Self-Reported Voice-Related Quality of Life in Cochlear Implant Users

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify if cochlear implant (CI) users are perceiving a decrease in life quality due to voice problems. This study evaluated 43 CI user's perception of their voice and how it affects their quality of life through a survey. Approach: Forty-three CI users responded to a survey regarding their demographics, details about their CI, the Hearing Health Quick Test (HHQT), the Voice Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL), and the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). The survey responses were analyzed using univariate linear regression analysis. Results: Few of the CI users scored below the cut off for normal voice related quality of life. CI users averaged 93.4 out of 100 on the V-RQOL and only four scored abnormally for the VHI-10. Lower scores on the V-RQOL were correlated with the participants having an associate degree and with participants visiting friends, family, and neighbors less often due to hearing loss. The VHI-10 scores were correlated with gender, education levels, difficulty in social situations due to hearing loss, noise exposure, and tinnitus. Limitations of the study: The small n was the primary limitation of this study. Originality: This study was one of the first to examine the voice-related quality of life in CI users. Conclusions: Overall, respondents did not perceive much voice-related difficulty. However, they were more likely to perceive voice-related difficulty if they experienced difficulty hearing in noise and avoided social situations due to hearing loss.

Objetivo: Este estudio identificó si los usuarios de implantes cocleares (IC) están percibiendo una disminución en la calidad de su vida debido a problemas de voz. Además, evaluó la percepción de la voz de 43 usuarios de IC y cómo afecta su calidad de vida a través de una encuesta. Enfoque: Cuarenta y tres usuarios de IC respondieron a una encuesta sobre su demografía, detalles sobre su IC, la Hearing Health Quick Test (HHQT), la Voice Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) y el Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). Las respuestas de la encuesta se analizaron mediante un análisis de regresión lineal univariado. Resultados: Pocos usuarios de IC puntuaron por debajo del límite para calidad de vida relacionada con la voz. El promedio V-RQOL fue de 93,4/100; solo 4 participantes tuvieron puntuación anormal en VHI-10. Las bajas puntuaciones en V-RQOL se correlacionaron con título de asociado y menos visitas por pérdida auditiva; las puntuaciones VHI-10, con sexo, educación, dificultad en situaciones sociales, exposición al ruido y tinnitus. Limitaciones del estudio: La pequeña n fue la principal limitación de este estudio. Originalidad: Este estudio fue uno de los primeros en examinar la calidad de vida relacionada con la voz en usuarios de CI. Conclusiones: En general, los encuestados no percibieron mucha dificultad relacionada con la voz. Sin embargo, era más probable que percibieran dificultades relacionadas con la voz si tenían dificultades para oír en ruido y evitaban situaciones sociales debido a la pérdida auditiva.

Validation of the Filipino Voice Handicap Index-10 (FVHI-10)

Rationale/Objective@#The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) is a selfassessment tool that evaluates the patient’s reaction and perception to a vocal disorder. This study aimed to establish, validate and assess the reliability of the Filipino translation of the Voice Handicap Index 10 (FVHI-10).@*Methods@#The VHI-10 was translated and adapted to the Filipino language and culture with the help of the Sentro ng Wikang Filipino- University of the Philippines Manila. A self-assessment of voice quality and FVHI-10 were performed by the patients and their GRBAS scale scoring was rated by a speech language pathologist. The Spearman’s correlation between the FVHI-10 and the self-assessment and GRBAS scale scores was obtained to test for validity. To evaluate the reliability of the FVHI-10, testing through determining internal consistency was conducted through the use of Chronbach α coefficient, inter-item correlation, item-total correlation and Cronbach α coefficient if tool item was deleted.@*Results@#Fifty five individuals participated in the study (29 males, 26 females, age range: 30-55 years) with the diagnosis of voice disorder based on complaints of hoarseness or dysphonia and laryngoscopic findings. Convergent validity was confirmed with moderate to strong correlation between the FVHI-10 and self-assessment (r=-.893, p<.05) and GRBAS scale scores (r=.427, p<.05). Reliability as measured through internal consistency was confirmed (Cronbach α=.874) (average ρ<.5) (corrected item-total correlation>0.3) (average interitem correlation=.15-.85). @*Conclusion@#The FVHI-10 was determined to be a valid and reliable instrument that can be utilized in the assessment of Filipino patients with voice disorders.

