The Swedish version of the Voice Handicap Index adapted for singers

Abstract

This study evaluates a Swedish version of the Voice Handicap Index adapted for singers. A total of 96 healthy singers and 30 singer-patients completed the questionnaire. Validity and reliability, internal coherence, and group differences were assessed. The singer-patient group had significantly higher scores than the control group. Reliability was confirmed by high Cronbach's (>0.78) for test-retest scores, and for each of the sub-scales. Test-retest stability in both groups was confirmed by high correlation values alpha (>0.8). Overall scores compared closely to those from previous reports. The Swedish translation of the adapted VHI for singers (RHI-s) is valid and reliable and shows sensitivity to the singer's concerns. It can be considered a useful tool in the clinical assessment of Swedish healthy or pathological singers.