Understanding and improving teachers' vocal health
Official title: Protecting Teachers’ Voices: Investigating Risk Factors, Conducting Cost Analysis
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11131285 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at what causes voice problems in schoolteachers, so we can help them keep their voices healthy and teach better throughout the school year.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $463,058 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC012315-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131285 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are teachers working with children aged 0-11 years who may experience vocal strain or related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not teachers or who do not work in educational settings may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the various factors that contribute to voice problems among schoolteachers, which can significantly impact their ability to teach effectively. By analyzing both physiological and environmental influences, as well as teachers' behavioral adaptations to vocal demands, the study aims to identify key risk factors over the course of an academic year. The research will involve collecting survey data and conducting voice assessments to better understand how these factors interact and affect vocal health. Ultimately, the goal is to inform policies and educational practices that can enhance teachers' vocal well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vocal health for teachers, enhancing their teaching effectiveness and overall job satisfaction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing vocal health in educational settings can lead to significant improvements in teacher well-being and student outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hunter, Eric J — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Hunter, Eric J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.