Vocal tract discomfort in caregivers for the elderly during an interval of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, professional caregivers caring for the elderly may experience more vocal tract problems in addition to regular high vocal demands while wearing face masks/coverings.

Methods and participants

Vocal tract discomfort (VTD) was assessed in 64 caregivers in one home for the elderly (64% participation rate) in June 2020 using the German version of the VTD scale.

Results

More than one-half of the participating caregivers experienced VTD, described mostly as dryness, irritability, and tightness. Approximately, 80% reported that sensations were not perceived before enhanced infection prevention standards were implemented.

Conclusions

Among caregivers caring for the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic, special care should be focused on the voice and vocal tract well-being.

Keywords:

• Caregivers for the elderly
• vocal tract discomfort
• Corona pandemic
• personal protective equipment
• voice

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to all the participants working at the home for the elderly, and for the valuable input of Marlene Klemm from NürnbergStift.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sophia Gantner

Sophia Gantner is an Assistant Physician in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the hospital of the University of Munich. She worked on singers’ voice for her thesis.

Ursula Deitmerg

Ursula Deitmerg, MA, is responsible for the Central Quality Management at the Municipal Home for the elderly with five homes for the elderly and several other services for the care of the elderly. She has worked as a nurse in different medical areas such as intensive care and surgery and then studied nursing managment at the University of Applied Sciences in Nuremberg, finishing with a master degree of Health Business Administration at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.

Maria Schuster

Maria Schuster, Prof. Dr. med., is Specialised in Otorhinolaryngology as well as in Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiologiy. She works in a practice in the Metropol Medical Center in Nuremberg and is senior consultant at the section of Phoniatric and Pediatric Audiology in the Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the University Hospital in Munich.