Análisis descriptivo del índice de discapacidad vocal pediátrico en niños con patología vocal benigna / Descriptive analysis of the pediatric voice handicap index in children with benign vocal fold pathology

Resumen Introducción: La disfonía infantil puede afectar negativamente la autoestima del niño y su calidad de vida relacionada con la voz. Objetivo: Describir los resultados del cuestionario Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) en niños con patología vocal benigna. Material y Método: Se diseñó un estudio descriptivo en pacientes con patología vocal benigna entre 3 y 15 años en la Unidad de Voz del Hospital de Niños Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna entre octubre de 2016 y febrero de 2020. La evaluación se realizó mediante un examen laringoscópico y el cuestionario pVHI para evaluar el impacto en la calidad de vida. Resultados: Se incluyeron 49 pacientes, 35 varones (71,4%) y 14 mujeres (28,6%). La edad media fue de 9,27 años. En el examen laringoscópico, el hallazgo más frecuente fueron los nódulos vocales. La puntuación media total en el pVHI fue de 38,77: 11,67 en la subescala o categoría funcional, 18,59 en la física y 8,42 en la emocional. En la evaluación de pVHI por género no existieron diferencias significativas. Conclusión: La patología vocal benigna en la edad pediátrica ocasiona un impacto negativo en la calidad de vida relacionada con la voz. El cuestionario pVHI es un valioso instrumento para evaluar dicha repercusión.

Abstract Introduction: Childhood dysphonia can negatively affect a child's self-esteem and voice-related quality of life. Aim: To describe the results of the Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) questionnaire in children with benign vocal fold pathology. Material and Method: A descriptive study was designed in patients with benign vocal fold pathology between 3 and 15 years of age in the Voice Unit of the Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna Children's Hospital between October 2016 and February 2020. The evaluation was carried out through a laryngoscopic examination and pVHI questionnaire to assess the impact on quality of life. Results: Forty-nine patients were included, 35 boys (71.4%) and 14 girls (28.6%). The mean age was 9.27 years. On laryngoscopic examination, the most frequent finding was vocal fold nodules. The total mean score on the pVHI was 38.77: 11.67 on the functional subscale, 18.59 on the physical subscale, and 8.42 on the emotional subscale. In the evaluation of pVHI by gender, no significant differences were found. Conclusion: Benign vocal fold pathology in pediatric age causes a negative impact on voice-related quality of life. The pVHI questionnaire is a valuable instrument to assess this repercussion.

Marathi translation, linguistic validation, and cross?cultural adaptation of speech handicap index and voice handicap index in patients of head and neck squamous cell cancer

Background: Patient reported treatment outcomes is a better way to measure the quality of life (QOL). This study was undertaken to translate the speech handicap index (SHI) and voice handicap index (VHI) in Marathi language and its linguistic validation and cross-cultural adaptation in patients of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Methods: SHI and VHI were translated into Marathi with prior permission from the respective authors of original English questionnaire (RAs). The translation procedure for each tool included two forward translations (English to Marathi), the formation of first intermediate Marathi translation (FIT), two back translations (Marathi to English) of FIT, and interim Marathi translation (IT) formation. The second intermediate Marathi translation (SIT) was prepared after face validation of IT by a subject expert. Pretesting of SIT was done in 20 patients of HNSCC to validate linguistic and cross-cultural adaptation. By incorporating the patient’s suggestions, the final Marathi translation was prepared and sent to primary authors for approval. Results: The grammatically and conceptually acceptable and face validated SIT was prepared and administered to HNSCC patients. The patients of the oral cavity and larynx were in SHI and VHI group, respectively (ten patients in each group). The questionnaire was well understood reflecting its linguistic and cross-cultural adaptation. Some of the patients suggested changes in a few words which were then corrected, rechecked with back translation, and final Marathi translated questionnaire was prepared. It was approved by RAs. Conclusion: Marathi translation of SHI and VHI are well accepted and comprehensible. It can be used for future studies.

