Validation of the Singing Voice Handicap Index in Greek Singers: Normal and Voice-Disordered Participants

The Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI) was culturally adapted and validated in Greek to examine the impacts of voice problems on a singer's everyday life.

The translated version was administered to 120 singers in total, along with the translated version of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), a sort voice history questionnaire, two Self-Rating Dysphonia Severity Scales (SRDSSs), and two visual analog scales. A week after the original completion of the Greek version of SVHI, a second copy of the SVHI was administered to 50% of the participants.

The results showed high test-retest reliability (Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC): 0.859, P = 0.000) and excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.960). A significant difference between healthy and voice disordered singers emerged (18.01 ± 13.213, 43.26 ± 20.196; K-W: P = 0.000; ROC: Area = 0.863, Std. = 0.041, P = 0.000). Also, high concurrent (Spearman's rho 0.55, P = 0.000) and face (Spearman's rho: SRDSS₁ 0.481, P = 0.000; SRDSS₂ 0.504, P = 0.000) validity scores were observed. Regarding the relation of the demographic variables or habits that could relate to voice disorders, only the years of experience (PCC: -0.240, P = 0.008) and singing lessons (Spearman's rho: -0.286, P = 0.002) had a strong correlation with SVHI.

In conclusion, the Greek version of the SVHI questionnaire was validated successfully as a reliable tool with proper internal consistency. It will serve as a suitable and valuable instrument for self-evaluation of a vocal difficulty's effects on a singer's day-to-day life.