Effects of face protector devices on acoustic parameters of voice.| ACTA Otorhinolaryngologica Italica

Abstract

Objectives: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic required the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in medical and social contexts to reduce exposure and prevent pathogen transmission. This study aims to analyse various changes in voice and speech parameters with and without PPE.

Methods: Voice recordings were obtained using different types of PPE and were analysed using PRAAT software (version 6.1.42). Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA in Jamovi software. A post-hoc test was performed to compare PPE-related results.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found in CPPS, HNR, Slope of LTAS, Tilt of trendline through LTAS, shimmer parameters, HNR mean and standard deviation (SD) of vowels, vowels and consonants formants. HNR values increased while shimmer parameters and formant values reduced using PPE (PPE combined>FFP> surgical masks>no PPE).

Conclusions: Our data show improvement in vocal and speech quality when using masks. PPE modifies speech articulation and many parameters of voice and speech quality, especially in case of combined PPE. The most relevant changes were found with combination of face shield and FFP2 masks. This may be due to unconscious improvements in speech articulation and increased demand on vocal folds to achieve better speech intelligibility.