Adaptation and validation of the Voice Handicap Index in Latvian.

Objectives: To establish psychometric indicators of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) (Latvian version) and their relationship to the psychometric indicators of the original items.

Study Design: Parallel group design.

Methods: The VHI was translated and adapted to Latvian.

The influence of the design of removable dentures on patient's voice quality.

The main condition for speech intelligibility is the specific anatomical characteristics of the human speech apparatus and harmonious work of all organs in the human vocal apparatus. The voice quality is characterized by speech intelligibility (relationship between the voice pitch, volume, timbre and speech speed). Improper functional quality (related to retention,support, stability), inappropriate design of the prosthetic base and disposition of artificial teeth are the basic reasons for dyslalia - impairment of utterance with abnormality of external speech organs.