title: Difference in Voice Problems and Noise Reports Between Teachers of Public and Private Schools in Upper Egypt.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to assess teachers' voice symptoms and noise in schools in Upper Egypt and to study possible differences between teachers in public and private schools.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional analysis via questionnaire was carried out.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four schools were chosen randomly to represent primary and preparatory schools as well as public and private ones. In these schools, a total of 140 teachers participated in the study. They answered a questionnaire on vocal and throat symptoms and their effects on working and social activities, as well as levels and effects of experienced noise.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of all teachers, 47.9% reported moderate or severe dysphonia within the last 6 months, and 21.4% reported daily dysphonia. All teachers reported frequent feelings of being in noise, with 82.2% feeling it sometimes or always during the working day, resulting in a need to raise their voice. Teachers in public schools experienced more noise from nearby classes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The working conditions and vocal health of teachers in Upper Egypt, especially in public schools, are alarming.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Phoniatric Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abo-Hasseba
authors.affiliation: School of Communication, Media and Theatre, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.
authors.forename: Teija
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Waaramaa
authors.affiliation: Department of Signal Processing and Acoustics, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland.
authors.forename: Paavo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Alku
authors.affiliation: Department of Ear, Nose and Throat-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. Electronic address: ahmed.geneid@hus.fi.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Geneid
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004534:Egypt / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008144:Loudness Perception; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009622:Noise; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012574:Schools / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Egypt; Private schools; Public schools; Teachers; Voice