Risk assessment framework for hyperfunctional voice disorders

Abstract

Voice disorder is one of the most common communication disorders. According to Hazlett, Duffy and Moorhead, voice disorder is a global health problem. An estimate 3-9% of individuals in the US (Verdolini & Ramig, 2001) and 4% in Australia (Baker, 2008) has voice problems at any given time. Studies have shown that voice disorders not only resulted in lost of workdays and vocal pathologies, severe negative consequences economically, communicative, socially and psycho-emotionally. It has been universally agreed that the development of voice disorders involves a multifactorial pathogenesis and that the most cost-effective management strategy is prevention. The present project adopted the risk assessment model based on the probabilistic approach for voice disorders. Such approach takes into account different conditions that would affect the voice status of an individual. The present project aimed to investigates the risk indicators and factors that are involved with hyperfunctional voice disorders using the Voice Risk Calculator - a self-reported questionnaire that assesses the different risk indicators for the development of voice problems. Findings from two studies will be reported. Study 1 was a cross-sectional study involving 30 dysphonic and 30 non-dysphonic subjects. Study 2 was a longitudinal study involving 5 non-dysphonic teachers and they were followed during the first year of their teaching. Results showed that specific conditions concerning vocal loading, physiological and psycho-emotional risk indicators positively correlated with the prevalence of dysphonia. It is contended that with the identified risk indicators of voice disorders, specific methods and strategies for preventive, diagnostic and intervention programs can be developed to eliminate or reduce these conditions (Beck, 1990; Page & Beck, 1997).