Aging Voice Index (AVI): Reliability and Validity of a Voice Quality of Life Scale for Older Adults

Abstract

Changes in voice in aging adults impact their ability to use their voice to communicate in all situations and can lead to decreased quality of life (QOL). The primary objective of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Aging Voice Index (AVI)-a tool specifically designed for aging adults with voice disorders. A total of 92 older adults were asked to complete the Voice-Related Quality of Life Scale (VRQOL) and the AVI as well as provide their self-perceived voice severity rating of their voice problem and demographic information. Intraclass correlation for test-retest reliability was 0.952. The AVI was highly correlated to the VRQOL (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the AVI score was found to distinguish between self-rated voice quality (P < 0.0001) and diagnostic voice categories (P < 0.0001). No significant differences were identified for sex or race. The AVI is a valid and reliable quality of life assessment for older adults with voice disorders. The AVI will capture the quality of life impact a voice disorder has on older adults. Future studies will further explore differences in clinical diagnoses and identify clinically significant changes in pre-to post-AVI scores.