Voice disorders in female professional vs. non-professional voice users engaged with early school-aged children: a comparative cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Females are at increased risk of developing voice disorders, often due to extensive vocal use during interactions with children. They are frequently subjected to voice abuse and misuse whether they are teachers or housewives. Aim of the work To compare prevalence and characteristics of voice disorders in professional (teachers) and non-professional (housewives) female voice users. The goal is to identify early indicators and risk factors among non-professionals to enable timely diagnosis and intervention, thereby preventing potential long-term vocal damage. Patients and methods This cross-sectional comparative study included 100 adult female participants (aged 20-50 years) who presented with symptoms indicative of voice disorders and underwent voice evaluation at Phoniatrics Unit, Ain Shams University Hospitals. Participants were divided into two equal groups of 50: Group I (teachers) and Group II (housewives). Each patient underwent a comprehensive assessment including detailed history, auditory perceptual assessment of voice (APA), video-laryngoscopic examination, acoustic analysis and completion of Arabic version of the voice handicap index (VHI). Results Although the duration of voice complaints was longer in teachers, both groups reported similar phonasthenic symptoms. Housewives experienced greater subjective disruption in daily activities, although external listener feedback was comparable. Teachers most commonly presented with vocal fold nodules, while housewives were more frequently diagnosed with phonasthenia. Statistically significant differences were noted in total VHI scores and the functional and emotional domains, with housewives showing higher levels of impairment. Acoustic assessment revealed higher fundamental frequency (F0) and jitter values in teachers; other acoustic measures showed no significant group differences. Notably, the number of children positively correlated with VHI scores in both groups, and in teachers, with the perceived severity of symptoms and years of teaching. Conclusion Voice disorders are prevalent among both non-professional and professional voice users, who regularly interact with early school-aged children, highlightening the need for preventive strategies in both populations.