[Adaptation and validation to the Spanish of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30) and its shortened version (VHI-10)].

INTRODUCTION

The Voice Handicap Index has been shown to be a valid instrument for assessing self-perceived handicap associated with dysphonia.

OBJECTIVES

To test the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the VHI-30 (Voice Handicap Index) and its shortened version VHI-10.

SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The original VHI-30 was translated into Spanish and was completed by 232 dysphonic patients and 38 non-dysphonic individuals. Prospective instrument validation was performed.

RESULTS

Results showed high test-retest reliability, and high item-total correlation for both Spanish VHI-30 and VHI-10. Internal consistency demonstrated a Cronbach's alpha of 0.93 and 0.86, respectively, and a significant correlation was found between the VHI scores and the patients' self-rated dysphonic severity.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study supports the use of Spanish versions of VHI-30 and VHI-10 because of their validity and reliability.