Abstract
Objective
To investigate the self-reported effects of mask usage on vocal fatigue and number
of vocal complaints of high school and college educators.
Method
Forty teachers at high schools and universities who reported using masks to teach
in person during the Spring 2020 to Fall 2020 semesters completed an anonymous survey
regarding self-report of teaching history, vocal use, vocal complaints, and vocal
health. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t tests.
Results
Survey participants reported an increase in all forms of vocal complaints investigated
despite an increase in amplification use. Participants also reported a decrease in
daily water consumption between eight and 16 ounces of water when wearing a mask in
the classroom compared to teaching prior to coronavirus disease 2019. Participants
also reported a significant increase in vocal effort while teaching in a mask (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Educators reported a significant effect of increased vocal complaints and decreased
water intake while wearing masks. The decrease in water consumption and increase in
vocal effort may lead to more frequent vocal complaints in teachers at the high school
and college level.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 31, 2022
Accepted:
April 14,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