Comparison of the efficacy of vocal training and vocal microsurgery in patients with early vocal fold polyp / Comparação entre a eficácia do treinamento vocal e da fonocirurgia em pacientes com pólipo de prega vocal incipiente

Abstract Introduction: Vocal fold polyp is a benign proliferative disease in the superficial lamina propria of the vocal fold, and vocal microsurgery can improve the voice quality of patients with vocal fold polyp. In preliminary studies, we found that vocal training could improve the vocal quality of patients with early vocal fold polyp. Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacies of vocal training and vocal microsurgery in patients with early vocal fold polyp. Methods: A total of 38 patients with early vocal fold polyp underwent 3 months of vocal training (VT group); another 31 patients with early vocal fold polyp underwent vocal microsurgery (VM group). All subjects were assessed using laryngostroboscopy, voice handicap index, and dysphonia severity index, and the efficacies of vocal training and vocal microsurgery were compared. Results: The cure rates of vocal training and vocal microsurgery were 31.6% (12/38) and 100% (31/31), respectively. The intragroup paired-sample t-test showed that the post treatment vocal handicap index, maximum phonation time, highest frequency (F0-high), lowest intensity (I-low), and dysphonia severity index in both the VT and VM groups were better than those before treatment, except for the jitter value. The intergroup independent-sample t-test revealed that the emotional values of vocal handicap index (t = − 2.22, p = 0.03), maximum phonation time (t = 2.54, p = 0.013), jitter (t = − 2.11, p = 0.03), and dysphonia severity index (t = 3.24, p = 0.002) in the VT group were better than those in the VM group. Conclusions: Both, vocal training and vocal microsurgery could improve the voice quality of patients with early vocal fold polyp, and these methods present different advantages.

Resumo Introdução: O pólipo de prega vocal é uma doença proliferativa benigna da camada superficial da lâmina própria da prega vocal e a microfonocirurgia pode melhorar a qualidade vocal desses pacientes. Em estudos preliminares, observamos que o treinamento vocal era capaz de melhorar a qualidade vocal de pacientes com pólipo incipiente de prega vocal. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a eficiência entre treinamento vocal e microfonocirurgia em pacientes com pólipo incipiente de prega vocal. Método: Um total de 38 pacientes com pólipo incipiente de prega vocal foram submetidos a três meses de treinamento vocal (grupo TV); outros 31 pacientes foram submetidos à microfonocirurgia (grupo MC). Todos os indivíduos foram avaliados por meio de laringoestroboscopia, índice de desvantagem vocal e índice de severidade da disfonia e a eficácia entre treinamento vocal e microfonocirurgia foi comparada. Resultados: As taxas de cura do treinamento vocal e da microfonocirurgia foram de 31,6% (12/38) e 100% (31/31), respectivamente. O teste t para amostras pareadas intragrupo mostrou que o índice de desvantagem vocal pós-tratamento, tempo máximo de fonação, frequência máxima, intensidade mínima e índice de severidade da disfonia nos grupos TV e MC foram melhores do que aqueles antes do tratamento, exceto pelo valor do jitter. O teste t para amostras independentes intergrupos revelou que o valor emocional do índice de desvantagem vocal (t = -2,22, p = 0,03), tempo máximo de fonação (t = 2,54, p = 0,013), jitter (t = -2,11, p = 0,03) e índice de severidade da disfonia (t = 3,24, p = 0,002) no grupo TV foram melhores do que os do grupo MC. Conclusões: Tanto o treinamento vocal quanto a microfonocirurgia podem melhorar a qualidade da voz de pacientes com pólipo incipiente de prega vocal e esses métodos apresentam diferentes vantagens.

The application of pediatric voice handicap index in children with voice disorders / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective@#To access the influence of voice disorders on children′s voice-related quality of life through the parental version of pediatric voice handicap index (pVHI).@*Methods@#From April 2017 to March 2018, a total of 192 children with voice disorders (dysphonic group) and 111 children without voice disorders (control group) were enrolled in this work. Parents of children in both groups were asked for fill out the questionnaire containing the parental version of pVHI and the data of non-normal distribution were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. Spearman test was used for correlation analysis.@*Results@#(1)Vocal cord nodule was the most common voice disorder in children, and boys were more susceptible to voice disorder than girls in this study (70.3%(135/192) vs 29.7%(57/192)). (2)The most common voice abuse or misuse habit was "Shouting loudly". (3)In dysphonic group, the scores of function, physiology, emotion and total were higher than those in control group (all P<0.05). (4)In dysphonic group, there was a weak correlation between the parents′ overall evaluation of the children′s voice status and the three dimensions of the parental version of pVHI (function: r=0.339, physiology: r=0.334, emotion: r=0.208, all P<0.001).@*Conclusions@#Voice disorders can cause a negative impact on children′s quality of life. Parental version of pVHI can be used to assess the voice-related quality of life in children with voice disorders.

