Prevalence Of Voice Disorders Research Articles

A Comparative Study of the VHI-10 and the V-RQOL for Quality of Life Among Chinese Teachers With and Without Voice Disorders

To investigate the differences and correlation between the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) in teachers in China with and without voice disorders. This is a cross-sectional descriptive analytical study. The participants were 864 teachers (569 women, 295 men) whose vocal cords were examined using a flexible nasofibrolaryngoscope. Questionnaire results were obtained for both the VHI-10 and the V-RQOL. Of the 864 participants, 409 teachers had no voice disorders and 455 teachers had voice disorders. The most common voice complaint was hoarseness (n = 298) and the most common throat complaint was globus pharyngis (n = 79) in teachers with voice disorders. Chronic laryngitis (n = 218) and polyps and nodules (n = 182) were the most frequent diagnoses in teachers with voice disorders. Significant differences were seen on the VHI-10 between teachers with and those without voice disorders (P < 0.05) and in function between female and male teachers with voice disorders (P < 0.05) and between those with different voice disorders (P < 0.05). Moderate to strong correlations were observed between VHI-10 total score and those for the three domains of the VHI-10 and the V-RQOL (P < 0.0001). There is a high prevalence of voice disorders in teachers. Teachers with voice disorders have poor voice-related quality of life, with more impairment seen among female than male teachers. Different groups of voice disorders have different effects on voice-related quality of life. A moderate correlation was found between the results of the VHI-10 and the V-RQOL.

Voice disorders and associated risk markers among young adults in the United States.

To examine the prevalence of voice disorders in young adults and identify sociodemographic factors, health conditions, and behaviors associated with voice disorder prevalence. Cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. During home interviews, 14,794 young adults, aged 24 to 34 years, reported their health conditions and behaviors. Presence and duration of voice disorders were reported over the past 12 months. We computed overall and stratified prevalence estimates by age, gender, race/ethnicity, medical conditions, smoking, and alcohol use. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for a voice disorder while accounting for the complex sample design. Six percent of participants reported a voice disorder lasting at least 3 days. Females had 56% greater odds of voice disorders than males. Number of days drinking alcohol was associated with voice disorders, but number of smoking days was not. Conditions that increased the likelihood of voice disorders included hypertension (OR = 1.42 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.07-1.89]), tinnitus (OR = 1.53 [95% CI: 1.06-2.20]), and anxiety/panic disorder (OR = 1.26 [95% CI: 1.00-1.60]). Results were independent of gender, alcohol consumption, upper respiratory symptoms, and lower respiratory conditions including asthma, bronchitis/emphysema, and gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea/nausea/vomiting). Voice disorders in young adulthood were associated with hypertension, tinnitus, and anxiety. Greater awareness of these relationships may facilitate voice evaluation among people who seek healthcare for these chronic conditions. 2b Laryngoscope, 127:2093-2099, 2017.

Epidemiology of Voice Disorders in Latvian School Teachers

The prevalence of voice disorders in the teacher population in Latvia has not been studied so far and this is the first epidemiological study whose goal is to investigate the prevalence of voice disorders and their risk factors in this professional group. A wide cross-sectional study using stratified sampling methodology was implemented in the general education schools of Latvia. The self-administered voice risk factor questionnaire and the Voice Handicap Index were completed by 522 teachers. Two teachers groups were formed: the voice disorders group which included 235 teachers with actual voice problems or problems during the last 9 months; and the control group which included 174 teachers without voice disorders. Sixty-six percent of teachers gave a positive answer to the following question: Have you ever had problems with your voice? Voice problems are more often found in female than male teachers (68.2% vs 48.8%). Music teachers suffer from voice disorders more often than teachers of other subjects. Eighty-two percent of teachers first faced voice problems in their professional carrier. The odds of voice disorders increase if the following risk factors exist: extra vocal load, shouting, throat clearing, neglecting of personal health, background noise, chronic illnesses of the upper respiratory tract, allergy, job dissatisfaction, and regular stress in the working place. The study findings indicated a high risk of voice disorders among Latvian teachers. The study confirmed data concerning the multifactorial etiology of voice disorders.

