COVID-19 Infections Are Destroying Human Voices and Causing Long Term Damage to Vocal Cords
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Apr 30, 2025 3 hours, 53 minutes ago
Medical News: As the world slowly recovers from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are now uncovering a hidden toll of the virus that has gone largely unnoticed—its damaging impact on the human voice. From strained vocal cords to permanent vocal fold paralysis, the virus has left countless individuals, especially professional voice users, struggling with a condition known as dysphonia, or voice disorder. New research sheds light on how this condition has silently affected up to 79 percent of COVID-19 patients, whether they were mildly symptomatic or severely ill.
COVID-19 Infections Are Destroying Human Voices and Causing Long Term Damage to Vocal Cords
The detailed findings come from a new review by Dr. Mausumi Syamal from the Philadelphia Voice & Airway Institute and the Department of Otolaryngology at Drexel University College of Medicine in the United States. This
Medical News report explores how COVID-19—directly and indirectly—has damaged vocal function in millions globally, with consequences ranging from temporary hoarseness to severe airway injury requiring surgery.
A Common Yet Overlooked Symptom of COVID-19
Voice issues in COVID-19 patients have been vastly underreported, yet evidence suggests that up to four out of five infected individuals may experience some form of dysphonia. For many, voice changes begin during the acute phase of infection due to inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and persist long after other symptoms resolve. Notably, the study emphasized that only a fraction of affected patients actually recognize or report their voice dysfunction, pointing to a widespread lack of awareness and clinical attention.
In some cases, voice changes stem from the virus directly invading the tissues of the vocal folds. In others, damage is caused by excessive coughing, prolonged labored breathing, or procedures like intubation and tracheotomy. The review cited that over 53 percent of patients who had tracheotomies developed vocal dysfunction. Even patients who were never hospitalized or intubated have shown signs of nerve damage affecting vocal fold movement.
The Many Faces and Causes of COVID-19 Related Voice Disorders
Dr. Syamal detailed the many ways COVID-19 wreaks havoc on the voice. Inflammation of the airway, direct infection of the laryngeal nerves, and post-viral vagal neuropathy have all been observed. Some patients have suffered from hemorrhages in the vocal folds caused by violent coughing. Others developed spontaneous pneumomediastinum—a rare complication where air leaks into the chest—leading to sudden voice loss.
More severe forms of dysphonia have been traced to complications from mechanical ventilation and prone positioning in intensive care. These procedures can lead to vocal fold immobility, stenosis (narrowing of the airway), or long-lasting inflammation. One Egyptian study cited in the paper found vocal fold congestion in nearly 40 percent of COVID-19 patients, while about 13 percent had one-sided vocal fold paralys
is. In Greece, vaccinated and non-smoking patients were also found to suffer from laryngeal damage, with over half reporting dysphonia.
Additionally, long COVID sufferers who experience chronic fatigue and “brain fog” often report voice weakness and throat pain, with experts warning these symptoms may indicate underlying nerve damage.
Professional Voice Users and Essential Workers at Greater Risk
Those who rely on their voices for a living—singers, teachers, actors, and healthcare workers—faced unique challenges during the pandemic. Mask mandates significantly altered vocal acoustics, forcing people to speak louder and longer, leading to increased vocal fatigue and discomfort. Studies showed that surgical masks act as low-pass acoustic filters, muffling sound and increasing vocal strain.
Singers and musicians also faced scrutiny. Research confirmed that singing produces more aerosol particles than speaking, raising the risk of viral spread. Wind and brass instrument players were also affected, prompting the introduction of bell covers, shorter rehearsals, and advanced ventilation strategies in performance venues.
Interestingly, while remote teaching initially reduced vocal strain in educators, many later reported a resurgence in voice fatigue due to prolonged online lectures and lack of vocal breaks.
Artificial Intelligence and Voice Analysis for COVID Detection
One of the most futuristic developments highlighted in the study involves using artificial intelligence (AI) to detect COVID-19 from a person’s voice. Machine learning models trained on voice recordings have shown accuracy rates as high as 97 percent in distinguishing healthy voices from COVID-affected ones. These tools analyze subtle changes in vocal fold vibration, breathiness, and sound intensity, offering a non-invasive way to screen large populations quickly.
However, the study cautioned that environmental noise, microphone quality, and evolving virus strains may limit the reliability of AI voice screening unless models are continually updated.
Final Thoughts and Alarming Implications
The study concludes that the effect of COVID-19 on the voice is multifactorial, long-lasting, and often overlooked. Early identification and intervention are crucial. Videolaryngoscopic examinations, acoustic assessments, and multidisciplinary care are essential for those suffering from voice disorders post-infection. In many cases, treatment may require voice therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and even surgical procedures to restore airway patency.
The long-term implications are particularly troubling for those whose careers depend on vocal clarity and strength. More research is urgently needed to uncover how persistent and widespread COVID-induced vocal damage truly is and how best to rehabilitate those affected. Until then, clinicians must remain vigilant, and patients should be encouraged to report even minor voice changes during or after COVID-19 infection.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wjo2.70012
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/25-percent-of-all-exposed-to-covid-19-will-develop-dysphonia-and-70-percent-of-them-will-have-persistent-voice-issues
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/brazilian-study-uncovers-impact-of-covid-19-on-voice-and-speech
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-sars-cov-2-causes-damage-to-vocal-cords-along-with-long-term-health-complications
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/pages/thailand_doctors_listings
Share
Tweet
Share
