Effects of noise and acoustics in schools on vocal health in teachers

Abstract

Previous studies on the influence of noise and acoustics in the classroom on voice symptoms among teachers have exclusively relied on self-reports. Since self-reported physical conditions may be biased, it is important to determine the role of objective measurements of noise and acoustics in the presence of voice symptoms. To assess the association between objectively measured and self-reported physical conditions at school with the presence of voice symptoms among teachers. In 12 public schools in Bogotá, we conducted a cross-sectional study among 682 Colombian school workers at 377 workplaces. After signed the informed consent, participants filled out a questionnaire on individual and work-related conditions and the nature and severity of voice symptoms in the past month. Short-term environmental measurements of sound levels, temperature, humidity, and reverberation time were conducted during visits at the workplaces, such as classrooms and offices. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine associations between work-related factors and voice symptoms. High noise levels outside schools (odds ratio [OR] = 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–2.99) and self-reported poor acoustics at the workplace (OR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.88–3.53) were associated with voice symptoms. We found poor agreement between the objective measurements and self-reports of physical conditions at the workplace. This study indicates that noise and acoustics may play a role in the occurrence of voice symptoms among teachers. The poor agreement between objective measurements and self-reports of physical conditions indicate that these are different entities, which argue for inclusion of physical measurements of the working environment in studies on the influence of noise and acoustics on vocal health.

Medical Costs and Productivity Costs Related to Voice Symptoms in Colombian Teachers

“…This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Universidad del Rosario in Colombia. Specific results on other analyses of this study have been presented in previous publications 10,11 or are under review. 12 Data collection procedures Questionnaire.…”

“…More detailed information on the sampling process, the questionnaire, and the definition of voice symptoms has been described in previous publications. 10,11 Design and participants In 2012, we conducted a longitudinal study in 12 public schools in Bogot a D.C., Colombia. This study is focused on crosssectional results on economic consequences obtained in February and March (at the start of the school year).…”

Are classroom thermal conditions, lighting, and acoustics related to teacher health symptoms?

“…This is consistent with research showing that voice problems occur more frequently for teachers in noisier classrooms, 25 as well as those who have to compete with poor acoustics in the classroom and/or high noise levels outside school buildings. 26 A study involving 35 teachers found that teachers who spoke using a raised voice a majority of the time, and competed with noise from outside the classroom, experienced "vocal load," thus resulting in increases of voice symptoms and cognitive fatigue. 27 It is likely that increased spacing between respective classrooms and/or thicker walls in schools could potentially mitigate the need for teachers to overcompensate when excessive noise presents.…”

“…Cutiva and Burdorf, 26 in an effort to assess the association between measures and self-reported school conditions, found that noise levels and acoustics can inversely impact vocal health, as well as job performance. This study was conducted in 12 public schools in Bogota, Columbia, using a cross-sectional study design among 682…”

Impacto da voz na comunicação social e emoção de professoras antes e após fonoterapia

“…Cross-sectional study with 682 teachers, held in Spain's schools, with the objective of evaluating the effects of the school environment on vocal health of teachers found an association between noise and acoustics of classrooms with the occurrence of vocal symptoms among teachers 29 . Another study showed that the teacher in working environment with unfavorable acoustics tend to feel less comfortable and most of them at risk of school clearance 30,31 .…”