Which teachers are most at risk for voice disorders? Individual factors predicting vocal acoustic parameters monitored in situ during a workweek

To identify the factors affecting teachers’ vocal acoustic parameters, with aim of detecting individuals at risk phonotrauma. The voicing time, voice sound pressure level [SPL] and fundamental frequency [fo] 87 teachers were measured during one workweek using a dosimeter. We retrospectively investigated impact 10 (gender, age, teaching experience, level, tobacco, gastro-esophageal problems, nonoccupational activity, education, past biopsychosocial problems Voice Handicap Index [VHI]) on each parameter. None above affected time or SPL. fo depended significantly gender, activity VHI score. Specifically, was higher in women (? = 69 Hz), without activities 11 lower score (increase 0.7 Hz for additional point). For females, post hoc comparisons revealed substantial fo: university instructors had deeper voices than kindergarten 66 elementary 52 secondary 41 Hz). Since increases mechanical stress related to fold vibration, screening prevention phonotrauma should focus primarily women, particularly those who teach levels, more self-rated problems. engage nonprofessional may suggest acute inflammation muscle fatigue due overload.