Prognosis of Patients with Benign Vocal Fold Lesions after Laryngeal Microsurgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate patients' subjective and objective outcomes after laryngeal microsurgery for benign vocal fold (VF) lesions, and to identify usefulness of surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors reviewed the 102 patients medical records, retrospectively who received laryngeal microsurgery for benign VF lesions from January 2013 to August 2017. Subjective voice were measured using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Objective voice were recorded with Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP) just before surgery, and after at least 3 months of surgery. RESULTS: Benign VF lesions were categorized as VF nodule (n=34, 33%), VF Polyp (n=47, 26%), Intracordal cyst (n=15, 15%), Reinke's edema (n=6, 6%), and VF Papilloma (n=2, 2%). Post-operative voice assessment at VHI scores showed statistically significant reductions in all of functional, physical and emotional parts (p < 0.001). MDVP were showed significant improvement of Jitter (P=0.001), Shimmer (p < 0.001) and Noise to Harmonic Ratio (NHR) (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Laryngeal microsurgery for benign vocal fold lesions is effective treatment with statistically significant improvement at subjective and objective vocal quality assessment.

Clinical effect of voice therapy in the treatment of teachers' voice disorders patients combined subjective and objective assessment / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To explore the curative effectiveness of comprehensive voice training methods on teachers' voice disorders patients by using subjective and objective assessment. Methods Forty-seven teachers' voice disorders patients suffering from voice symptoms without organic disease and complete follow-up data as the research object were treated with a three-month comprehensive voice training program. Training content included relieving laryngeal muscle tension, improving the throat vocal cord movement and reconstruction methods of pronunciation. The use of voice acoustic analysis and voice handicap index(VHI) were compared before and after training. Results The jitter and shimmer were significantly decreased after comprehensive voice training from 1.06(0.79,1.38)％and 2.71(2.16,3.24)％to 0.78 (0.59, 0.99)％ and 1.64(1.03,2.45)％, the differences were significant (Z=3.249,-4.121, P<0.05). Maximum phonation time and dysphonia severity index were significantly increased obviously from (9.87 ± 2.61)s and-2.23±0.75 to (12.81±1.97)s and-0.43±1.65 respectively, the differences were significant (t=-6.057,-5.273, P<0.05). After the training, the VHI score of voice disorder index decreased from (37.41±4.96)points to (26.31± 4.29) points after the comprehensive voice training. In addition to emotional function, the difference was statistically significant(t=12.715, 5.881, 11.483, P<0.05). Conclusions Voice training can reduce the degree of voice disorders effectively, increase the power of the respiratory system, therefore improve the voice quality of teachers with voice disorders. The subjective and objective combination assessment can evaluate the quality of the patient′s voice more thoroughly and evaluate the clinical efficacy of voice training further.

The Correlation between The Size and Location of Vocal Polyp and Voice Quality, Before and After Laryngeal Microsurgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vocal polyps are caused by inflammation induced by stress or irritation. Many patients with vocal polyps complain voice discomfort. For vocal polyps, surgery such as laryngeal microsurgery has been the mainstay of management. We analyzed the clinical features of vocal polyps, and how the size and location of vocal polyps affect the outcomes of surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients from March 2014 to December 2015, who were diagnosed as unilateral single vocal polyp. When we operated on a vocal polyp with laryngeal microscopy, we measured their size and location. The quality of voice was evaluated by GRABS scale, jitter, shimmer, NHR (noise to harmonic ratio), MPT (maximum phonation time), and VHI (voice handicap index) before operation and 4 weeks after operation. RESULTS: When we divided the patients into large-sized vocal polyp group (the longest length >3 mm) and small-sized vocal polyp group (the longest length ≤3 mm), all parameter differences tend to be greater at large sized vocal polyp. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). When we divided into two groups depending on the volume of vocal polyp, no distinct tendency was found. When we compared the location (anterior, mid and posterior) of vocal polyp with the improvement of voice quality, more change was found at mid portion vocal polyp, except the difference of VHI. However, these differences were also not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: All parameter differences tend to be greater at large vocal polyp and polyp of the mid location.

