Vocal strain and student teachers: are you at risk?

Abstract

Teachers are one of the most at risk populations for developing voice disorders, and are prone to vocal damage due to the nature of their occupations. The primary objectives of this paper were to evaluate pre-existing literature regarding vocal strain in teachers, and apply the information to students in their first semester of student teaching at the State University of New York at New Paltz. A web-based questionnaire was distributed to 150 student teachers at SUNY New Paltz. In total, 65 responses were received. The questionnaire consisted of questions on background information and risk factors for voice damage. The results showed that 92% of the student teachers surveyed had experienced ten or more risk factors for vocal strain on a regular basis. According to the students’ answers on the survey, as well as developed research, vocal hygiene education may be useful to help prevent the development of vocal strain in student teachers.