Normative Values for the German version of the Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale

Introduction

The Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTD Scale) is a self-assessment tool that examines physical symptoms that may be associated with a voice disorder. The aim of the present work was to check the quality criteria of the scale again on a larger sample and to take standard values in the form of a graduation, such as those available for the Voice Handicap Index (VHI).

Method

In a retrospective multicenter study, n = 571 participants (409 female and 162 male) were recruited in three different facilities in Germany. Of these, 447 had a voice disorder and 124 had a healthy voice. The clinical examination consisted of anamnesis, visual examination of the larynx, acoustic and aerodynamic measurements, auditory-perceptual voice assessment and the determination of the self-assessment using a VTD scale and VHI.

Result

The VTD scale showed highly significant differences between people with a healthy voice and those with a poor voice. The internal consistency was excellent (alpha = 0.928). In addition, moderate positive correlations were found between the VTD scale and the VHI. The ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.876 and the grading was as follows: 0-13 points none, 14-26 points minor, 27-40 moderate and 41-96 severe voice disorders.

Discussion

The results confirm the excellent reliability and validity of the German VTD scale. It was also shown that the instrument provides additional diagnostic information and is therefore a suitable instrument for completing a holistic voice examination. The VTD scale is available free of charge on the homepage of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Phoniatrie and Pädaudiologie.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022