RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) has emerged in the recent past as a robust multiparametric voice quality evaluation tool. Two versions of AVQI derived using the program PRAAT have found extensive clinical and research applications. These versions have been validated in several languages around the world. However, no research reports are available on validation of AVQI in the South Indian population. Further, studies comparing the performance of the two versions of AVQI are limited in the literature. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to validate and compare the two versions of AVQI (AVQIv02.02 and AVQIv03.01) in South Indian languages (Malayalam and Kannada). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of previously recorded voice samples was carried out on a total of 160 (91 normophonic and 69 dysphonic) voice samples. These samples were perceptually rated on a GRBAS scale by five experienced speech-language pathologists. Standardized Syllable Number (SSN) necessary to derive AVQIv03.01 was computed. Following this, these samples were analyzed to obtain the AVQIv02.02 and AVQIv03.01. The concurrent validity and diagnostic accuracy of these measures were then examined and compared. RESULTS: A moderate agreement was obtained across the judges on perceptual evaluation of voice quality. SSN in Malayalam and Kannada languages were identified to be 29 and 25 syllables respectively. Language differences were not observed on both versions of AVQI. The concurrent validity of AVQIv03.01 (r = 0.788) was superior to that of AVQIv02.02 (r = 0.655). Further, the threshold of differentiating normophonic and dysphonic samples were determined to be >3.45 for AVQIv02.02 and >2.45 for AVQIv03.01. CONCLUSIONS: AVQIv03.01 is superior to AVQIv02.02 in terms of its diagnostic accuracy and concurrent validity. Current findings also extend the application of AVQI as a robust tool for the evaluation of voice characteristics to the South Indian population.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Sulcus vocalis is a structural deformity of the vocal ligament. It is the focal invagination of the epithelium deeply attaching to the vocal ligament. There is a dearth of literature on the outcome of voice therapy in sulcus vocalis condition. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to document voice characteristics of sulcus vocalis and the secondary objective was to establish the efficacy of voice therapy in a patient with sulcus vocalis. METHOD: A trial of voice therapy was given to the client who was diagnosed as having sulcus vocalis. Boon's facilitation techniques were used in voice therapy along with other techniques such as breath holding and push and pull approach prior to surgery. Acoustic, aerodynamic, perceptual, quantitative measures of voice quality and self-rating measurements were performed before and after voice therapy. RESULTS: Improvement was noticed in 10/10 acoustic, 4/4 aerodynamic, perceptual, dysphonia severity index and voice handicap index scores, which hinted that voice therapy can be an option critically for clients with sulcus vocalis in the initial stage. CONCLUSION: Voice therapy showed promising improvement in the study and it must be recommended as the initial treatment option before any surgical management.