Adaptation and Validation of the Kannada Singing Voice Handicap Index-10

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to adapt and validate the English version of the Singing Voice Handicap Index-10 (SVHI-10) into Kannada language. Cross-sectional Comparitive study design. The English version of SVHI-10 was translated into Kannada using standard procedure. A total of 115 singers participated in the study, including 90 singers with no voice problems (control group) and 25 singers with voice problems. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, clinical validity, and cutoff points were calculated. Kannada SVHI-10 has excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The singers with voice problems scored significantly higher than the singers with no voice problems (t = -14.67, df = 113, P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff point of the SVHI-10 was 9.5 with a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 84%. The Kannada SVHI-10 is a reliable and clinically valid tool to assess the self-reported singing voice handicap among singers. It can also be used as a quick screening tool for distinguishing singers with and without voice problems as per client's perception.