Vocal Fatigue Risk Factors and Voice-Related Quality of Life Among University Professors in Turkey

This study aimed to identify risk factors related to voice fatigue among academics who are professional voice users and examine their effect on their quality of life.

Descriptive and cross-sectional study.

A total of 304 academics from the department of health sciences participated in this study. Participants completed the online version of the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI), Vocal Handicap Index-10, Voice-Related Quality of Life (VRQOL) Scale questionnaire, and a survey prepared by the researcher.

According to the VFI-1, VFI-2, and VFI-3 scales, the prevalence of voice fatigue was 69.1%, 64.5%, and 84.9%, respectively. Voice fatigue was found in 90.1% according to at least one of the VHI subscales. No significant differences were found in demographic characteristics or academic workload between participants with and without voice fatigue. Acoustic conditions and ventilation in the environment were identified as risk factors. Smoking is associated with increased voice fatigue. However, smoking, poor acoustic conditions, and inadequate ventilation were associated with a 5.02-fold increase in risk of vocal fatigue. The most common voice symptoms, particularly following lectures, were dryness, irritation, throat clearing, and hoarseness. The effect of voice fatigue on participants' VRQOL ranged from 0.5% to 16%.

These results indicate that academics have multiple risk factors for voice fatigue under challenging working conditions that negatively affect their quality of life. It is recommended to improve working conditions, develop therapeutic interventions specified for academics, enhance knowledge and awareness, and conduct in-depth examinations of the symptoms experienced.