Evaluation of the knowledge level of academicians working at universities about vocal fatigue and vocal hygiene

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the vocal fatigue and vocal hygiene knowledge levels of academics working at universities. Materials and Methods: The study included 104 participants (70 females, 34 males; mean age: 38.2±9.6 years; range, 21 to 73 years) who worked as academics at universities. The participants were asked to fill out the participant demographic data form, Turkish version of the Voice Fatigue Scale, and Voice Hygiene Awareness Knowledge Level Form. Results: In terms of physical discomfort, it was found that the levels of physical discomfort were higher in those who were lecturers (9.11±5.18) compared to research assistants (4.30±2.95), associate professors (4.30±3.74), and professors (4.90±3.01). When the relationship between the scores the participants received from the scales was evaluated, it was found that the dimensions of fatigue and avoidance and physical discomfort had a negative and significant relationship with vocal hygiene (p<0.05), while there was no significant relationship between the dimension of rest and recovery and vocal hygiene (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that vocal fatigue is high among academics working at universities, but their vocal hygiene awareness levels are low.