Correlation between voice handicap index and voice laboratory measurements in dysphonic patients

Abstract

Factors underlying voice disorders can be categorized into three distinct domains: emotional, physical, and functional. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) subjectively evaluates voice disorders in terms of these three factors. On the other hand, Voice Laboratory Measurements (VLM) use objective criteria to evaluate the severity of voice disorders. Use of these two different tests (VHI and VLM) on dysphonic patients has, however, tended to yield results that vary widely in their conclusions. This report reviewed 135 testing sessions on dysphonia patients. Seventy-nine of the tests were VHI, and 56 were VLM. All VHI and VLM parameters were entered into a statistical program and analyzed using a Pearson correlation. The results show that each VHI parameter provides a significant level of reliability (P < 0.01) when compared with other VHI parameters. Four VLM parameters also demonstrated significant reliability (P < 0.01) in comparison with other VLM parameters. However, when comparing across testing methods, VHI and VLM parameter reliability is shown to be poor (P > 0.05). With such a large discrepancy between the results of VHI and VLM testing, no objective parameter can yet be regarded as a definitive prognostic factor in a subjective evaluation of dysphonic patients.