FREQUENCY AND EFFECTS OF TEACHERS VOICE PROBLEMS

This study compared the frequency and effects of voice symptoms in tea chers to a group of individuals employed in other occupations. Teacher s were more likely to report having a voice problem (15 vs. 6%), havin g 10 specific voice symptoms, and having 5 symptoms of physical discom fort. They averaged almost 2 symptoms compared with none for nonteache rs. Likewise, teachers were more likely to perceive that a voice probl em 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 t o 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.