Panasonic WX-LA20 User manual

The Effect Sound Field Amplification has
on Teacher Vocal Abuse Problems
(Summary)
Laurie Allen, M.A. CCC-Aud.
Keystone Area Education Agency, Dubuque, Iowa
During the 1994-95 school year approximately 56% of 141 Dubuque, Iowa public
elementary school teachers reported that they typically suffer from vocal
abuse/fatigue problems at least once during each school year. 60% (85 total) of
these teachers had never used sound field amplification equipment. It was
estimated that these teachers took a total of 59 sick days each school year
because of vocal maladies (.7 sick days per teacher). 40% (56 total) of the
teachers did have experience using sound field classroom amplification
equipment. It was estimated that when these teachers were without the
amplification equipment, they averaged 52 sick days per year because of voice,
jaw, or throat problems (.93 sick days per teacher). However, when they used the
amplification equipment, they estimated that they took only 19 sick days per year
(.34 days/ teacher).
It should be noted that about half of the teachers in this subgroup had histories of
chronic voice problems. Almost all of the teachers reported that the sound field
amplification equipment was user friendly and made it easier for them to project
their voices throughout the classroom.
This data suggests that an increased use of sound field amplification equipment
would result in substantial annual savings for the school district in substitute
teacher pay. The Dubuque Community Schools currently employs approximately
650 full time teachers. Their substitute teacher pay is approximately $62 per day.
12-14 unused sick days saved by the district would cover the cost of an
additional classroom amplification system.
Classroomau[email protected]
877.268.7215