Effects of sound-field frequency modulation amplification on reducing teachers' sound pressure level in the classroom

Voice problems are a frequent difficulty that teachers experience. Common c omplaints by teachers include vocal fatigue and hoarseness. One possible ex planation for these symptoms is prolonged elevations in vocal loudness with in the classroom. This investigation examined the effectiveness of sound-fi eld frequency modulation (FM) amplification on reducing the sound pressure level (SPL) of the teacher's voice during classroom instruction. Specifical ly, SPL was examined during speech produced in a classroom lecture by 10 te achers with and without the use of sound-field amplification. Results indic ated a significant 2.42-dB decrease in SPL with the use of sound-field FM a mplification. These data support the use of sound-field amplification in th e vocal hygiene regimen recommended to teachers by speech-language patholog ists.