Investigation of Vocal Fatigue, Anxiety Level, and Perceived Communication Skills According to the Purpose of Mask Use During the Pandemic.

Objective: The use of face masks during COVID-19 causes communication difficulties. Determining the effects of face masks can provide precautions against possible voice problems. The aim of the study is to determine the difference between vocal fatigue and anxiety levels depending on the use of masks in basic and basic-professional activities.

Materials and methods: This study was conducted in a descriptive and cross-sectional design. Data were collected between March and May 2021. The study included 476 people aged 18-65 years. Participants were divided into two groups according to the purpose of mask use; "wearing masks only for essential activities" group (EA) and "wearing masks for essential-professional activities" group (EPA). Vocal Fatigue Inventory (VFI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Self-Assessment Questions were used in the study. All scales and subjective evaluation questions were transferred to Google Forms. The link was sent to participants living in Turkey with a letter of consent.

Results: VFI-Factor 1, VFI-Factor 2, VFI-Factor 3, VFI Total, and BAI scores differed statistically significantly between the groups. VFI and BAI scores of the EPA group were found to be higher. There was a correlation between all factors of VFI and BAI scores. According to the results of regression analysis, it was found that the purpose of mask use and BAI score increased the VFI score. When the EPA group was masked, their results on respiratory control abilities, auditory perception, and speech intelligibility were shown to be lower.

Conclusion: Regardless of the purpose of use, face masks have been found to reduce speech intelligibility, auditory feedback, and the ability to maintain breath control while speaking. The findings of our study suggest that longer mask use may increase the VFI score.