The Effects of COVID-19 on Voice

The COVID-19 pandemic had profound effects on vocal health, impacting both infected individuals, professional voice users and essential workers. The objective of this paper was to explore the multifaceted nature of dysphonia associated with COVID-19, arising from both direct and indirect consequences of the pandemic. Prevalence rates of dysphonia among COVID-19 patients range widely from 25% to 79%, with significant underreporting. Factors contributing to voice changes include laryngeal inflammation, respiratory function impairment, treatment-related interventions, and increased vocal strain from masking and virtual communication. Professional voice users, such as teachers and singers, experienced unique challenges, including increased voice fatigue and apprehension regarding aerosol transmission during singing. For the voice clinician, videolaryngoscopic examination remains the critical tool for capturing the broad landscape of diagnoses that can range from inflammation to surgically emergent airway stenoses. Innovations with voice also emerged, utilizing artificial intelligence voice analysis for COVID-19 detection. Overall, understanding the relationship between COVID-19 and voice health is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of dysphonic patients. Continued research is necessary to further delineate the long-term implications and optimal treatment approaches for those affected.