Translation of the Voice Handicap Index (vhi) to Singhalese – Insights from the Procedure

A voice problem would be of great concern for a person who needs to use their voice constantly in their occupation or social life. People with voice disorders are frequently referred for Speech Therapy to resolve their voice difficulties. Currently in Sri Lanka, endoscopic imaging methods and perceptual evaluations are carried out to identify voice disorders and their effects. However, worldwide, clinicians and policymakers are increasingly recognising the importance of identifying the effect of the voice dysfunction at a personal level in order to improve patient management and treatment. This is considered a significant factor as research shows that the impact of voice problems does not depend merely on the severity of the impairment, but that it also depends on how an individual perceives, reacts, and adjusts to the problem (Yiu, 2002).