In 1975 to 2000 in the Czech Republic 247 occupational vocal disorders were notified as occupational diseases. They included above all severe hyperkinetic dysphonia, nodes on the vocal cords, severe incompetence of the vocal cords or severe phonasthenia. Detailed analysis of occupational diseases notified by the Clinic of Occupational Diseases in Brno revealed that during the mentioned period 30 occupational vocal disorders were notified. In 26 instances women were involved. Teachers were affected most frequently – a total of 28. The disease was diagnosed and notified on average after 21.2 years of work in the occupation pretentious on the voice. The mean age of the subjects was 44.6 years. The authors describe the symptoms and development of occupational vocal disorders and their evaluation. They describe also principles of prevention. They submit a list of occupations where we can speak of vocal profesionals, incl. quantification of demands on vocal functions.

        Key words: occupational diseases, vocal professionals, occupational vocal disorders, hyperkinetic dysphonia, nodes on the vocal cords, incompetence of vocal cords, phonasthenia