Introduction
One-third of the labor force works in professions in which voice is the primary tool of work.1 They include broadcasters, call center operators, court lawyers, teachers, business executives, singers, actors, clergy, and tour guides. To these professionals, the maintenance of vocal health is essential as voice is the critical component of their work. Excessive use or abuse of the voice at work can lead to the development of vocal symptoms of weak voice, sore throat, and to the development of a voice disorder.2
In the past, working conditions were not taken into account in the etiology of voice problems. The behavioral nature of voice was overemphasized as a factor in the development of a voice problem, and the responsibility was attributed to the individual. The impact of the working conditions was not considered nor was the relationship between working conditions and voice. There was no enough knowledge of the ergonomic and environmental aspects of voice disorders as an occupational health problem.3
The World Health Organization recognizes that work and health interact with one another. When work is fully adapted to human goals, capacities, and limitations and occupational health hazards are under control, work plays a role in promoting both physical and mental health. The work environment and its characteristics can play a role, together with other risk factors in the development of diseases, having a complex multiple etiology. Some diseases can be called work related.4 Therefore, in the case of those who rely on their voice as their principal tool of work, their working conditions should be adapted to promote and maintain vocal health, and efforts should be taken to prevent the development of voice problems.