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Jackson IR, Perugia E, Stone MA, Saunders GH. The impact of face coverings on audio-visual contributions to communication with conversational speech. Cogn Res Princ Implic 2024; 9:25. [PMID: 38652383 PMCID: PMC11039583 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-024-00552-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of face coverings can make communication more difficult by removing access to visual cues as well as affecting the physical transmission of speech sounds. This study aimed to assess the independent and combined contributions of visual and auditory cues to impaired communication when using face coverings. In an online task, 150 participants rated videos of natural conversation along three dimensions: (1) how much they could follow, (2) how much effort was required, and (3) the clarity of the speech. Visual and audio variables were independently manipulated in each video, so that the same video could be presented with or without a superimposed surgical-style mask, accompanied by one of four audio conditions (either unfiltered audio, or audio-filtered to simulate the attenuation associated with a surgical mask, an FFP3 mask, or a visor). Hypotheses and analyses were pre-registered. Both the audio and visual variables had a statistically significant negative impact across all three dimensions. Whether or not talkers' faces were visible made the largest contribution to participants' ratings. The study identifies a degree of attenuation whose negative effects can be overcome by the restoration of visual cues. The significant effects observed in this nominally low-demand task (speech in quiet) highlight the importance of the visual and audio cues in everyday life and that their consideration should be included in future face mask designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- I R Jackson
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - E Perugia
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - M A Stone
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - G H Saunders
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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2
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Danielsen AS, Nygaard NJ, Børseth AW, Nilsen JV, Øvreness H, Raastad R, Borg MA, Kacelnik O, Bjørnholt JV. Patient perspectives on infection prevention and control in cancer care: a survey of knowledge and attitudes among persons with cancer and their next of kin. J Hosp Infect 2024; 146:21-30. [PMID: 38311296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the growing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, there may be a need to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in cancer care. When developing clinical guidelines, it is important to incorporate patient perspectives. AIM To determine the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, IPC among persons with cancer and their next of kin in Norway. METHODS Through discussions in expert panels and a pilot study, a survey was developed consisting of 13 knowledge statements to be judged true/false and 40 attitude items to be judged using a Likert scale and was sent to a panel of people with cancer experience on August 22nd, 2023. The mean correct responses and attitude scores were reported. FINDINGS Of 551 respondents, the mean correct response to IPC-related knowledge questions was 79% (95% confidence interval: 78-80). Respondents were most knowledgeable about hand hygiene (99%, 546/551), but least knowledgeable about its role in preventing antibiotic resistance (41%, 225/551). Strong support was noted for IPC, especially within the patient responsibilities theme, with a mean score of 4.83. However, there was a notable reluctance towards some selected intrusive IPC measures, such as reducing contact with close relations. CONCLUSION This survey revealed a high level of knowledge and attitudes that support the importance of IPC among persons with cancer in Norway and their next of kin. We recommend including patient perspectives in future development of IPC guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Danielsen
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - N J Nygaard
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - A W Børseth
- Department of Infection Control and Preparedness, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Regional Centre for Competence in Infection Control and Prevention, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - J V Nilsen
- The Norwegian Cancer Society, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - R Raastad
- Department of Infection Control and Preparedness, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Department of Infection Control, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - M A Borg
- Department of Infection Control & Sterile Services, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - O Kacelnik
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - J V Bjørnholt
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Saunders GH, Beukes EW, Uus K, Armitage CJ, Munro KJ. Reporting of auditory symptoms over time: (in)consistencies, expectations and the nocebo effect. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:213-220. [PMID: 36779872 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2163429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Consistent symptom reporting for conditions like tinnitus that do not have an associated sign is critical for evaluating severity and intervention effectiveness, and for interpreting research findings. There is little research examining reporting of tinnitus and hearing difficulty over time. We address this here by comparing reported hearing difficulty and tinnitus at two time-points.Design: A cross-sectional study comparing symptom reporting in March 2019 and August/September 2021 using data from two online surveys of the same cohort. Although each survey was designed to address a different question, both asked about symptoms of tinnitus and hearing difficulties and enabled this exploratory analysis.Study sample: 6881 members of the UK general public aged 18+ years.Results: Inconsistent reporting was evident - many participants who reported experiencing tinnitus and/or hearing difficulties in 2019, said in 2021 that they had never had such symptoms before. Additionally, reports of new tinnitus/hearing difficulties in 2021 were unexpectedly high, equating to 18-month incidence rates of 13.6% and 11.7%, respectively.Conclusions: Psychosocial factors, expectations and context impact symptom reporting. This should be considered when treating patients and interpreting research findings. Using real-time data collection methods could thus provide a better understanding of experiences of tinnitus and hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle H Saunders
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Eldre W Beukes
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kai Uus
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Christopher J Armitage
- Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Kevin J Munro
