Voice Profile Analysis of Post-COVID-19 Patients in South Korea: Gender and Diagnosis Duration
10.22469/jkslp.2025.36.1.19
- Author:
Jung Ho CHOI
1
;
Ji Hye PARK
;
Ah Ra JUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology Phoniatrics and Logopedics
2025;36(1):19-25
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background and Objectives:This study is the first to report on voice changes by gender and duration of infection in Korean post-COVID-19 patients. It analyzes the prevalence of voice-related symptoms, gender differences in acoustic parameters, and temporal recovery patterns of voice function.Materials and Method In this study, 85 patients with COVID-19 were recruited, voice-related symptoms were surveyed, and voice recordings of all participants were collected and analyzed by acoustic speech analysis.
Results:The average age of 85 COVID-19 confirmed patients was 31 (range: 26.0–45.5) years old, and there were 35 males and 50 females. Voice analysis using the GRBAS scale and acoustic parameters was conducted among male and female patients. Results revealed varying distributions of GRBAS scores among males and females, with males exhibiting lower fundamental frequency (F0) but higher jitter and shimmer compared to females. When compared to normal adult voice values, female patients demonstrated a significant reduction in fundamental frequency, while male patients exhibited a significant increase in speaking fundamental frequency (SFF) alongside elevated jitter and shimmer. Additionally, analysis of voice parameters over time since COVID-19 diagnosis showed no significant differences among males, whereas females exhibited a significant increase in SFF after 90 days, approaching normal values.
Conclusion:This study emphasizes the significant impact of COVID-19 on voice production, with notable sex-specific differences and recovery patterns. These findings provide a foundation for developing targeted rehabilitation strategies to improve vocal outcomes in post-COVID-19 patients.
