Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS) and Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) in the Early Identification of Italian Teachers with Voice Disorders

Abstract Introduction The current Italian law does not include any guidance regarding voice education, prevention of voice disorders and screening in subjects with high vocal loading such as teachers. Objectives We aimed to check the correlation between the Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS) with the Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) for the evaluation of Italian teachers. In addition, we aimed to investigate whether there are differences in the frequency and intensity of discomfort symptoms in teachers with disabilities comparing vocal tract discomfort symptoms in teachers with high risk (HRVD) and low risk (LRVD) of vocal disorders according to the VoiSS cutoff (> 15.5). Methods We analyzed 160 Italian teachers (111 women and 49 men) that completed the VTDS and VoiSS at vocal evaluation. The Spearman correlation test was applied to all variables. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the average number of discomfort symptoms among HRVD and LRVD teachers. Results A moderate positive correlation was observed between the average number, frequency, and intensity of discomfort symptom and the total score, physical domain score, and limitation domain score of the VoiSS. Only the emotional domain score of the VoiSS showed a weak positive correlation (p< 0.001). Teachers considered in the HRVD group according to the VoiSS score had a higher number, frequency, and intensity of vocal tract discomfort symptoms. Conclusion There is correlation between the VTDS and VoiSS scales. Like the VoiSS, the VTDS is a questionnaire that detects HRVD teachers. Therefore, the results suggest that both questionnaires could be useful for a preventive voice program for Italian teachers

Public awareness of ear and hearing management as measured using a specific questionnaire.

Public awareness of audiological issues has never been measured in the general public even if the World Health Organization (WHO) has detected a common urgent need for action to prevent and manage ear diseases and hearing loss. The aim of this study was to measure urban community citizens' awareness of managing and preventing ear disease and hearing loss using a specific questionnaire. A questionnaire was formulated on the basis of WHO material concerning the major specific audiological issues and attitudes, focusing in particular on four domains: (1) knowledge of infant hearing loss, (2) correct management of the ears including cleaning and treating, (3) focus on the effect of overexposure to loud sounds and noise, (4) underestimated ear symptoms leading to diagnostic delay. 254 volunteers were enrolled in this cross-sectional study by a team of medical doctors and audiologists stationed in a mobile unit that visited different areas of Milan, Italy. More than 80% of correct responses were given to almost all of the statements by the interviewees, although certain important knowledge was found to be lacking. The proposed audiological questionnaire seems to be a suitable tool to evaluate the public awareness of ear and hearing management. The results showed a need for continued development of comprehensive hearing conservation programs, focused on hearing aid management and early infant hearing loss identification as well as noise exposure.