Dysphonia and persistent voice symptoms as a result of COVID-19 in Malta

Abstract

Dysphonia is becoming increasingly common, and it is therefore recognized as a crucial concept in the fields of voice and Speech Language Pathology. Generally, it could be attributed to various causes including neurological, musculoskeletal, pulmonary and psychological aetiologies. Considering that it is linked to pulmonary causes, it is not surprising that various international studies have reported a correlation between dysphonia and COVID-19, knowing that COVID-19 is primarily a severe respiratory infection. In Malta, no study has explored this yet. Hence why, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between dysphonia and persistent voice symptoms in individuals who were infected with COVID-19 in Malta. This research also aimed to explore the correlation between demographic factors (age, gender, occupation) and dysphonia in individuals who were infected with COVID-19 in Malta. A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting data through an online-survey questionnaire, completed by 78 participants and two one-to-one semi-structured interviews, one with an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist and one with a Speech Language Pathologist who manages a voice clinic. Results show that the most common voice symptoms reported in individuals with COVID-19 were chronic cough, throat clearing and hoarseness. The severity of voice symptoms was classified as mild to moderate. A relationship was also identified between chronic cough and age and chronic cough and occupation, particularly in teachers. Persistent voice symptoms were also reported by individuals post COVID-19. The Findings indicate the need for more awareness of the role of the SLP/voice therapist in voice disorders and highlight the need to address persistent voice symptoms post COVID-19, especially in teachers, as this seems to be affecting their occupation as well as their quality of life.