A questionnaire survey on the prevalence of self-reported voice disorders in school teachers, and classroom noise in Japan

Abstract

School teachers are known as professional voice users, hence any damage to their voice or throat could compromise their work as well as their lives. We conducted a questionnaire survey of 830 teachers working at elementary schools, junior-high schools, high schools and schools for children with special needs in Saitama prefecture in Japan. We investigated the prevalence of self-reported voice disorders in teachers and how their quality of life might be influenced. We also asked the teachers to share some of their experience with noise in classrooms. We found the following three points. Firstly, more than a quarter have consulted medical doctors for problems with their voice or throat. Secondly, quality of life of female teachers are slightly more affected by their voice problems than their male peers. Thirdly, approximately 20 percent of teachers are concerned about the noise in their classrooms.