The Relationship Between Dysphonia Severity Index and Voice-Related Quality of Life in the Elementary School Teachers with Voice Complaint

Abstract

Introduction: Teachers are one of the largest groups of professional voice users who are highly dependent on their voice in their working environment using their voice as a primary tool for their profession. Thus, they are at high risk of voice disorders. Since voice disorders are multi-causal in nature, it is necessary to evaluate them systematically and in different ways to determine the exact nature of the disorder. Therefore, in this study, the relationship between Voice-Related Quality of Life (VRQOL) and Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) was examined from the perspective of teachers with voice complaint.

Method: In this study, 157 primary school teachers with voice complaint (49 males and 108 females) with an average age of 38.54 ± 9.56 years were studied using DSI and VRQOL as a self-assessment.

Results: The mean of VRQOL was 74.379 ± 18.95 and the mean of DSI was 1.339 ± 1.62. The results of the study showed that there is a significant positive correlation between the overall scores of DSI and VRQOL scales (r = 0.545, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study showed that a low dysphonia severity index, reflecting poor laryngeal function, is associated with lower voice-related quality of life. Therefore, accurate and timely assessment of the DSI in teachers can prevent the occurrence and/or progression of voice disorder and, consequently, prevent reducing the voice-related quality of life in teachers.

Keywords: Dysphonia Severity Index; Elementary School Teachers; Voice-Related Quality of Life.