Outcome measurements and quality of life in voice disorders.

Although outcome research in the area of voice is truly in its beginning stages, the clinician who treats voice disorders should be aware of its potential usefulness. It is possible to identify a patient's perception of severity using one of several voice-specific outcome measures. Using these measures may also direct treatment in a more specific manner. For example, although a patient may have a vocal fold polyp or cyst, a low Voice Handicap Index may indicate that immediate surgery is unnecessary. A more conservative treatment approach or observation only may be appropriate. In this way, medical resources and time can be used most appropriately. Certainly one must never compromise treatment when significant disease is suspected. In the absence of significant disease, however, the patient's perceived severity and need to recover vocal function may determine treatment.