Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.47960/2303-7431.20.34.2025.44
(SELF-)PERCEPTION OF VOCAL FATIGUE AMONG VOICE PROFESSIONALS EMPLOYED IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Ana Bonetti
orcid.org/0000-0001-9784-1954
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department for Speech and Language Pathology
*
Ivana Šimić Šantić
orcid.org/0009-0007-0249-8331
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department for Speech and Language Pathology
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine differences in perceived vocal fatigue among different groups of voice professionals (preschool educators, primary school teachers, teachers, secondary school teachers, and university lecturers). The study included 153 female participants employed in the educational system of the Republic of Croatia. Assessment was carried out using the Croatian Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI-C), which comprises three dimensions: fatigue associated with voice use, physical discomfort during speaking, and improvement of symptoms after rest. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in vocal fatigue across occupations, while physical discomfort was significantly more pronounced among primary school teachers compared to university lecturers. Furthermore, a weak but statistically significant positive correlation between years of service and vocal fatigue was identified. The findings point to the need for systematic education and preventive voice interventions, particularly in the early stages of career.
Keywords
Vocal Fatigue Index; voice professionals; preschool educators; primary school teachers; teachers; professors
Hrčak ID:
341973
URI
Publication date:
15.12.2025.
Visits: 522 *