PURPOSE: To verify the self-reported impact of a vocal disorder on the quality of life of individuals with vocal complaints, according to gender, age and occupational use of voice. METHODS: We analyzed 1034 Voice-Related Quality of Life (VRQOL) protocols answered by Brazilian individuals with varied vocal complaints. The subjects were 996 women and 308 men. Statistical analyses compared the variables gender, age and level of occupational use of voice. RESULTS: Total results were similar for men (total 75.5; physical 71.3; socio-emotional 82.3) and women (total 74.9; physical 70.7; socio-emotional 82.1) in the three domains. Higher VRQOL scores were observed for individuals with ages between 20 and 29 years (total 82.2; physical 77.8; socio-emotional 89.2). CONCLUSION: The self-reported impact of a vocal disorder in the quality of life was similarly noticed by men and women. The subjects aged between 20 and 29 years had different perceptions regarding the impact of dysphonia in their quality of life when compared to individuals of the other age ranges. Vocal disorders caused less impact on the quality of life of elite vocal performers.
Voice; Quality of life; Voice disorders; Dysphonia; Sickness impact profile; Health care; Health evaluation; Age effect
