Functional voice disorders in various occupational groups: an initial study in Ecuador

Abstract

In recent years, the promotion of vocal health in the workplace has become increasingly important. Current literature has identified workers with high vocal demands as a high-risk group for developing Functional Voice Disorders (FVDs). However, in Latin American countries, such as the Republic of Ecuador, there is limited knowledge about this occupational pathology. The objective of this study was to compare the differences in the risk of developing FVDs among occupational groups by analyzing the records of qualifying occupational diseases in the country. The results should be interpreted with caution due to the underdiagnosis of occupational diseases. Given the importance of voice care, comprehensive epidemiologic studies are needed to identify more vulnerable workers.