More than half of teachers suffer from voice problems

BarcelonaDysphonia is a very common voice disorder, but it is often underestimated. It affects the proper functioning of the vocal cords in one in thirteen people in Spain, although this proportion increases in certain professions. This is the case for teachers, since the voice is an essential tool in their daily work, and more than half suffer some type of disorder throughout the school year. In fact, the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Neck and Spine Surgery (SEORL-CCC) estimates that almost nine out of ten preschool teachers will experience dysphonia during their professional career, which is why experts emphasize prevention and early treatment to avoid long-term complications.

"A training plan is necessary for teachers to learn how to care for their voices and the importance of prevention," argues Silvia Naches, president of the voice and swallowing disorders committee of the Catalan Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Pathology and otorhinolaryngologist at the Hospital. These disorders prevent the normal performance of daily and professional tasks and can have "serious consequences" for the person who suffers from them, both in their health and their work. Naches insists on the importance of caring for the voice, especially in those cases where, for professional reasons, there is a higher risk of suffering from dysphonia.

The expert believes it is necessary to implement a plan to protect teachers' voices and minimize the risk of suffering from dysphonia, since in some cases there are teachers who even have to teach with a microphone because they have not treated the disorder in time. According to the Department of Education, teachers who need one must request one from the administration, undergo a medical appointment, and, if the ear, nose, and throat specialist prescribes one, they are provided with a voice amplifier with a microphone by the Government. Last year alone, the department distributed 77, and in 2023, 69. Before reaching this extreme, Naches recommends some strategies, such as not speaking with your back to the class when writing on the board and not shouting when there is noise in the classroom, to avoid straining yourself, although there are many other ways.

The Myth of Whispering

The most important thing is to avoid harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and excessive caffeine, which can affect the voice, but you also need to stay well hydrated, breathe deeply through your nose, and maintain correct posture. In addition, you should control your speech speed, pause between sentences, and articulate clearly and precisely, without muscle tension. Obviously, the volume should not be too high, and Naches insists that, if possible, you should avoid ambient noise and avoid shouting when there is any. The expert also warns against speaking with a tired voice or straining it during laryngitis, as this can prolong recovery. Another myth Naches wants to dispel is that you shouldn't whisper when you have dysphonia. "If you want to speak softly, speak with your normal voice, even if you're hoarse," the expert warns.

Of these habits to avoid, the most harmful is tobacco, which causes 85% of laryngeal tumors. SEORL-CCC also focuses on other forms of smoking, such as water pipes.40% of adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18 in Spain have smoked in the last month, which is why they state that "legislation on this habit is urgently needed" and its use must be restricted. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for stricter measures to reopen waterpipe smoking establishments and for increased taxes on these products.