Long-Covid Dysphonia

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    A multi-centre study evaluating the spectrum of long covid dysphonia

  • IRAS ID

    308767

  • Contact name

    T Ross

  • Contact email

    talisa.ross@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    Royal National Ear Nose and Throat Hospital

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Long covid is an evolving syndrome that affects a plethora of bodily systems. There is yet to be a dedicated study to define a global multi-central profile of the effects of long covid on the voice.

    This study intends to delineate features of the condition, its severity, impact of quality of life and evaluate risk factors amongst patients presenting to specialist voice clinics. It will provide some granular data detailing specific characteristics of covid dysphonia (voice change). We intend to determine whether there is a standard profile of covid-related voice disorders or different profiles dependent on disease-specific factors. By providing this, this study will aid voice departments (otolaryngologists and voice therapists) in diagnosing and managing the condition. Impact on patients will be determined by the Voice Handicap Index 10 (a validated scoring system to evaluate voice disorders).

    Data is to be collected from patients attending voice clinics with dysphonia following covid-19 infection at least five months ago. Recruitment will be led by the Royal National Ear Nose and Throat Hospital, London. A standardised questionnaire will be provided to patients as a one-off means of data collection. No interventions will be required. Data will then be analysed to determine whether there is a standard presentation of the condition or whether indeed a broader range of features are typical in long covid dysphonia. Impact on ensuing management will be discussed.

  • REC name

    South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    22/SC/0100

  • Date of REC Opinion

    11 Apr 2022

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion