Gender Differences in the Prevalence of Vocal Symptoms in Smokers

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to explore possible gender differences in the occurrence of vocal symptoms in smokers.

Methods: A total of 1728 respondents, 68% women and 32% men completed a "Speech, language and voice" questionnaire. The questions concerning six vocal symptoms along with questions concerning smoking habits were used as the main data source for the present study.

Results: About 24% of the men and 22% of the women were smokers. Male smokers did not differ from male nonsmokers in reporting vocal symptoms. In contrast, female smokers were more likely than female nonsmokers to report having vocal symptoms. Smoking seemed to have a significant effect on four of the six vocal symptoms in the female smokers.

Conclusions: There appears to be a difference in the effects of smoking between men and women. The female vocal folds may be more vulnerable to cigarette smoke, probably due to anatomical and physiological differences. Nevertheless, it is yet to be demonstrated that the vocal symptoms in female smokers are causally related to smoking. It could be meaningful to use gender specific strategies when informing smokers about the risks for voice problems.

Keywords: Gender differences; Smoking; Vocal symptoms.