The Impact of Masking Habits on Voice in a Sub-population of Healthcare Workers

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the impact of face masks on voice in a sub-population of healthcare workers, namely residents, medical students, and nurses, during the COVID-19 era. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a large tertiary care center where a 23-items web-based questionnaire was conveyed to sub-population of healthcare professionals, namely residents, medical students, and nurses. The questionnaire included demographic data, type, and duration of mask use. Voice outcome measures included the Voice Handicap Index (VHI)-10 questionnaire and the visual analogue scale for vocal effort and vocal fatigue. Results A total of 178 participants answered the survey. One third had an abnormal score on the VHI-10 questionnaire, one third reported moderate to severe vocal fatigue, and 45% of the participants had moderate to severe vocal effort based on a visual analogue scale score. There was a significant association between the type of mask used and vocal fatigue ( P = 0.044). No significant association was seen between the duration of mask used and the different voice outcome measures. Conclusion Masking habits during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with a high prevalence of vocal fatigue, effort and abnormal VHI-10 score among residents, medical students, and nurses.

The Impact of Protective Face Coverings on Acoustic Markers in Voice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Due to minimal changes in the outcomes of the acoustic parameters between the recordings, a clinical significance could not be clearly observed. Although wearing masks for a prolonged period of time may cause observable self-perceived changes (e.g., breathing difficulties, increased effort of speaking, greater perception of symptoms of vocal fatigue and discomfort and changes in speaking behavior) in wearers [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ], this influence remains unexplained in the present study, notwithstanding the fluctuations in multiple recordings of the voice analyses. To verify mask effects after prolonged wearing, it should be further investigated in future studies.…”

Effects on communication due to face mask use: an integrative review

“…In an analysis to compare differences between sex and six different mask conditions (no mask, cloth mask, surgical mask, N95 mask, and surgical mask over an N95 mask with and without face shield) for measures of voice intensity and acoustic variables, it was found that tested masks did not have a significant impact on loudness, fundamental frequency, PPC-s compared to the unmasked voice output; however, using a face shield affected vocal intensity and PPC-s ( 46 ) .…”

“…The Impact of Masking Habits on Voice in a Subpopulation of Healthcare Workers (46) Lebanon and USA, 2022…”

Efeitos na comunicação em razão de uso de máscara facial: revisão integrativa

“…The Impact of Masking Habits on Voice in a Subpopulation of Healthcare Workers (46) Líbano e EUA, 2022…”

“…Em uma análise para comparar diferenças entre sexo e seis diferentes condições de máscaras (sem máscara, máscara de pano, máscara cirúrgica, máscara N95 e, máscara cirúrgica sobre uma máscara N95 com e sem protetor do tipo face shield) quanto às medidas de intensidade e variáveis acústicas da voz, verificou-se que as máscaras testadas não tiveram um impacto significativo na intensidade, frequência fundamental, PPC-s em comparação com a saída de voz sem máscara, mas o uso do protetor facial (face shield) afetou a intensidade vocal e os PPC-s (46) . Profissionais de saúde relataram um aumento significativo do esforço vocal a jornada de trabalho (21) .…”