Translation and Validation of Tamil Version of Singing Voice Handicap Index-10 (TSVHI-10).

ABSTRACT

AIM: To translate and validate the singing voice handicap index (SVHI-10) for the Tamil speaking Indian population and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Tamil version SVHI-10 (TSVHI-10) in classically trained Carnatic singers. METHOD: Following standard translation, a total of 120 classically trained Carnatic singers 83 singers without voice complaint and 37 singers with voice complaints answered the Tamil translation of the SVHI-10. RESULTS: The TSVHI -10 scores obatined from classically trained Carnatic singers with and singers without voice complaints were analyzed. SVHI-10 has excellent internal consistency and test retest reliability. Singers without/with voice complaint scored 7.08/22.86 total scores and for each domain Emotional (E) 1.73/5.32, Functional (F) 2.11/7.08, and Physical (P) 3.3/10.35 respectively. CONCLUSION: The TSVHI-10 questionnaire seems to be psychometrically sound and is a valuable instrument for the self-evaluation of handicaps related to voice problems in the context of singing and for making subsequent clinical decisions. The Tamil version of the SVHI-10 was successfully validated as an instrument with proper internal consistency and reliability.