Voice symptoms in teachers during distance teaching: a survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland

Abstract

Purpose Due to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), teachers during the pandemic have had to adapt to online teaching at short notice. This study aims to investigate the voice symptoms and their environmental risk factors as well as the work ability associated with distance teaching and to compare these with symptoms in previous contact teaching. Methods We conducted a survey of 121 primary and secondary school teachers across Finland. The survey was advertised online through social media and the replies collected from voluntarily participating teachers. Results During distance teaching vocal symptoms appeared less often than in school with 71% teachers experiencing them in regular teaching and 44% in distance teaching, VHI result decreased from 7.88 in school teaching to 4.58 in distance teaching. Acoustic conditions were reported to be more suitable in distance teaching with 73% of teachers finding them adequate during distance teaching in comparison to 46% for those in regular teaching. Background noise was the most disturbing factor for a teacher’s voice in the classroom and in distance teaching and this was even more conspicuous in the classroom. Also, subjectively experienced poor indoor air quality at school influenced the voice negatively. Further, voice problems were associated with increased subjective stress levels and reduced ability to work. Conclusion Distance teaching has affected teachers’ voices in a positive way compared with regular teaching. This difference is likely to be due to better acoustics and indoor air quality in distance teaching conditions.

Vocal fatigue perceived in remote working by teachers of different school grades during COVID-19 pandemic

“…In contrast with our results, a study by Patjas et al, conducted on 121 primary and secondary school teachers across Finland, suggested that better acoustics and indoor air quality in distance teaching could have a positive impact on voice health [28] .…”

Effects of Virtual Instruction on Educators’ Voices During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“… 12 The study also reported a decrease in symptoms of vocal discomfort when educators transitioned to virtual work. 12 Clearly, improved air quality in the home environment may not always be the case due to great variability across virtual work environments. To address this, researchers suggest comprehensive assessment of indoor air quality in the home and work settings to remove irritants and reduce the likelihood of vocal irritation for educational professionals.…”

“… 8 , 9 Other significant elements that influence vocal health include posture/breath support, air quality, background noise, and acoustics. 10 , 11 , 12 There is an emerging body of research on the relationship between these elements and vocal health in response to the shift in workplace environment due to COVID-19 and the global pandemic. 10 , 11 , 12 Regarding breath support, Kishbaugh et al emphasized the difference for educators in standing for most lessons in the classroom to sitting at a desk when working virtually.…”

“… 10 , 11 , 12 There is an emerging body of research on the relationship between these elements and vocal health in response to the shift in workplace environment due to COVID-19 and the global pandemic. 10 , 11 , 12 Regarding breath support, Kishbaugh et al emphasized the difference for educators in standing for most lessons in the classroom to sitting at a desk when working virtually. 11 The researchers suggested investing in a standing desk or performing parts of lessons while standing to enhance breath support throughout the day of virtual work.…”

“… 12 , 14 , 15 In a study of Finnish schools, Patjas et al found that educators had better total air quality in the virtual work environment as opposed to face-to-face instruction. 12 The study also reported a decrease in symptoms of vocal discomfort when educators transitioned to virtual work. 12 Clearly, improved air quality in the home environment may not always be the case due to great variability across virtual work environments.…”