Risk of Voice Disorders in Swedish Preschool Teachers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Speech and Hearing Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Preschool teaching is a demanding profession with potential occupational hazards.
• Voice disorders are a significant concern for educators, impacting their professional longevity and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relative risk of voice disorder symptoms in Swedish female preschool teachers compared to women in the general population.
• To determine if workplace noise exposure increases the risk of voice disorders among preschool teachers.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing questionnaire data from 4718 female preschool teachers and 4122 female controls.
• Log-binomial regression was used to calculate risk ratios (RR) for symptoms including hoarseness and vocal fatigue.
• Sub-analysis examined the association between self-reported noise exposure and voice disorder symptoms in preschool teachers.

Main Results:

• Preschool teachers exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of all voice disorder symptoms compared to controls.
• Risk ratios were elevated, with teachers experiencing over threefold increased risk for vocal fatigue during presentations (RR: 3.7) and over twofold for hoarseness (RR: 2.1) and general vocal fatigue (RR: 2.5).
• A dose-response relationship was observed between workplace noise levels and the risk of voice disorder symptoms among teachers.

Conclusions:

• Swedish female preschool teachers face a heightened risk of voice disorders.
• High sound levels in the preschool environment are directly associated with increased risk of voice symptoms.
• Implementing voice ergonomic interventions is crucial to mitigate risks and improve the working environment for preschool teachers.