Grade of Dysphonia: Correlation with Patient Self-Assessment Questionnaire and Acoustic measures

Abstract

Disorders of voice present as deviations in voice quality which are considered a nature auditory-perceptual phenomenon. Voice dysfunction occur when the voice does not work, perform, or sound as it normally should. This will interfere with communication, social, psychological and emotional aspects. Thus, having negative impact on patient's quality of life (QOL). The vocal assessment process should consider the multidimensionality involved in the demonstration of a voice disorder. Auditory perceptual assessment is the most common method used in clinical voice assessment and is often considered a gold standard for documentation of voice disorders. The assessment should include a visual examination of the larynx, perceptual assessment of vocal quality, aerodynamic measures, acoustic analysis, and vocal self-assessment procedures. Each of these items has a specific relevance and provides particular information on voice disorder, whether in view of the clinician or the patient and are complementary in vocal evaluation. The aim of this study is to determine if grade of dysphonia obtained from auditory perceptual assessment and acoustic measures correlate with patient's vocal self-assessment using Arabic voice handicap index (Arabic VHI),