Prevalence of Voice Disorders in Iranian Primary School Students

The voice is the sound produced by vibration of our vocal cords and has an important role in verbal communication. A child's voice disorder may significantly impair his or her ability to be heard and understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of voice disorders in primary school students. In this descriptive-analytical study, a total of 501 fourth through fifth grade primary school students (boys = 51.6%, girls = 48.4%) with the age range of 10-12 years were selected from nine public school systems in Tehran that were assessed in October 2013 through March 2014. Presence of a voice disorder characterized by hoarseness was identified by a dual approach including investigator screening and parent identification. We used the grade of overall dysphonia, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain scale for perceptual evaluation of voice. All children were assessed with video laryngoscopy examination by an otorhinolaryngologist. The recordings were made during spontaneous speech, counting numbers, sustained utterance of the (/a/) vowel, reading a standard passage in Farsi, and the ratio of /s/ and /z/. Statistical analysis was done via chi-square test and t test. Results indicated that the prevalence of voice disorders in primary school students is 53.2%. The results indicated significant differences between gender and subjects with lesions (P = 0.00000), gender and vocal disorders (P = 0.04), and s/z ratio and type of lesion (P = 0.0002). Phonotrauma seems to play an important role in child dysphonia, with nodules as main diagnosis.

Screening for Voice Disorders in Older Adults (RAVI)—Part III: Cutoff Score and Clinical Consistency

The aim of the study was to determine the cutoff score and clinical consistency of "Screening for Voice Disorders in Older Adults" (RAVI-Rastreamento de Alterações Vocais em Idosos). This is a prospective, nonrandomized, cross-sectional diagnostic study. A sample of 301 subjects, including both sexes, aged 60 and more, and all of whom were living in either a community or an institution, was studied. To determine which subjects had or did not have voice problems, we used a composite reference standard (auditory-perceptual analysis of sustained vowel phonation, auditory-perceptual analysis of connected speech, and vocal self-assessment). The best cutoff score was identified using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The clinical consistency indicators were co-positivity, co-negativity, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratio, and test efficiency. The significance level was 5%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.763 (95% confidence interval: 0.706-0.821), and the best cutoff score for determining which older adults had or did not have a voice disorder was 2. All clinical consistency indicators were satisfactory: co-positivity (79%), co-negativity (60%), predictive positive value (51%), negative predictive value (84%), positive likelihood ratio (2.01), negative likelihood ratio (0.34), and test efficiency (69%). RAVI has satisfactory indicators of clinical consistency and is able to determine which older adults have voice disorders by a cutoff score of 2. The use of RAVI as a screening tool is recommended to help determine the prevalence of voice disorders in older adults.

Velopharyngeal status of vowels produced with and without hard glottal attack in children with repaired cleft palate

The objective of this study was to describe velopharyngeal (VP) closure patterns of isolated vowels produced by infants with repaired cleft palate (CP). Nasal ram pressure (NRP) and audio signals were obtained from six infants with repaired CP (four males and two females). Two infants were 12 months of age and four were 18 months of age. All infants were from American-English speaking families without known syndromes. A total number of 95 isolated vowels were analyzed perceptually and spectrographically. Fourteen vowels were identified as produced with hard glottal attack. Three infants produced all vowels with at least 96% complete VP closure. Three other infants produced all vowels with 59% complete VP closure and 39% partial VP closure. In addition, one of the infants produced an isolated vowel with a completely open velopharynx. Vowels with hard glottal attack, however, were produced with 100% complete VP closure across all subjects, regardless of VP status for vowels without hard glottal attack. It is hypothesized that early use of hard glottal attack by children with repaired CP might contribute to the often reported high prevalence of voice disorders and may even be associated with the development of glottal stop articulation. [Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number 1R01DE022566-01A1.]

Personal and Professional Characteristics of Music Educators: One Size Does Not Fit All

The prevalence of voice disorders among various educator groups is well known, and voice disorders among music educators are higher than the general classroom educators. Music educators vary with respect to behavioral and personality factors, personal characteristics, type of music taught, job-specific environment, and governmental professional expectations. This study aims to identify risk factors for voice disorders in a heterogeneous population of music educators. An online survey was conducted with 213 respondents. Survey questions addressed demographics, level of education, years of music teaching experience, specialty training, primary teaching assignments and instrument, vocal health behaviors, and diagnoses of voice disorders. Summary statistics and group comparisons are reported. Those whose primary instrument was voice reported a greater frequency of voice disorders. Female and older music educators also had a higher prevalence of voice disorders. Music educators are a heterogeneous group of individuals who require more careful consideration in the prevention and treatment of occupational voice problems.

