Vocal health and stress
Andrés Carrillo-González, Ángela Patricia Atará-Piraquive
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created a new scenario for vocal and psychological morbidity among the entire population. Occupational voice users have had to adapt to these unique circumstances, confronting brand-new risks that increase the odds of developing and exacerbate vocal and mental health disorders. This paper addresses some of these challenges during and after COVID-19 pandemic. As a major outcome, we identified that work-related factors in online environments could be altering the vocal and mental health among occupational voice users. Interventions should focus on a comprehensive assessment of risk factors, including poor mental health previous to a crisis, life-threatening circumstances, separation from family, panic and bereavement. Similarly, this type of worker must receive instructions in voice training, muscle relaxation and mindfulness techniques, and educational technology.