The type of Voice Range Profile and voice handicap in female voice patients

Piet G.C. Kooijman, Catharina M.J. de Wild, Felix I.C.R.S de Jong

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the type of Voice Range Profile (VRP) and voice handicap in female voice patients. The Voice Handicap Inventory was filled out by 173 subsequent female voice patients and the VRP was determined. The mean age was 36 years (18-64). The VRP’s were categorised after Schutte into four types: small, middle, great and discongruent. The middle VRP was found most frequently (45.1%) and the discongruent type least frequently (8.1%). In 50.9% of the patients a vocal fold lesion was observed. Patients with a vocal fold lesion scored significantly higher on the P-subscale of the VHI than the patients without vocal fold lesion, while no difference was found for the F and E subscale and total VHI score. In patients with a vocal fold lesion, significantly more frequently a discongruent and small VRP was found. Patients with a small and discongruent VRP showed higher VHI scores compared to patients with middle and great VRP, with a clear increasing tendency from great to small. No difference was found between the VHI scores of the patients with a small and discongruent VRP. Taking into account the fact that the patients were not-selectively recruited, the results of this study indicate that female patients with a small and discongruent VRP have a greater voice handicap than patients with a middle and great VRP.

Piet G.C. Kooijman*, Catharina M.J. de Wild**, Felix I.C.R.S de Jong***
* Dep. Paramedical disciplines, ENT University Medical Centre St. Radboud, Nijmegen
**Dep. ENT Bernhoven Hospital, Veghel
*** Dep. ENT-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals K.U.Leuven, Leuven