Abstract
This study describes the frequency of reporting vocal problems among a random sample of elementary and high school teachers (
n = 554) compared to individuals working in other occupations (
n = 220). Teachers were more likely to define themselves as ever having a voice problem (32% versus. 1 %,
p < .05); having a tired, weak, or effortful voice (
p < .05 each); and having a higher frequency of symptoms of physical discomfort with speaking (
p < .05). They also were more likely to perceive that their voice problem negatively affected current job performance (
p < .05) and limited options regarding change in work (
p < .05). About 20% of teachers but only 4% of nonteachers had missed work due to their voice. These findings suggest that teachers are at highrisk for disability from voice disorders and that this health problem may have significant work-related and economic effects.