Gender Voice Gap in Teaching Professionals - A Comparative Analysis of Vocal Nodules
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Teachers are a high-risk occupational group for voice disorders due to sustained vocal demand and suboptimal classroom acoustics. This study quantified symptom burden, sex differences, and key correlates of clinically diagnosed nodules and suspected voice disorder among teachers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of teachers (N=300; 52% male) measured voice symptoms (Likert items), two binary outcomes (doctor-diagnosed nodules; suspected voice disorder), and five indices (Symptom Index, Vocal Load, Environmental Support, Misuse Risk, Impact on Quality of LifeQoL). Internal consistency of indices was acceptable to excellent (Cronbach’s α=0.72-0.93). Multivariable logistic regression with robust side effects assessed associations with outcomes; predictive discrimination was evaluated using area under the curve(AUC). Results: Overall prevalence of key symptoms was high (loud/strained voice 74.7%, voice fatigue 68.0%, throat pain 58.7%, hoarseness 56.7%). Females reported higher symptom prevalence across multiple indicators, yet males had higher diagnosed nodules (45.8% vs 26.9%) and suspected voice disorder (56.9% vs 39.7%). In adjusted models, being male (adjusted Odds Ratio aOR=2.59; 95% CI 1.23–5.45) and higher Vocal Load (adjusted Odds Ratio aOR=3.79 per unit; 95% CI 1.86–7.73) were associated with diagnosed nodules; the model showed good discrimination (Area Under the Curve AUC=0.85). For suspected voice disorder, male sex (adjusted Odds Ratio aOR=3.40; 95% CI 1.46–7.94), Vocal Load (adjusted Odds Ratio aOR=3.48; 95% CI 1.53–7.95), and Misuse Risk (adjusted Odds Ratio aOR=2.48; 95% CI 1.04–5.95) were significant predictors. Index correlations supported convergent validity: Symptom Index correlated with Vocal Load (r=0.55) and Impact on Quality of LifeQoL (r=0.68), and inversely with Environmental Support (r=-0.33) (all p<0.001). Conclusion: Female teachers experienced substantial voice-health burden, with Vocal Load consistently linked to both clinical and suspected outcomes. Findings support multi-level prevention focusing on workload-sensitive voice use, early screening, and classroom-level acoustic supports.
Source: SocArXiv (OSF Preprints)
Language: English
Topic: Voice and Speech Disorders
Subfield: Speech and Hearing
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7162807906