COVID-related dysphonia and persistent long-COVID voice sequelae: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose: Dysphonia is a common symptom due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, often underestimated. This study investigated the global prevalence of COVID-related dysphonia and clinical factors during acute COVID-19 and after recovery. Methods: Five electronic databases were systematically searched until December 2022. Dysphonia prevalence during and after COVID-19 infection and voice-related clinical factors were analyzed using a random-effects model. Results: Twenty-one articles (13,948 patients) were included. The weighted prevalence of COVID-related dysphonia during infection was 25.1% (95% CI: 14.9% to 39.0%), lower in males (P = .004). After recovery, prevalence declined to 17.1% (95% CI: 11.0% to 25.8%), with 20.1% (95% CI: 8.6% to 40.2%) experiencing long-COVID dysphonia. Conclusions: A quarter of COVID-19 patients, especially females, suffered from voice impairment during infection, and approximately 70% experienced long-lasting voice sequelae.

Chung-Wei Lin, Yu-Han Wang, Yu-En Li, Ting-Yi Chiang, Li-Wen Chiu, Hsin-Ching Lin, Chun-Tuan Chang