Self-perception of voice problems using voice handicap index among lawyers

Lawyers occupation demands long hours of vocal loading which subsequently may lead to voice problems. They are often ignorant of their vocal limitations and often fail to identify their early signs of vocal attrition. They go on and remain professionally active for a longer period of time with existing vocal misuse or abusive behaviours and seek medical help after long period of onset of the problem. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to investigate the self-perception of voice problems among lawyers using Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Methods: A total of N = 60 participants (n = 48 males and n = 12 females) in the age range of 25-60 years were enrolled in the study. Voice Handicap Index questionn-aire was used to assess the self perception. Results: The present study findings reflected the impact among the lawyers. In the present study, the impact was only observed for functional and physical subscales unlike the emotional scale. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the impact of voice problems among lawyers. The secondary objectives were to compare the subscales of VHI and to explore the risk factors that can be presumed to affect their voice. The severity was more in physical as compared to functional subscale. Clearing of throat was observed to be statistically significant among the possible risk factors among the lawyers.