Videolaryngoscopy Findings of the Vocal Health Program in Dysphonic Teachers in the Federal District, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction The high phonatory demand required of teachers is a direct cause of the onset of vocal symptoms and of the development of laryngeal disorders. Objective To describe the findings of the laryngeal screening performed as part of the Vocal Health Program held in the Federal Distrcit of Brazil in 2014 and 2015. Methods The study was performed with 361 dysphonic teachers from public schools who attended the laryngeal screening (videolaryngoscopy) part of the program. Data on anamnesis, the degree of dysphonia, the findings of the laryngeal screening, the referrals made after the laryngeal screening, and the result of the assessment of vocal aptitude for work were analyzed from the forms of each participating teacher. Results The sample of the present study (N=361) represents 18.23% of the 1,980 teachers that went through the vocal screening of the program in 2014 and 2015. In total, 98 (27.15%) teachers presented mild dysphonia, 221 (61.22%), moderate dysphonia, and 42, (11.63%) severe dysphonia. Regarding the laryngeal screening (videolaryngoscopy exam), 269 teachers (74.52%) presented laryngeal disorders, and the main ones found were vocal nodules (43.87%), signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux (37.17%), hourglass chink (18.22%), vascular dysgenesis (18.22%), midposterior triangular chink (9.67%), and double chink (8.55%). Conclusion Laryngeal screening through videolaryngoscopy and auditory-perceptual screening of the voice as part of vocal health programs are essential to define the diagnosis and therapeutic conduct for teachers with dysphonia. Together with intervention activities, continuing education and adequate and accessible treatment, the periodic evaluation of vocal health can contribute to reduce absenteeism and improve the quality of life and of the voice of teachers.