ArticleThe Laryngoscope2022
Impact of Face Masks on Speech Acoustics and Vocal Effort in Healthcare Professionals.
Article in The Laryngoscope, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 13 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
13 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 36 citations in OpenAlex.
- Physio-metabolic and clinical consequences of wearing face masks-Systematic review with meta-analysis and comprehensive evaluation.Frontiers in public health · 2023Pooled it
- Gaps and Future Directions in the Research About Masking and Voice Production: Bibliometric Analysis, Systematic Literature Review, and Meta-analysis.Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation · 2026Review
- Risks and benefits of face masks in children.Frontiers in pediatrics · 2026Review
- Validation of a Python-Based Graphical User Interface for Calculation of Relative Fundamental Frequency.Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation · 2025Article
- Effects of talker gender and face masks on the speech recognition of 6-year-old children in a classroom.Frontiers in public health · 2025Article
- Developing Educational Health Modules to Improve Vocal Wellness in Mask-Wearing Occupational Voice Users.Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation · 2024Article
- The impact of face coverings on audio-visual contributions to communication with conversational speech.Cognitive research: principles and implications · 2024Article
- Prevalence of Vocal Fatigue Due to the Use of Facial Protective Gear in Teaching Medical Professionals.Indian journal of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery : official publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India · 2024Article
- The bacterial burden of worn face masks-observational research and literature review.Frontiers in public health · 2024Review
- The Impact of Protective Face Coverings on Acoustic Markers in Voice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Journal of clinical medicine · 2023Article
- Effects on communication due to face mask use: an integrative review.Revista brasileira de enfermagem · 2023Review
- Effects of experience on recognition of speech produced with a face mask.Cognitive research: principles and implications · 2022Article
- Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Virus (COVID-19) Preventative Measures on Communication: A Scoping Review.Frontiers in public health · 2022Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
Abstract
objectives/hypothesisWe investigated speech acoustics and self-reported vocal symptoms in mask-wearing healthcare professionals. We hypothesized that there would be an attenuation of spectral energies and increase in vocal effort during masked speech compared to unmasked speech. STUDY
designWithin and between subject quasi-experimental design.
methodsWe prospectively enrolled 21 healthcare providers (13 cisgender female, 8 cisgender male; M = 32.9 years; SD = 7.9 years) and assessed acoustics and perceptual measures with and without a face mask in place. Measurements included: 1) acoustic Vowel Articulation Index (VAI); 2) cepstral and spectral acoustic measures; 3) traditional vocal measures (e.g., fundamental frequency, intensity); 4) relative fundamental frequency (RFF); and 5) self-reported ratings of vocal effort and dyspnea.
resultsDuring masked speech, there was a significant reduction in VAI, high-frequency information (>4 kHz), and RFF offset 10, as well as a significant increase in cepstral peak prominence and perceived vocal effort. Further analysis showed that high-frequency attenuation was more pronounced when wearing an N95 mask compared to a simple mask.
conclusionsFace masks pose an additional barrier to effective communication that primarily impacts spectral characteristics, vowel space measures, and vocal effort. Future work should evaluate how long-term mask use impacts vocal health and may contribute to vocal problems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 132:391-397, 2022.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.