The effect of compromised pulmonary function on speech production among female school teachers

Abstract

Females face a significantly higher risk than males of developing long-term voice problems with lifetime instances occurring in 46% of females compared to 37% of males. The higher incidence of prolonged problems among women has been associated with a number of gender differences, including physiological differences in the laryngeal system, differences in the endocrine system, and differences in pulmonary usage. Additionally, inefficient pulmonary utilization and reduced lung volume have been linked with vocal health concerns. Our study sought to use established spirometry measures and a relatively new questionnaire, the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI), to determine if there is a relationship between pulmonary function and vocal fatigue among teachers. Additionally, if there is a relationship, to determine if that relationship is stronger in females than in males. 122 (96 females, 26 males) elementary and middle school teachers from the Jordan School District in northern Utah participated in this research. For females, VFI was a predictor of several spirometry measures; however, the same correlation was not found among male participants. These results indicate that reduced pulmonary function in combination with other gender differences in speech production may lead to increased incidences of vocal fatigue among female teachers than their male counterparts.