Occupational Voice Disorders Among Teachers and Call Center Workers in Lahore

Abstract

Background: Occupational voice disorders are increasingly recognized as a major health concern among professionals who rely heavily on verbal communication, particularly teachers and call center employees. Prolonged vocal use, environmental noise exposure, and insufficient vocal rest may contribute to vocal strain and dysphonia in these populations. Objective: To determine the prevalence of voice disorders among teachers and call center employees in Lahore, Pakistan, and to identify occupational factors associated with vocal symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 120 occupational voice users, including 60 teachers and 60 call center employees, working in Gong Mehal, Lahore. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, occupational exposures, and vocal symptoms. Voice disorder severity was assessed using the Voice Handicap Index. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to examine associations between occupational factors and voice disorders. Results: The overall prevalence of voice disorder symptoms was 46.7%. Teachers demonstrated a higher prevalence than call center employees (51.7% vs 41.7%). Prolonged daily voice use exceeding five hours (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.28–6.46, p=0.009), workplace noise exposure (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.27–6.75, p=0.010), lack of vocal rest breaks (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.36–6.22, p=0.006), and female gender (OR 2.12, p=0.043) were significantly associated with voice disorders. Vocal fatigue (50.8%), throat dryness (44.2%), and hoarseness (40.0%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. Conclusion: Voice disorders are common among occupational voice users in Lahore, particularly among teachers and individuals exposed to prolonged voice use and noisy work environments. Preventive strategies focusing on vocal hygiene education and improved workplace conditions are essential to protect vocal health.