Occupational Voice Loss PDF

Preface

The human voice is a complex structure without which most of us would struggle daily. Yet we spend little time or effort in ensuring it works to maximum efficiency and barely notice our voices unless we get a cold. Then we know how unpleasant it is to be hoarse and to find speech painful and how difficult it can be to communicate. The importance of avoiding voice problems cannot be overemphasized, yet many jobs and occupations carry the potential for causing voice problems due to design or working conditions.

Relatively little has been written about the relationship between work and voice health so we hope that this book will stimulate further research to fill the gaps in our knowledge. We also hope we will provide those with an interest in the occupational aspects of voice use with information, tools and suggested approaches to identifying hazards to vocal health, controlling risks from the work environment and educating vii workers about how they can contribute to ensuring that one of their best assets remains healthy.