Smith E, Gray S D, Dove H, Kirchner L, Heras H
Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
J Voice. 1997 Mar;11(1):81-7. doi: 10.1016/s0892-1997(97)80027-6.
This study compared the frequency and effects of voice symptoms in teachers to a group of individuals employed in other occupations. Teachers were more likely to report having a voice problem (15 vs. 6%), having 10 specific voice symptoms, and having 5 symptoms of physical discomfort. They averaged almost 2 symptoms compared with none for nonteachers. Likewise, teachers were more likely to perceive that a voice problem would adversely affect their future career options, had done so in the past, and was limiting their current job performance. Over 20% of teachers but none of the nonteachers had missed any days of work due to a voice problem. These findings suggest that teaching is a high-risk occupation for voice disorders and that this health problem may have significant work-related and economic effects.