Correlation between voice handicap index and voice acoustic analysis in patients with vocal cord polyps / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

[ABSTRACT]OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between self-assessment of Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and objective detection of Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) in vocal ford polyp patients.METHODSAll 104 vocal cord polyp patients assessed the Chinese version of VHI scale by themselves. The DSI was calculated by acoustic analysis of DIVAS2.5. The correlation between VHI and DSI was analyzed in Pearson test.RESULTS There was no significant difference in each index of VHI scale score by side and shape, but the Shimmer of larger or wide-base polyps was more severe. The female patients' function, physiology, and VHI total score were higher than that of male patients, but the DSI was lower than that of male patients. The physiology score was higher in bilateral vocal cord polyp patients, so as well as DSI. There was no significant correlation between each item of VHI scale score and DSI.CONCLUSIONNeither the current subjective VHI nor objective DSI in clinical assessment of voice disorders disability is ideal, further research and better evaluation methods should be further explored.

Efficacy of Voice Therapy Combined with Drug Therapy in the Patients with Vocal Nodules / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To study the efficacy of voice therapy combined with Jinsangsanjie pill in patients with vocal nodule .Methods A total of 146 patients with vocal nodes were randomly divided into three groups :45 cases in group A(single Jinsangsanjie pill therapy) ,47 cases in group B(single voice therapy) and 54 cases in group C(voice therapy combined with Jinsangsanjie pill therapy) ,30 healthy adults were as a normal control group .The treatment lasted 1 month .The results were evaluated by voice handicap index ,voice acoustic analysis and electronic laryngo‐scope which were collected before and after 1 month treatments .Results The VHI ,jitter ,shimmer and NNE of all patients were reduced while the MPT was increased after the treatment .The differences were significant (P0 .05) .Conclusion The voice therapy combined with Jinsangsanjie pill in the treatment of vocal nodules is more efficiently ,and can improve patient’s pronunciation features .

Epidemiology of voice disorders among male school teachers in Khamis Mushayt city, Saudi Arabia.

Background: A teacher with voice disorders is displaying a form of limitation in the teaching activity. Aims & Objective: To assess the magnitude of voice disorders among teachers and to identify the possible risk factors associated with voice disorders. Material and Methods: A total of 380 teachers were included. The researcher developed a questionnaire for data collection which comprised personal characteristics and symptoms of voice complaints during the last scholastic year. The Voice Handicap Index was used for assessment of voice and its effects on the life of a teacher. Results: Most teachers experienced voice related symptoms during the last year (80.9%). Some had 1-2 symptoms (43.2%) while others had more than two symptoms (37.6%). The most frequent voice-related symptoms were dry throat (42.1%), sore throat (33.5%) and hoarseness of voice (32.9%). More than one third of teachers consulted a physician for their voice-related problems (35%). Moderate to serious severity of voice handicap index were reported by 8.2% of the teachers. There was an increasing prevalence of moderate to severe grade of voice handicap according to age group (p=0.004). Practice of non-healthy habits (e.g., smoking of cigarette, sheesha or moaassal and qat chewing) was associated with significantly higher prevalence of moderate to severe grade of voice handicap (p<0.001 for each). There was an increasing prevalence of moderate to severe grade of voice handicap according to experience in teaching (p=0.013). Teachers’ workload was significantly associated with grade of voice handicap (p=0.047). There was a higher prevalence of moderate to severe grade of voice handicap with depression and anxiety (p=0.009 and p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Most teachers have voice related symptoms. The most frequently reported voice-related symptoms are dry throat, sore throat and hoarseness of voice. More than one third of the teachers consult a physician for their voice-related problems. Moderate to severe voice handicap index are experienced by 8.2% of teachers. Risk factors associated with moderate to severe grade of voice handicap are old age, practice of non-healthy habits (e.g., smoking of cigarette, sheesha or moaassal and qat chewing), longer experience in teaching, higher teachers’ workload and presence of psychological disorders.

