VHI-10 Calculator (Voice Handicap Index)
Assess the impact of voice problems on quality of life with validated VHI-10 questionnaire.
Important Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is an educational and clinical decision support tool. Results DO NOT replace professional medical evaluation, laboratory tests, or clinical judgment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and clinical decisions. Calculations are based on scientifically validated formulas but may not be applicable to all patients.
VHI-10 Questionnaire
Note: VHI-10 is a screening tool. Complete clinical assessment by speech-language pathologist and ENT is essential for diagnosis and treatment.
What is VHI-10?
The VHI-10 (Voice Handicap Index - 10 items) is a validated shortened version of the original VHI-30 questionnaire. It was developed to assess the impact of voice problems on patient quality of life. It is widely used in speech-language pathology for dysphonia screening, therapeutic monitoring, and research. The questionnaire addresses three domains: functional (impact on daily activities), emotional (affective reactions), and physical (vocal discomfort and effort). Higher scores indicate greater perception of vocal handicap. VHI-10 is quick (2-3 minutes), reliable, and correlates strongly with the complete VHI-30.
Scoring System
Total Score: 0-40
- 0-10: Mild - Minimal vocal impact
- 11-20: Moderate - Speech-language assessment recommended
- 21-30: Severe - Multidisciplinary assessment necessary
- 31-40: Very Severe - Urgent assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between VHI-10 and VHI-30?
VHI-30 is the original questionnaire with 30 questions (10 functional, 10 emotional, 10 physical), score 0-120. It is more comprehensive but takes 5-10 minutes. VHI-10 is a shortened version with the 10 most discriminating questions, score 0-40, application in 2-3 minutes. Studies show strong correlation between VHI-10 and VHI-30 (r>0.90), with similar sensitivity and specificity for detecting dysphonia. VHI-10 is preferred for quick screening, frequent monitoring, and research with large samples. For detailed initial assessment, VHI-30 may provide more information about specific domains.
What are the main causes of dysphonia?
Functional causes (inadequate voice use): Vocal abuse (shouting, speaking too loudly), vocal overload (teachers, singers, call center workers), inadequate vocal technique. Benign organic causes: Vocal nodules (calluses from repetitive trauma), vocal polyps (localized edema), Reinke's edema (chronic edema, common in smokers), cysts, granulomas. Neurological causes: Vocal fold paralysis (post-surgery, stroke, tumor), vocal tremor, laryngeal spasm, Parkinson's disease. Inflammatory causes: Acute laryngitis (viral, bacterial), laryngopharyngeal reflux (gastric acid irritation). Malignant causes: Laryngeal carcinoma (smokers, drinkers). Others: Vocal aging (presbyphonia), allergies, chronic use of inhaled corticosteroids.
When should I seek medical evaluation for hoarseness?
Seek an ENT specialist if: Hoarseness persisting for more than 2 weeks (without apparent cause like a cold), progressive hoarseness (gradual worsening), pain when speaking or swallowing, sensation of 'lump' in throat, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), breathing difficulty, risk factors (smoking, alcohol use, vocal risk profession), history of head/neck cancer. Children: chronic hoarseness may indicate vocal nodules, laryngeal papillomatosis, or malformations. The examination of choice is laryngoscopy (rigid or flexible with fiber optics), which allows visualization of vocal folds, lesion identification, and mobility assessment.
How is voice therapy (phonotherapy) performed?
Voice therapy is conducted by a speech-language pathologist specialized in voice. Phases: 1) Vocal assessment: perceptual-auditory (GRBASI), acoustic (spectrography), aerodynamic (maximum phonation time), and self-assessment (VHI). 2) Guidance: Vocal hygiene (hydration, avoiding irritants, vocal rest), posture and breathing. 3) Exercises: Vocal warm-up, laryngeal relaxation, respiratory-phonatory coordination, resistance exercises (straw, lip/tongue trills), vocal projection. 4) Functional re-education: Correcting vocal abuse/misuse patterns. Typical duration: 8-12 weekly sessions, but varies by case. Efficacy: Studies show significant improvement in nodules, polyps (pre-surgical), and functional dysphonia. Therapy can avoid surgery in many cases.
What care should I take to preserve my voice?
Vocal hygiene: 1) Hydration: Drink 2-3L water/day, avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol (dehydrating). 2) Avoid irritants: Don't smoke, avoid environments with smoke/dust/dry air conditioning. 3) Diet: Avoid foods that cause reflux (fatty, acidic, chocolate, mint) 2-3h before bedtime. 4) Vocal rest: Voice professionals (teachers, singers) should take breaks, avoid speaking in noisy environments (vocal competition). 5) Vocal warm-up and cool-down: Before and after prolonged voice use. 6) Posture: Keep neck and shoulders relaxed, upright posture. 7) Pay attention to signs: Hoarseness, fatigue when speaking, pain/burning, frequent throat clearing - seek speech-language pathologist. Voice professionals should have annual preventive assessment.
Scientific References
- 1. Jacobson BH, Johnson A, Grywalski C, et al. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI): Development and Validation. Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 1997;6(3):66-70.
- 2. Rosen CA, Lee AS, Osborne J, et al. Development and validation of the voice handicap index-10. Laryngoscope. 2004;114(9):1549-1556.
- 3. Behlau M, Madazio G, Moreti F, et al. Efficiency and cutoff values of self-assessment instruments on the impact of a voice problem. J Voice. 2016;30(4):506.e9-506.e18.