Patients' perspective about speech, swallowing and hearing status post-SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) recovery: E-survey

Himanshu Verma, Jyoti Shah, Kumar Akhilesh, Bhanu Shukla, Himanshu Verma, Jyoti Shah, Kumar Akhilesh, Bhanu Shukla

Abstract

Objective: The present study investigates the COVID-19 survivors' perspective on speech, swallowing, and hearing-related issues post-COVID-19. We further investigate the recovery duration for speech, swallowing, and hearing-related symptoms post-COVID.

Design: Survey study; E-survey.

Methodology: A total of 78 subjects (35.78 years ± 11.93) participated in the survey. All the participants were diagnosed with the RTPCR method. To understand the recovery duration for the speech, swallowing and hearing issues post-COVID-19, we conducted a three-phase study.

Results: In the first phase of the survey, 68 subjects reported symptoms related to speech, swallowing, and hearing issues 15 days of post-COVID recovery. A total of 76.4% of subjects reported only swallowing-related issues, 4.41% only speech-related issues, whereas 1.47% reported the problem in speech and hearing functions. The 2nd phase of the study was conducted after the first phase of the study. Only 22 subjects reported the presence of swallowing, speech and hearing-related issues from the 68 subjects. During the last phase, only 12 subjects reported speech, swallowing, and hearing issues. All subjects recovered from the olfaction and gustation impairment, whereas 50% of subjects reported the presence of xerostomia.

Conclusion: From the present study, we conclude that the SARC-CoV-2 virus directly affects the respiratory system and affects the aero-digestive system and laryngeal system physiology. Individuals with comorbid conditions admitted in ICU during COVID-19 treatment and prolonged hospital stay were at higher risk of developing speech, swallowing, and hearing-related issues post-COVID-19. The present study indicated that all COVID-19 survivors should be screened for speech, swallowing, and hearing-related issues for early rehabilitation if needed.

Keywords: COVID-19; Dysphagia; Hearing loss; Tinnitus; Vocal fatigue; Xerostomia.

© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Showing the comorbid condition in participants
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Problems reported in different areas during first phase of the study
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Showing percentage of the population having an issue with gustation and olfaction sense
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Loss of specific taste in partial loss
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Change in the saliva production post-COVID-19
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Change in voice quality and loudness post-COVID -19 in first phase of the survey
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Presence of hearing related issues post-COVID-19
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Affected areas post-COVID-19 in the second phase of the study
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Showing percentage of the population having an issue with gustation and olfaction sense during 2nd phase of the study
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
Change in saliva post-COVID-19 in the 2nd phase of the survey
Fig. 11
Fig. 11
Change in the voice quality and loudness in the 2nd phase of the survey
Fig. 12
Fig. 12
Presence of difference symptoms post-COVID-19 in the 3rd phase of the survey
Fig. 13
Fig. 13
Flowchart describing the three phase of the survey
Fig. 14
Fig. 14
Change in the swallowing, olfaction, gustation, speech and hearing-related issues with the time

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Source: PubMed

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