Women Teachers Develop Vocal Fatigue More Than Men Who Teach

BOSTON (CBS) -- Imagine trying to keep the attention of 30 kindergarteners or 40 middle schoolers and it isn't hard to understand how many teachers tend to lose their voices over time.

But it seems female teachers develop vocal fatigue more than their male counterparts.

A new study finds female teachers with hoarseness may have reduced lung function. Researchers suggest they could undergo easy and low-cost lung function testing to find out if they're at risk, which could help them take steps to avoid voice problems like doing vocal exercises.