs during the early postoperative period. A change from baseline in VHI of 13-16 points had a diagnostic accuracy of 86% sensitivity and 88% specificity for classifying early VO and had 70% and 95% positive and negative predictive values, respectively. The Functional and Physical subscales of the VHI had higher predictive value than the Emotional subscale. Adjunctive analyses of a two-subscale version of the VHI and of the 10 items that comprises the VHI-10 also revealed high predictive value for differentiating groups by VO.

Balanced sensitivity and specificity are achieved at a change in the total VHI score of 13-16. These results are generally consistent with several other studies examining voice problems over time. The VHI, as well as its alternate versions, appear to be useful and should be incorporated into the diagnostic process for identifying patients with voice problems after thyroidectomy.