Abstract

BARBERO-DIAZ, Francisco Javier et al. Voice handicap in Huelva's teachers. Med. segur. trab. [online]. 2010, vol.56, n.218, pp.39-48. ISSN 1989-7790.

Introduction: The prevalence of voice disorders in teachers in our environment is between 34% and 57%. Since 2006, the pathology of vocal cord nodules is considered an occupational disease. Vocal Handicap Index is a validated tool to assess the impairment associated with the perceived dysphonia. Objectives: To assess the impact of dysphonia and the possible differences in the vocal disability in function of dysphonia-related factors in teachers. Methods: During the exam of health, volunteer teachers are interviewed about symptoms of dysphonia and complete the Vocal Handicap Index. Results: Teachers with moderate and severe disability represent 16.6% and 1.2% respectively. 50.9% have shown symptoms of dysphonia at any moment in their working lives. There are significant differences in vocal disability in function of diagnosis of vocal cord nodules, the presence of symptoms and the number of symptoms. Conclusions: Dysphonia produces a significant impact on the population studied. The diagnosis of vocal cord nodules, the presence of symptoms and the number of symptoms of dysphonia involves differences in impairment assessing. It is unable to perform the extrapolation of results due to the limitations of the study.

Keywords : VHI-30; voice disorders; voice handicap; teachers.

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