Descripción de aa percepción del impacto en la alidad de la voz en pacientes mmanejados con cordectomía posterior y aritenoidectomía parcial por estenosis glótica / Description o thhe perceived impact on the quality of voice i patients managged with posterior cordectomy and partial arytenoidectomy because of glottic stenosis / Descrição daperccepção do impacto na qualidade da voz em pacientes tratados com cordectomia posterior e aritenoidectomia parcial por estenose glótica

La estenosis glótica es una afección poco frecuente, secundaria a inmovilidad bilateral de cuerdas vocales, debida principalmente a parálisis de origen neurogénico o a fibrosis cicatricial y en la cual se presenta una incapacidad, generalmente severa, para el paso de aire hacia los pulmones a través de la glotis. Lo anterior hace que con frecuencia se deba recurrir a la realización de una traqueostomía como medida transitoria para asegurar la vía aérea. Para corregir la estenosis y recuperar la permeabilidad glótica, estos pacientes deben ser sometidos a una cirugía cuyo objetivo es separar las cuerdas vocales, para permitir de nuevo el paso de aire a la vía aérea inferior. Sin embargo, el hecho de abrir el espacio glótico separando las cuerdas vocales, va a llevar ineludiblemente a grados variables de alteración en la calidad de la voz, lo cual debe ser siempre informado al paciente antes de su intervención. En el presente estudio se realiza una revisión descriptiva, retrospectiva de los casos tratados por el autor mediante cordectomía posterior y aritenoidectomía parcial entre febrero de 2008 y marzo de 2011. Se reporta en ellos la percepción subjetiva de la afectación en su voz utilizando una versión española del índice de incapacidad vocal adaptada de la versión en inglés del "Voice Handicap Index"-10 (VHI-10). De un total de 32 pacientes sometidos a cirugía por estenosis glótica obstructiva, 28 (17 mujeres y 11 hombres) con edades comprendidas entre los 24 y 79 años cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. A todos los pacientes se les pudo corregir la estenosis y retirar la traqueostomía recuperando la capacidad de respirar por la vía natural. Como resultado se encontró que el índice promedio de incapacidad vocal posterior a la cirugía fue de 10.4 en 18 pacientes, cuya causa era una parálisis bilateral y de 14.2 en 6 pacientes con fibrosis cicatricial como factor desencadenante de la estenosis. En otros 4 pacientes con causas diferentes, el índice promedio fue similar a los anteriores. Estos valores reflejan una percepción de incapacidad vocal leve. En conclusión, la percepción de incapacidad vocal posterior a la cirugía para recuperar la permeabilidad glótica es leve, generándose así un valor agregado al éxito terapéutico, al lograr recuperar la vía aérea natural en los pacientes sin alterar sustancialmente su calidad vocal.

Glottic stenosis is a rare condition secondary to bilateral vocal cord immobility due primarily to paralysis of neurogenic origin or scarring fibrosis with subsequently disability, often severe, for the passage of air into de lungs through the glottis. This means that often we must resort to performing a tracheostomy as a temporary measure to secure the airway. To recover the glottal patency these patients should undergo surgery which aims to separate the vocal cords to again allow the passage of air into the lower airway. However, the fact of opening de glottic space separating the vocal cords inevitably produces varying degrees of alteration in voice quality. In the present study we make a retrospective descriptive review of cases treated by the author with posterior cordectomy and partial arytenoidectomy between February 2008 and March 2011, and we reported their subjective perception of involvement in their voice using a Spanish version of vocal disability index adapted from the English version of the "Voice Handicap Index" -10 (VHI-10). Of a total of 32 patients undergoing surgery for obstructive glottic stenosis, 28 (17 women and 11 men) aged between 24 and 79 years met the inclusion criteria. In all patients it was possible to remove the tracheostomy recovering the ability to breathe by the natural route and the resulting vocal disability index was in average 10.4 in 18 patients with bilateral paralysis, 14.2 in 6 patients with cicatricial fibrosis. In the other 4 remaining patients the average rate was similar to the previous ones. These values reflect a perception of mild vocal inability. In conclusion, in our series the vocal perception of disability following surgery to regain glottal permeability is slight thus creating added value to therapeutic success at recovering the natural airway in these patients.