Determinants and Effects of Voice Disorders among Secondary School Teachers in Peninsular Malaysia Using a Validated Malay Version of VHI-10.

ObjectivesTo establish the prevalence of voice disorder using the Malay-Voice Handicap Index 10 (Malay-VHI-10) and to study the determinants, quality of life, depression, anxiety and stress associated with voice disorder among secondary school teachers in Peninsular Malaysia.MethodsThis study was divided into two phases. Phase I tested the reliability of the Malay-VHI-10 while Phase II was a cross-sectional study with two-stage sampling. In Phase II, a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and teaching characteristics, depression, anxiety and stress scale (Malay version of DASS-21); and health-related quality of life (Malay version of SF12-v2). Complex sample analysis was conducted using multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance.ResultsIn Phase I, the Spearman correlation coefficient and Cronbach alpha for total VHI-10 score was 0.72 (p < 0.001) and 0.77 respectively; showing good correlation and internal consistency. The ICCs ranged from 0.65 to 0.78 showing fair to good reliability and demonstrating the subscales to be reliable and stable. A total of 6039 teachers participated in Phase II. They were primarily Malays, females, married, had completed tertiary education and aged between 30 to 50 years. A total of 10.4% (95% CI 7.1, 14.9) of the teachers had voice disorder (VHI-10 score > 11). Compared to Malays, a greater proportion of ethnic Chinese teachers reported voice disorder while ethnic Indian teachers were less likely to report this problem. There was a higher prevalence ratio (PR) of voice disorder among single or divorced/widowed teachers. Teachers with voice disorder were more likely to report higher rates of absenteeism (PR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.33, 2.19), lower quality of life with lower SF12-v2 physical (0.98, 95% CI 0.96, 0.99) and mental (0.97, 95% CI 0.96, 0.98) component summary scales; and higher anxiety levels (1.04, 95% CI 1.02, 1.06).ConclusionsThe Malay-VHI-10 is valid and reliable. Voice disorder was associated with increased absenteeism, marginally associated with reduced health-related quality of life as well as increased anxiety among teachers.

Prevalence of Voice Disorders and Associated Risk Factors in Teachers and Nonteachers in Iran

Teachers are at increased risk for development of voice disorders. Because there is no published study on Iranian teachers, the aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of voice disorders among teachers and nonteachers in Iran and define the causing risk factors. In the present study, 104 teachers and 41 nonteacher participants, whose jobs did not involve vocal effort, completed a questionnaire regarding to vocal complaint and four relevant risk factors. According to our gained data, 54.6% of teachers experienced vocal complaints during their work, although this value was 21.1% for the nonteacher group (P<0.001). Moreover, investigating the prevalence of voice disorders during other periods of life was performed. Analyzing the questionnaire data indicated a significant higher vocal load risk factor for teachers (70.77%; standard deviation [SD], 29.48), in comparison with their nonteacher counterparts (27.44%; SD, 37.83; P<0.001). In addition, our study revealed the significance of vocal load, as well as physical and environmental risk factors in the development of voice disorders in teachers with voice complaints. Present findings indicated a higher epidemiology of voice problems among teachers in comparison with nonteacher individuals and introduced vocal load as the most important risk factor in development of voice disorder in Iranian teachers. Accordingly, it is recommended to pay special attention to negative effects of vocal load, although environmental and physical factors are also of importance.

Evaluation of the prevalence of and factors associated with laryngeal diseases among the general population.

Despite the high prevalence of voice disorders, the prevalence of laryngeal disease in the general population has not been determined using laryngoscopy. Factors considered associated with laryngeal disease have mostly been assessed using patient data or highly specific populations. We evaluated the prevalence of and associated factors with laryngeal diseases in the general Korean population. Cross-sectional study. We analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 19,039 participants assessed between 2008 and 2011. The prevalence, subjective discomforts rates of, and odd ratios (demographics, life-style factors, and diseases factors) for laryngeal disease were analyzed using simple and multiple logistic regression analyses, taking into account the complex sampling structure of the data. The top five laryngeal diseases in prevalence were laryngitis (3,513/100,000), vocal nodules (1,487/100,000), vocal polyp (404/100,000), Reinke's edema (347/100,000), and epiglottic cyst (296/100,000). Prevalence of laryngeal disease was higher in males, whereas the rate of subjective voice complaints was higher in females. In the logistic regression analysis, gender was not associated with laryngeal diseases after adjusting for other factors. We observed a positive association between low body mass index (BMI) and vocal nodules, and between high BMI and laryngitis, smoking and epiglottic cyst/hyperkeratosis/laryngeal cancer, higher education level and vocal nodules, and allergic rhinitis and vocal nodules/laryngitis/epiglottic cyst. The rate of subjective voice complaints and laryngeal disease co-occurrence was low. This study provides more reliable information of laryngeal disease because it includes participants without subjective complaints. 2b.

