Background: Occupational voice users such as teachers, singers, and broadcasters have high vocal demands increasing the risk for developing voice disorders. Among occupational voice users, the literature has report gender differences in vocal doses as part of vocal demands. However, these differences have not been quantified. Objective: To determine differences per gender on vocal doses among different groups of occupational voice users. Methods: A systematic review of literature and meta-analysis were conducted on publications about vocal dose among occupational voice users. In total, 242 potential articles were found. After screening of titles and abstracts, 16 papers were included for full revision in the systematic review of literature. For the meta-analysis, 7 out of 16 papers were included. Results: Females had higher phonation time percentage compared with males (mean difference ¼ 1.44, p value ¼ .16). Nevertheless, this difference was not statistically significant. Among call centre operators, there was no difference in time doses associated with gender. Sport teachers had high values in time dose percentage, dissipation, and radiated energies. Conclusions: The meta-analysis shows variations in time doses, which could be associated with the vocal demand responses for females compared with males in occupational voice settings. Future investigations are required for establishing safe limits criteria for vocal doses, as well as vocal functioning in different working context.

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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created a new scenario for vocal and psychological morbidity among the entire population. Occupational voice users have had to adapt to these unique circumstances, confronting brand-new risks that increase the odds of developing and exacerbate vocal and mental health disorders. This paper addresses some of these challenges during and after COVID-19 pandemic. As a major outcome, we identified that work-related factors in online environments could be altering the vocal and mental health among occupational voice users. Interventions should focus on a comprehensive assessment of risk factors, including poor mental health previous to a crisis, life-threatening circumstances, separation from family, panic and bereavement. Similarly, this type of worker must receive instructions in voice training, muscle relaxation and mindfulness techniques, and educational technology.

Objective. To estimate the productivity reduction costs associated to self-reported voice symptoms, low sleep quality, and high stress levels among college professors during homeworking in times of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. This cross-sectional study included fifty-eight college professors who reported their reduction in productivity at work due to self-perceived stress levels, sleep quality, and voice symptoms. Results. High stress levels were reported by 24% of the participants, whereas 19% reported voice symptoms, and 3% low sleep quality. Costs associated with the three conditions were calculated for twenty-nine subjects. Productivity costs associated with high stress levels were higher (COP$32.345.925) than those for voice symptoms (COP$1.872.703) and low sleep quality (COP$319.733). Conclusion: Productivity reduction costs were higher for professors who reported high levels of stress followed by participants with self-reported voice symptoms and low sleep quality, which highlight the importance of prioritizing activities to reduce stress levels and voice symptoms in workplace health promotion programs implemented in educational settings.