A estenose glótica é uma afecção pouco frequente, secundária à imobilidade bilateral das cordas vocais, devida principalmente a paralisia de origem neurogênica ou à fibrose cicatricial na qual se apresenta uma incapacidade, geralmente severa, para a passagem do ar aos pulmões através da glote. Isso faz com que com frequência se deva recorrer à realização de uma traqueostomia como medida transitória para garantir a via aérea. Para corrigir a estenose e recuperar a permeabilidade glótica, estes pacientes devem ser submetidos a uma cirurgia cujo objetivo é separar as cordas vocais, para permitir de novo a passagem do ar à aérea inferior. Porém, o fato de abrir o espaço glótico separando as cordas vocais, vai levar inevitavelmente a graus variáveis de alteração na qualidade da voz, isso deve ser sempre informado ao paciente antes de sua intervenção. No presente estudo realiza-se uma revisão descritiva, retrospectiva dos casos tratados pelo autor mediante cordectomia posterior e aritenoidectomia parcial entre fevereiro de 2008 e março de 2011. Reporta-se neles a percepção subjetiva da afetação na sua voz utilizando uma versão espanhola do índice de incapacidade vocal adaptada da versão em inglês do "Voice Handicap Index"-10 (VHI-10). De um total de 32 pacientes submentidos à cirurgia por estenose glótica obstrutiva, 28 (17 mulheres e 11 homens) com idades compreendidas entre 24 e 79 anos cumpriram os critérios de inclusão. A todos os pacientes foi possível corrigir a estenose e retirar a traqueostomia recuperando a capacidade de respirar pela via natural. Como resultado encontrou-se que o índice médio de incapacidade vocal posterior à cirurgia foi de 10.4 em 18 pacientes, cuja causa era uma paralisia bilateral e de 14.2 em 6 pacientes com fibrose cicatricial como fator desencadeante da estenose. Em outros 4 pacientes com causas diferentes, o índice médio foi similar aos anteriores. Estes valores refletem uma percepção de incapacidade vocal leve. Em conclusão, a percepção de incapacidade vocal posterior à cirurgia para recuperar a permeabilidade glótica é leve, gerando-se dessa forma um valor agregado ao sucesso terapêutico, ao conseguir recuperar a via aérea natural nos pacientes sem alterar substancialmente sua qualidade vocal.

Cáncer glótico temprano: influencia del tratamiento primario en la funcionalidad de la voz / Early glottic cancer: influence of primary treatment on the performance voice

Objetivo: Describir en pacientes con cáncer glótico temprano tratado con cirugía y radioterapia, la calidad y funcionalidad de la voz. Diseño: Estudio de serie de casos. Materiales y métodos: Los parámetros objetivos de la voz fueron evaluados con análisis acústico. La funcionalidad de la voz fue evaluada con el índice de incapacidad vocal (VHI). El análisis estadístico fue realizado con SPSS 11.5 y SuperSMITHWeibull. Resultados: 12 sujetos que recibieron tratamiento para cáncer glótico temprano fueron incluidos en la muestra. El seguimiento clínico fue de 53.1 meses en promedio. El control de la enfermedad se observó en 100% de los casos, sin recaídas. El análisis acústico evaluó lafrecuencia fundamental de la voz, que fue normal en 63,6% de los casos; adicionalmente las medidas del Jitter y Shimmer fueron anormales en todos los pacientes. El valor del índice de incapacidad mostró una disfuncionalidad leve en 58,4% de los casos y normal en 41,6% de los casos. Conclusionese importancia clínica: El manejo del cáncer glótico temprano con cirugía y radioterapia resultó en una alteración de los parámetros objetivos de la voz en todos los sujetos; sin embargo, en nuestra muestra los pacientes refieren poca o ninguna disfuncionalidad en la vida diaria.

Objective: To describe on an adult population with early glottic cancer, treated with surgery and radiotherapy, the voice quality and functional outcome. Design: Case series study. Materials andMethods: Voice parameters were assessed using acoustic analysis. Voice functional outcome was evaluated with the voice handicap index (VHI). Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical software SPSS 11.5 and SuperSMITHWeibull. Results: 12 subjects that received treatment for early glottic cancer were included in the sample. The subjects were followed up during an average of 53.1 months. Effective control of disease without relapse was observed in 100% of the cases. The acoustic analysis assessed the fundamental frequency which was normal in 63,63% of the cases. Moreover, the mean of the Jitter and Shimmer was abnormal in the whole sample. The voice handicap index revealed a mild impairment in 58,4% of subjects, and was normal in 41,6% of cases. Conclusion and clinical significance: The management of early glottic cancer with surgery and radiotherapy resulted in alterations of objective voice parameters in the whole sample, however the patients report mild or none voice dysfunction on their daily life.

