The Hellenic Voice Handicap Index of Different Laryngeal Mass Lesions: A Receiver-Operating Characteristic Analysis.
J Voice 2019;
34:966.e1-966.e10. [PMID:
31345680 DOI:
10.1016/j.jvoice.2019.06.016]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Voice disorders influence the quality of people's life. When the type of disorder is determined then the clinicians are capable of finding their patients' needs and address their complaints concerning their vocal problems. One of the most used tools, for assessing the patients' quality of life (in accordance with their vocal status), is the Voice Handicap Index. In this study, we determined the cut-off scores of Voice Handicap Index for population with laryngeal mass lesions such as vocal polyps and nodules. The calculated cut-off points further guide clinicians toward applying a needed interventional method/therapy even in the cases where the condition of a person could not be easily estimated.
METHODS
The study involved 130 participants (aged 19-74). Specifically, 90 nondysphonic people served as the control group, while 40 participants had already been diagnosed with voice disorders due to laryngeal mass lesions. Participants who were diagnosed with a laryngeal inflammation or had undergone a surgery were excluded from the study. The cut-off scores were determined through a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.
RESULTS
The calculated cut-off points were 19.50 for the total score of VHI, 7.50 for the functional domain, and 8.50 for the physical and the emotional domain.
CONCLUSIONS
The aforementioned cut-off points could be used in empowering the everyday clinical practice. Moreover, their knowledge could help the construction of an individualized therapy plan, as well as monitoring-biofeedback tool for the populations with vocal fold lesions.
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