Prevalence of and Sociodemographic Factors Related to Voice Disorders in South Korea

Studies on the prevalence of and the sociodemographic factors related to voice disorders are rare. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of voice disorders and to identify sociodemographic factors associated with an increased risk of voice disorder. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2008-2011. Subjects consisted of 19636 men and women aged ≥19years. Sociodemographic factors including occupation, level of education, health status, and economic activity were assessed by means of individual interviews, and health behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption and subjective voice problems were assessed with the use of self-administered questionnaires. Laryngology interviews and vocal fold examinations were also conducted. The prevalence of voice disorders was 8.12% (n=1594). Subjective perception of the presence of voice problems was significantly higher in individuals with vocal nodules and vocal polyps (27.7% and 23.0%, respectively; P<0.001). Among sociodemographic factors and health behaviors, voice disorders were found to be associated with age, gender, education level, and health status (P<0.05) but were not associated with occupation, household income, smoking, or alcohol consumption. The results of this large epidemiologic study provide valuable information regarding the prevalence of voice disorders, and the specific data regarding sociodemographic factors and health behaviors suggest potential ways of targeting counseling and prevention efforts to control voice disorders.

Voice Disorders in the General Greek Population and in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. Prevalence and Risk Factors

To assess the prevalence of voice disorders in the general Greek population and in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) with the use of the reflux symptom index (RSI). Prospective epidemiological adult participant survey. General Greek population. The validated Greek version of the RSI was used to assess the prevalence of voice disorders in the general Greek population, as well as in patients with LPR, which were diagnosed using the RSI. The RSI questionnaire was completed by 340 (183 males and 157 females) randomly selected subjects. Subjects with RSI score of >13 were considered to be LPR patients. The prevalence of voice disorders, which was determined by the participants giving a positive response to the field "hoarseness or a problem with your voice," was found to be 38.5% in the general Greek population. In patients with LPR, "hoarseness or a problem with your voice" was present in 90.6%. The number of cigarettes smoked daily and the number of alcoholic drinks consumed daily, each correlated with the presence of voice disorders. No relationship was revealed between voice disorders and coexisting diseases and especially with gastroesophageal reflux disease, which was the most frequent reported disorder among peptic diseases. The prevalence of voice disorders, determined by a positive response to the question "hoarseness or a problem with your voice," is high (38.5%) in the general population and very high (90.6%) in patients with LPR. The number of tobacco cigarettes smoked daily and the number of alcoholic drinks consumed daily were found to be related to voice disorders.

The Prevalence of Voice Disorders in 911 Emergency Telecommunicators

Emergency 911 dispatchers or telecommunicators have been cited as occupational voice users who could be at risk for voice disorders. To test the theoretical assumption that the 911 emergency telecommunicators (911ETCs) are exposed to risk for voice disorders because of their heavy vocal load, this study assessed the prevalence of voice complaints in 911ETCs. A cross-sectional survey was sent to two large national organizations for 911ETCs with 71 complete responses providing information about voice health, voice complaints, and work load. Although 911ETCs have a higher rate of reported voice symptoms and score higher on the Voice Handicap Index-10 than the general public, they have a voice disorder diagnosis prevalence that mirrors the prevalence of the general population. The 911ETCs may be underserved in the voice community and would benefit from education on vocal health and treatments for voice complaints.

