Investigation of the vocal fatigue and vocal hygiene knowledge level of teachers working in special education and rehabilitation centers

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the level of knowledge on vocal fatigue and vocal hygiene of teachers working in special education and rehabilitation centers. Materials and Methods: The prospective clinic study included 100 teachers (73 females, 27 males; mean age: 33.4+6.2 years; range: 26 to 43 years) working in special education and rehabilitation centers between March 2024 and August 2024. The teachers who participated in the study were asked to fill out the participant demographic data form, Turkish version of Voice Fatigue Index, and Voice Hygiene Awareness Knowledge Level Form. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the rest and recovery subdimension of the Voice Fatigue Index and sex (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the physical discomfort subdimension of the Voice Fatigue Index and the duration of the break between lessons (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the fatigue and avoidance subdimension of the Voice Fatigue Index and the noise level of the working environment (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the Voice Fatigue Index fatigue and avoidance subdimension and voice and complaint status (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the voice hygiene awareness level and the daily average voice level (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the voice hygiene awareness level and the work environment stress level (p<0.05). No statistically significant relationship was found between the voice hygiene awareness level and fatigue and avoidance, physical discomfort, and rest and recovery (p>0.05). Conclusion: It was shown that vocal fatigue is high among teachers working in special education and rehabilitation centers, but their vocal hygiene awareness levels are low.