Evaluation of voice disorders among school teachers: A cross-sectional hospital-based observational study.

Gudise Abhinav  Kiran; Baddam Rachna  Reddy; G. Divya  Spoorthi

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2159

Authors

Dr. Gudise Abhinav Kiran Associate Professor, Department of ENT, Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India.
Dr. Baddam Rachna Reddy Associate Professor, Department of ENT, Malla Reddy Medical College for Women, Hyderabad, India.
Dr. Gaddala Divya Spoorthi Postgraduate (Third Year), Department of ENT, Malla Reddy Medical College for Women, Hyderabad, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2159

Keywords:

Voice disorders, Teachers, Hoarseness, Vocal nodules, Occupational risk factors, Laryngoscopy, Vocal hygiene, Vocal fatigue, School environment, Voice care

Abstract

Background:
Teachers constitute one of the most voice-dependent professional groups, frequently exposed to vocal strain and suboptimal acoustic environments. Voice disorders among teachers not only affect occupational performance but also overall quality of life. Early identification and preventive measures are essential to mitigate long-term morbidity.

Objectives:

To evaluate the prevalence, clinical profile, and occupational determinants of voice disorders among school teachers attending the ENT department of a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:

A hospital-based observational study was conducted among 50 school teachers presenting with or without vocal complaints. Detailed demographic, occupational, and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Laryngoscopic examination was performed to confirm the diagnosis. The relationship between occupational factors and voice disorders was analyzed using the Chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results:

The mean age of participants was 38.4 ± 8.6 years, with a predominance of females (74%). Most teachers (62%) had teaching experience exceeding 10 years. Vocal symptoms were reported by 64% of participants, while 56% had confirmed voice disorders. The most common complaints included hoarseness (40%), vocal fatigue (32%), and throat dryness (28%). Laryngoscopy revealed vocal nodules (32.1%), vocal cord edema (21.4%), and chronic laryngitis (17.9%) as the leading findings. Significant associations were observed between voice disorders and teaching more than 5 hours per day (p = 0.002), lack of microphone use (p = 0.01), and noisy classroom environments (p = 0.03).

Conclusion:

Voice disorders are highly prevalent among school teachers, largely influenced by occupational load and adverse vocal hygiene practices. Regular screening, vocal health education, and ergonomic modifications in classrooms are essential for prevention and early intervention.

Recommendations:

Implement routine voice screening, promote vocal hygiene awareness, encourage microphone use, and ensure acoustically optimized classrooms to reduce vocal strain.

Author Biographies

Dr. Gudise Abhinav Kiran, Associate Professor, Department of ENT, Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India.

is an Associate Professor in the Department of ENT at Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India. He completed his MBBS from Bhaskar Medical College, Moinabad (2008–2013) and pursued his MS in Otorhinolaryngology from Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar (2015–2018). With over seven years of academic and clinical experience, Dr. Abhinav Kiran has been actively involved in the diagnosis and management of diverse ENT disorders, with a special interest in laryngology, otology, and endoscopic sinus surgery. He is committed to advancing ENT education and promoting evidence-based clinical practice among undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Dr. Baddam Rachna Reddy, Associate Professor, Department of ENT, Malla Reddy Medical College for Women, Hyderabad, India.

is an Associate Professor in the Department of ENT at Malla Reddy Medical College for Women, Hyderabad, India. She obtained her MBBS from Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences (2003–2008) and completed her DNB in Otorhinolaryngology from Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals, Secunderabad (2010–2013). With over 11 years of teaching and clinical experience, Dr. Rachna Reddy has been actively engaged in medical education, institutional quality enhancement, and academic governance. She is a member of the ACME 2024 Batch, serves as NAAC Criteria 2 In-Charge, and is presently the IQAC Coordinator at Malla Reddy Medical College for Women. Her professional interests include laryngology, otology, and academic quality assurance. ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1671-0827

Dr. Gaddala Divya Spoorthi, Postgraduate (Third Year), Department of ENT, Malla Reddy Medical College for Women, Hyderabad, India.

is a Third-Year Postgraduate in MS (ENT) at Malla Reddy Medical College for Women, Hyderabad (2022–present). She completed her MBBS from Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Adilabad (2011–2017). Dr. Divya Spoorthi has a keen interest in clinical otorhinolaryngology, with a particular focus on rhinology, laryngology, and endoscopic ear surgery. She is actively involved in academic training, clinical case discussions, and research initiatives aimed at improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in ENT practice.

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