Main laryngeal pathologies in teachers

Abstract

Introduction: Teachers are exposed to several occupational risk factors, and it is believed that vocal quality is related not only to absence of change, but to general well-being of the individual. There are several factors that contribute to the development of vocal problems in teachers such as: inadequate use of voice, vocal competition, vocal overload, inappropriate habits as an example (cigarette and alcohol). Objective: This study aimed to analyze the main vocal changes in teachers and consisted of a descriptive bibliographical research of a qualitative nature. Method: A survey of the national and international literature was published in English, Spanish and Portuguese between 2007 and 2017. The descriptors, teachers, voice pathologies, and vocal health were selected using the “Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde” (BVS) and “Scientific Electronic Library” (SciELO) databases. Results: It was observed that the main pathologies found were nodules, polyps, Reinke’s edema, cyst and vocal groove. Hoarseness is the main symptom described by the teachers, but it is necessary to worry about the other symptoms being: vocal fatigue, voice failures, shortness of breath, burning throat, effort to speak. Conclusion: It was verified in the studied literature the suggestion of adopting a public health policy with the objective of educating and making teachers aware of notions of vocal hygiene, communication strategies, vocal economy and valorization of the profession are necessary tools to reduce the indices of teachers with some type of vocal alteration.