Comparison of the Results of Voice Handicap Index and Computer-Assisted Voice Analysis in Patients with Benign Vocal Cord Lesions before and after Microlaryngeal Surgery / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) subjectively evaluates the severity of voice disorders. On the other hand, computer-assisted voice analysis objectively evaluates the severity of voice disorders. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of these two different tests in patients with benign vocal cord lesions and to measure the correlation between parameters of these two tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2002 to December 2003, 76 patients who underwent microlaryngeal surgery for benign vocal cord lesions in the Asan Medical Center were included in this study. They all filled out the VHI questionnaires, which were composed of 30 questions about before and after surgery. For 32 out of 76 patients, we also performed preoperative and postoperative acoustic analysis (jitter, shimmer, noise to harmonic ratio) and aerodynamic analysis (maximum phonation time, mean flow rate, mean subglottic pressure). All VHI and voice analysis parameters were entered into a statistical program and analyzed using a Pearson correlation. RESULTS: All the parameters of VHI showed significant improvement after surgery. The values of jitter, shimmer, noise to harmonic ratio, and maximal phonation time showed a significant change after surgery, but the mean flow rate and the mean subglottic pressure didn't. Each VHI parameter provided a significant level of reliability (p0.05) after surgery. CONCLUSION: The VHI provides a measure of self-perception on the severity of the voice disorders that cannot be assessed through objective acoustic and aerodynamic measures. No objective parameters show strong correlation with VHI parameters when compared across other testing methods after surgery. This discrepancy indicates that no objective parameters can yet be regarded as a prognostic factor to evaluate subjective perception.

Usefulness of Voice Handicap Index in Patients with Hoarseness / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) was developed to assess patients' perception on the severity of their voice disorders. The purpose of this study was to determine the severity of handicap expressed by patients with various voice disorders, and to help clinicians in making future treatment plan. VHI may also be used as a guideline in making diagnosis according to different factors of voice quality. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The people who had visited the Asan Medical Center with hoarseness from August 2000 to August 2001 were studied. They filled out the questionnaire composed of 30 questions about their voice disorders. The subjects were consisted of 6 groups; 50 patients with vocal cord nodule, 43 patients with laryngitis, 42 patients with vocal cord polyp, 25 patients with glottic cancer and 14 patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and mean value of VHI scores. RESULTS: The mean score of VHI was found to be statistically higher in the subjects with the history of voice abuse (p<0.002). Overall, the group with unilateral vocal cord paralysis showed the highest VHI score that was statistically significant (p<0.001). When the functional factor is considered, groups with unilateral vocal cord paralysis and glottic cancer had shown higher scores compared to the other groups. When the physical factor is considered, groups with unilateral vocal cord paralysis and vocal cord polyp had shown higher scores. When the emotional factor is considered, groups with unilateral vocal cord paralysis had shown higher scores. CONCLUSION: Measurement of VHI in patients with voice disorders provides a measure of self-perception on the severity of the problems that cannot be assessed through visual perception or objective acoustic and aerodynamic measures. In addition, the measurement of VHI score was easy to perform, non-invasive, and inexpensive. In using this method, we expect to reveal the efficacy of the treatment for voice disorders.

Correlation between Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and Voice Acoustic Analysis in Patients with Vocal Cord Polyps / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To study the relationship between voice acoustic analysis(VAA) and voice handicap index (VHI) in patients with vocal cord polyps,and to investigate the characteristic of the VHI.Methods 35 subjects with normal voice and 35 patients with vocal cord polyps underwent VHI,were tested by VAA.Results The parameters such as APQ、jitter、shimmer、NHR in patients with vocal cord polys were much higher than those in the normal voice group.The average score of VHI was 43.32?4.66,while the average score of the normal voice group was 12.51?1.88.There was no correlation between VHI and VAA.Conclusion Since there is no correlation between VHI and VAA in patients with vocal cord polys.One can not speculate the VHI score by the voice acoustic analysis.