PRESENCE OF DYSPHONIA IN INDIVIDUALS WITH TOURETTE’S SYNDROME

Professionals working in the field of voice disorders have come to recognize the variability of vocal qualities in different populations. While voice disorders can be of organic, neurogenic, or functional etiology, concomitant disorders often directly impact the vocal features. Such a disorder is Tourette’s Syndrome which is an impairment characterized by motor and vocal tics. This study examined the prevalence of voice disorders in individuals with Tourette’s Syndrome. Research was conducted over the duration of two years with clientele aged 15;2 to 26;5. Participants were receiving continuous treatment from a team of neurologist and psychologist at private clinics situated around a suburban area. Two case studies consisting of 1-2 individuals were also closely examined to further distinguish the types of voice disorders present given the severity of motor and vocal tics. Instrumental and perceptual analysis was obtained to accurately diagnose the voice disorder. Given the sample of participants, presence of spasmodic dysphonia and falsetto were noted. Results of this study indicates a strong presence of dysphonia in individuals with Tourette’s Syndrome, particularly spasmodic dysphonia and falsetto. Additionally, dysphonic vocal qualities were irrelevant to the existence of vocal tics. Further research with this population is mandated to determine assessment and treatment strategies

Prevalence and risk factors of voice disorders among attendants of the Speech Unit at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Voice disorders are defined as effortful or difficulties in phonation and deviant voice qualities that are often associated with discomfort and disability. The causes of voice disorders can be classified as congenital or acquired. Many authors have investigated the prevalence of voice disorders in the general population. Others have investigated the risk factors for voice disorders, such as high vocal demand, age, gender, smoking and gastro-oesophageal reflux. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of voice disorders among patients of the Speech Unit at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) and identify variables associated with increased risk for voice disorders. Materials and methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of voice disorders among all patients who attended the Speech Unit at KAMC, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the period from 2008 to 2013. Data were extracted from the QuadraMed (Reston, VA, USA) hospital information system and the database of the laryngeal videostroboscopy. Patient information was reviewed for key variables, such as age, gender, occupation, smoking history and history of known related diseases. Descriptive univariate analysis was carried out to identify variables associated with high risk of voice disorders. Results: The overall prevalence of voice disorders of all patients attending the Speech Unit was 12.1%. Of the sample studied, 52% were female and 48% were male. Only 16.2% of the patients with voice disorders were smokers. The analysis of occupation showed that 28.26% were housewives, 17.8% were students and 11.12% were teachers. Conclusions: The result of this study provides valuable information about the prevalence and risk factors and different aetiology of voice disorders. Acknowledgements: Dr Nasser Hassan for supervising this project.

Voice Disorders in Occupations with Vocal Load in Slovenia.

AimThe aim of this paper is to compare the prevalence of voice disorders and the risk factors for them in different occupations with a vocal load in Slovenia.MethodsA meta-analysis of six different Slovenian studies involving teachers, physicians, salespeople, catholic priests, nurses and speech-and-language therapists (SLTs) was performed. In all six studies, similar questions about the prevalence of voice disorders and the causes for them were included.ResultsThe comparison of the six studies showed that more than 82% of the 2347 included subjects had voice problems at some time during their career. The teachers were the most affected by voice problems. The prevalent cause of voice problems was the vocal load in teachers and salespeople and respiratory-tract infections in all the other occupational groups. When the occupational groups were compared, it was stated that the teachers had more voice problems and showed less care for their voices than the priests. The physicians had more voice problems and showed better consideration of vocal hygiene rules than the SLTs. The majority of all the included subjects did not receive instructions about voice care during education.ConclusionsIn order to decrease the prevalence of voice disorders in vocal professionals, a screening program is recommended before the beginning of their studies. Regular courses on voice care and proper vocal technique should be obligatory for all professional voice users during their career. The inclusion of dysphonia in the list of occupational diseases should be considered in Slovenia as it is in some European countries.

Prevalence of voice disorders in the elderly: a systematic review of population-based studies.

Voice disorders can occur in the elderly as a result of natural anatomical and physiological changes or greater exposure to pathological conditions in the aging, affecting communication and quality of life. Nevertheless, data about the prevalence of voice disorders in this phase of life are not well known in a population-based perspective. The aim of the present systematic review was to identify the prevalence of vocal disorders in persons aged 60 years or more in population-based studies. A systematic review was undertaken in eleven electronic databases based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis statement (PRISMA) criteria. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed with strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) directives. The search was conducted independently by two researchers. Four articles satisfied the criteria of eligibility. The prevalence of vocal disorders in the general population aged 60 years or more ranged from 4.8 to 29.1%. The studies were different in terms of the methodological procedures and the STROBE directives were not completely satisfied by any of the articles selected. The prevalence of vocal disorders in the general elderly population ranged from low to moderate in population-based studies. The methodological discrepancies of the studies compromised the reliability of the estimated data. Upgrading the methodological quality of studies and designing a short, valid and easy-to-use functional voice-related instrument are urgently required in health surveys to determine the prevalence of vocal disorders among elderly individuals.

