Teacher’s voice: vocal tract discomfort symptoms, vocal intensity and noise in the classroom

ABSTRACT

Objective: To identify a possible correlation between teachers vocal intensity and the noise in the classroom, as well as between vocal intensity and the symptoms of vocal tract discomfort before and after classes. Methods: 27 Elementary School I teachers participated in the study. We used the questionnaires “Vocal Production Condition of the Teacher” and “Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale - VTD” which were applied before and after the class. A properly calibrated noise meter was used for measuring noise in the classroom and the teachers’ vocal intensity. Results: There was a moderate positive correlation between vocal intensity and noise and also a significant difference between the VTD scale and the teachers with and without vocal complaint before and after classes. When compared separately on both occasions, there was an increase in the group's scores for both groups and with and without complaints. We found association of the vocal tract symptoms before and after classes, frequency of burning, itching, sore throat and sensitive throat were observed. The intensity of symptoms was significant for sore throat, itching and feeling of lump in the throat. We observed significant values of vocal intensity and frequency and intensity of symptoms for sensitive throat and lump in the throat before the class, and sore throat and lump in the throat after the. Conclusion: The increase in teacher’s vocal intensity correlates to high noise levels in the classroom. The evidence suggests correlation between vocal intensity and discomfort of the vocal tract, with most of the symptoms reported in greater frequency and intensity after the class.

Keywords:
Speech; Language and Hearing Sciences; Voice; Noise; Faculty; Occupational Health; Working Conditions