Comparison between male and female teachers in Egyptian primary schools regarding the effect of teaching on their voice

Abstract

Abstract Background Teachers are more likely to develop voice disorders compared to non-teachers in other occupations. Teachers are often cited as a high-risk group for vocal dysfunction as they use their voices extensively over their profession for instructing and managing students, also due to other extra loading factors, such as background noise, long speaking distance, poor room acoustics, and lack of adequate equipment, like voice amplifiers. The primary school teachers are particularly at risk as they have little opportunity for voice rest during the working day. Gender is another factor affecting incidence of voice disorders. Female teachers seem to be more affected by voice disorders than male teachers. The aim of our study was to compare between genders (male–female teachers) in primary schools to show the effect of teaching and other risk factors on their voice for proper management. Results The study showed that there were statistically significant differences between male teachers and female teachers regarding history of voice change; female teachers had history of voice change more than male teachers. Female teachers suffered from emotional stress more than male teachers, and this affects their voice. In addition, study showed a significant association between the grade of dysphonia and VHI. Conclusion There is evidence that female teachers are complaining more of voice change and suffering from voice disorders than males. Besides, female teachers are showing a higher degree of emotional stress. This may necessitate a combined assessment of the voice and psychological profile of all teachers with voice change.