Pediatrician approach to dysphonia

ObjectiveThe prevalence of voice disorders reaches up to 23.4% in the pediatric population and has a negative impact on quality of life. The objective of this study is to examine how pediatricians assess and manage patients with voice disorders and barriers they face when evaluating patients with dysphonia. Subjects and methodsThe study was designed as a cross-sectional survey. Pediatricians who are members of the North Carolina Pediatric Society or Duke University affiliated physicians were selected to participate in the study. They were emailed a description of the study with a link to a questionnaire regarding comfort level in recognizing an abnormal voice, how often they assess for dysphonia, barriers to evaluation of voice problems, reasons for referral, and common treatments employed. ResultsA total of 1125 physicians were sent a questionnaire and 72 replied for a response rate of 6.4%. Of those who responded, only 16.7% routinely assess patients for voice problems. The most common reasons for not assessing patients for dysphonia include patients not complaining of voice problems or parents not concerned, and being unsure of the best method or available treatment options. Referrals were most commonly made when speech could not be understood or when the voice problem coincided with other neurological symptoms. Allergy and reflux medications were often trialed prior to referral. The majority of responders felt that voice problems impacted quality of life and 84.7% were interested in more information regarding pediatric voice problems. ConclusionPediatricians encounter barriers in the assessment of voice problems in their patients. There is evidence from our study that they have interest in learning more about dysphonia. Otolaryngologists must continue to provide outreach to pediatricians to enhance the screening and management of patients with voice disorders.

Voice disorders in Nigerian primary school teachers.

The prolonged use or abuse of voice may lead to vocal fatigue and vocal fold tissue damage. School teachers routinely use their voices intensively at work and are therefore at a higher risk of dysphonia. To determine the prevalence of voice disorders among primary school teachers in Lagos, Nigeria, and to explore associated risk factors. Teaching and non-teaching staff from 19 public and private primary schools completed a self-administered questionnaire to obtain information on personal lifestyles, work experience and environment, and voice disorder symptoms. Dysphonia was defined as the presence of at least one of the following: hoarseness, repetitive throat clearing, tired voice or straining to speak. A total of 341 teaching and 155 non-teaching staff participated. The prevalence of dysphonia in teachers was 42% compared with 18% in non-teaching staff. A significantly higher proportion of the teachers reported that voice symptoms had affected their ability to communicate effectively. School type (public/private) did not predict the presence of dysphonia. Statistically significant associations were found for regular caffeinated drink intake (odds ratio [OR] = 3.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-6.62), frequent upper respiratory tract infection (OR = 3.60; 95% CI: 1.39-9.33) and raised voice while teaching (OR = 10.1; 95% CI: 5.07-20.2). Nigerian primary school teachers were at risk for dysphonia. Important environment and personal factors were upper respiratory infection, the need to frequently raise the voice when teaching and regular intake of caffeinated drinks. Dysphonia was not associated with age or years of teaching.

INVESTIGATION OF FUNDAMENTAL FREQUENCY OF FARSI VOWELS IN FEMALE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

Background and Aim: Teachers are one of the professional voice users, so voice disorders have higher rate among them. The prevalence of voice disorders is high (47.5 %) in them .Detailed information about voice disorders may be one of the most important factors for preventing it. This research is performed to investigate the relationship between Fundamental frequency and its possible changes in female primary school teachers with voice disorder. Materials and Methods: In this field cross-sectional survey, 90 female teachers in primary schools with mean age of 42.2 years were compared with 90 non-teacher females with mean age of 42.6 years. Background information was collected via interview and laryngeal assessment by Stroboscopy. Vowel production test was performed and recorded by Sound recorder program was assessed by Dr. Speech device and Real Analysisprogram. Data were compared between groups. Results: Results showed there was significant difference in fundamental frequency between groups (p<0.001). The mean of fundamental frequency was greater in teacher s’ voice (210.03 ±25.65 Hz) than in non-teachers’ voice (194.11± 20.81Hz) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Finding reveals that age and years of occupation affect fundamental frequency in teachers group. In other words, increasing the age and years of occupation is related to decreasing of the fundamental frequency. The detailed information about the prevalence of voice disorders among teachers can prepare an appropriate situation for some preventional activities such as voice hygience and professional voice training. Keywords: Fundamental frequency, School teachers, vowels