The Acoustic Voice Quality Index, Version 03.01, in French and the Voice Handicap Index

Abstract

Objectives: The Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI), version 03.01, is a tool for quantitative assessment of the overall severity of dysphonia. Its computation includes six acoustic parameters, which are all analyzed with Praat freeware. It is based on recordings of a sustained vowel and part of a text read aloud. The psychometric qualities of this tool in various languages, including French, have been confirmed by numerous publications. However, studies investigating the correlation between tools for objective vocal assessment and voice-related quality of life show inconsistent results. Hence, the aim of this study was to contribute to the debate on measuring the correlations between the AVQI 03.01 score computed on French samples and the Voice Handicap Index (VHI).

Methods: Data from 78 patients were used; they were collected during initial vocal assessment and stored in the ear, nose, and throat caseload database of the University Hospital of Liège. The Spearman rank-order correlations (r_s) between the VHI total score and subscores and the AVQI 03.01 scores for French samples were measured. The correlation between the diagnostic decisions ("normophonia" versus "dysphonia") of both tools was assessed using Cramer's phi.

Results: The Spearman correlation between AVQI 03.01 score and total VHI score, controlling for age, was moderate (r_s = 0.62, P < 0.0001). The correlations between the AVQI 03.01 score and the functional, emotional, and physical subscores of the VHI were also moderate (r_s = 0.643, 0.543, and 0.514, respectively, P < 0.0001). The correlation between the two instruments' diagnostic decisions ("normophonia" versus "dysphonia") was also moderate (φ = 0.52, P = 0.000).

Conclusions: Although AVQI 03.01 scores were moderately correlated with the VHI total score and subscores, they measure two different things. The AVQI 03.01 assesses overall voice quality in terms of acoustic parameters, whereas the VHI assesses the multidetermined impact on the patient's everyday life. Both results should thus be taken into account, as part of a comprehensive vocal assessment.

Keywords: Acoustic voice analysis; Acoustic voice quality index; Dysphonia; Quality of life; Voice assessment; Voice handicap index.