Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026
Targeted Training of Ultrasonic Vocalizations in Aged and Parkinsonian Rats
Published on: August 8, 2011
Vocal Tract Discomfort and Risk Factors in University Teachers
Gustavo Polacow Korn1, Antonio Augusto de Lima Pontes1, Denise Abranches1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Objectives:
To characterize the presence of and risk factors for throat pain or irritation among male and female university teachers in private institutions within the city of São Paulo.
Study Design:
This is a cross-sectional survey.
Methods:
Voice self-evaluation forms prepared by the Brazilian Ministry of Labor were administered to 846 university teachers in a private institution in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.
Results:
The prevalence of throat pain or irritation was 50.8% and was higher in the women (62.7%) than in the men (43.5%). The prevalence of throat pain or irritation was higher among professionals ≤60 years old and among those who spent most of their time teaching compared with those who spent most of their time performing other professional activities. Other factors, such as noise and sound competition, air pollution, stress and anxiety, personal habits, and lifestyle/quality of life, were related to the presence of throat pain or irritation.
Conclusions:
University teachers demonstrated a high prevalence of throat pain or irritation. Factors such as age ≤60 years, female gender, time-consuming professional activities, noise and sound competition in the work environment, stress and anxiety, air pollution, access to water, personal habits, and lifestyle/quality of life were related to the presence of throat pain or irritation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:21Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
01:28Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
01:31Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
01:29Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
01:28Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and...