The comparison of the voice handicap index 10 (vhi 10), grbas scale and the acoustic features of voice in bilateral severe hearing loss individuals

The aim of the research is to compare of the Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI 10), GRBAS Scale and the acoustic features of voice in bilateral severe hearing loss individuals between the ages of 18-60. The research is comprised two groups. The first group includes 15 (9 women and 6 men) patients with bilateral severe hearing loss, aged between 18-60, diagnosed at Ege University Faculty of Medicine (Department of Ear Nose Throat) between March-October 2017. The second group includes 15 healthy people, aged between 18-60, had no prior hearing loss and voice related complaints/ problems. All participants were examined by a physician and were informed about the study and Pure Voice Audiometry test was conducted. After the Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI 10) and GRBAS Scale were applied, sound recordings were taken for analysis. The study shows a significant difference between the individuals with normal hearing and individuals that have bilateral severe hearing loss when compared on the basis of Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI 10) and GRBAS Scale with auditory acoustical characteristics. Objective and subjective evaluations support that the voice characteristics of the individuals with bilateral severe hearing loss are different from the individuals with normal hearing and that individuals with bilateral severe hearing loss have abnormal sound qualities; moreover this condition has a direct impact on the social and emotional situation of the individuals with bilateral severe hearing loss. As a result, the studies on the abnormalities in the sound quality of the individuals with bilateral severe hearing loss and the effect of those abnormalities on the emotional situation of individuals with bilateral severe hearing will gain importance during the rehabilitation process and will further guide the studies that will be conducted on the same subject in the future. Key Words: Hearing Loss; VHI 10; GRBAS Scale; Acoustic Analysis