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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Jansen LA, van Wier MF, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Kramer SE. A comparison of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communication among individuals with and without hearing impairment. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:182-189. [PMID: 36519283 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2152742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective: This study assessed the impact of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) preventative measures on hearing and communication among individuals with normal and impaired hearing. We also evaluated the use of digital communication tools between these groups.Design: For this cross-sectional study, participants completed an online digits-in-noise test and survey. Survey topics included understanding through masks, behind plastic screens, from a 1.5-m distance, and use of social network sites/apps, direct messaging, and video calling. Logistic regressions assessed the odds of disagreeing versus agreeing with survey statements.Study Sample: A total of 880 adults from the National Longitudinal Study on Hearing completed a survey and hearing test. Based on speech reception threshold scores, participants were categorised into "good" (reference group for all analyses), "insufficient", or "poor" hearing groups.Results: Those with insufficient and poor hearing had more difficulty understanding others through facemasks, plastic screens, and from 1.5 m. Those with poor hearing had a higher odds of video calling more to contact family/friends/acquaintances during the pandemic, but also had more difficulty hearing sufficiently through video calls.Conclusions: This study addresses methodological weaknesses in previous studies. Results strengthen current evidence of the burden COVID-19 measures place on individuals with hearing impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte A Jansen
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke F van Wier
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit I Lissenberg-Witte
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Chauvette L, Pinsonnault-Skvarenina A, Sharp A, Gagné JP, Lacerda ABM, Hotton M. Perceptions of Adults With Hearing Loss About the Communication Difficulties Generated by the COVID-19 Preventive Measures: A Qualitative Study. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023; 66:5109-5128. [PMID: 37934877 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-23-00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of preventive measures that exacerbated communication difficulties for individuals with hearing loss. This study aims to explore the perception of adults with hearing loss about the communication difficulties caused by the preventive measures and about their experiences with communication 1 year after the adoption of these preventive measures. METHOD Individual semistructured interviews were conducted via videoconference with six adults who have hearing loss from the province of Québec, Canada. Data were examined using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The study found that face masks and in-person work (i.e., in opposition to remote work) were important barriers to communication because of hindered lipreading and competing noise in many workplaces. In contrast, preventive measures that allowed visual information transmission (e.g., transparent face masks, fixed plastic partitions) were considered favorable for communication. Communication partners were perceived as playing an important role in communication success with preventive measures: Familiar communication partners improved communication, whereas those with poor attitude or strategies hindered communication. Participants found that videoconferences could provide satisfactory communication but were sometimes hindered by issues such as bad audiovisual quality or too many participants. CONCLUSIONS This study identified reduced access to speech reading and lack of general awareness about hearing issues as key barriers to communication during the pandemic. The decreased communication capabilities were perceived to be most problematic at work and during health appointments, and tended to cause frustration, anxiety, self-esteem issues, and social isolation. Suggestions are outlined for current and future public health measures to better consider the experience of people with hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loonan Chauvette
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexis Pinsonnault-Skvarenina
- École d'orthophonie et d'audiologie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation du Montréal métropolitain, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Andréanne Sharp
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Gagné
- École d'orthophonie et d'audiologie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation du Montréal métropolitain, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Adriana Bender Moreira Lacerda
- École d'orthophonie et d'audiologie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Hotton
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation et intégration sociale, CIUSSS de la Capitale Nationale, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Galanis P, Katsiroumpa A, Sourtzi P, Siskou O, Konstantakopoulou O, Kaitelidou D. The COVID-19 burnout scale: development and initial validation. J Ment Health 2023; 32:985-994. [PMID: 37571981 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2023.2245914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the pandemic-related burnout has focused on work-related burnout especially among healthcare workers, but not in the general population. AIM To develop a valid and reliable instrument scale to measure pandemic-related burnout in the general population. METHODS We took several steps to develop the scale items and achieve content and face validity; literature review, panel of experts, calculation of content validity ratio, and cognitive interviews. We assessed structural and construct validity, and reliability of the COVID-19 burnout scale (COVID-19-BS). RESULTS Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis identified three factors for the COVID-19-BS; emotional exhaustion, physical exhaustion, and exhaustion due to measures against the COVID-19. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the three factors and the COVID-19-BS ranged from 0.860 to 0.921. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value was 0.945, and p-value for Bartlett test was <0.001. A significant positive correlation between the three factors and anxiety and depression indicated high concurrent validity. Cohen's kappa ranged from 0.848 to 0.957, while intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.888 to 0.997. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the final 3-factor model with 13 items of COVID-19-BS is a brief, easy to administer, valid and reliable scale for assessing COVID-19-related burnout in the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Galanis
- Clinical Epidemiology Laboratory, Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aglaia Katsiroumpa
- Clinical Epidemiology Laboratory, Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panayota Sourtzi
- Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Olga Siskou
- Department of Tourism Studies, University of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Olympia Konstantakopoulou
- Center for Health Services Management and Evaluation, Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Daphne Kaitelidou
- Center for Health Services Management and Evaluation, Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Knowles T, Badh G. Impact of Face Masks on Speech in Parkinson's Disease: Effect of Clear and Loud Speech Styles. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023; 66:3052-3075. [PMID: 36827515 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-22-00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to quantify the combined effects of face masks and effortful speech styles on speech intensity, spectral moments, and measures of spectral balance in talkers with Parkinson's disease. METHOD Fifteen people with Parkinson's disease and 15 healthy, older controls read aloud sentences in three face mask conditions and three speech style conditions. Mask conditions included no mask, surgical masks, and KN95 masks. Speech styles included habitual, clear, and loud. Acoustic measures of intensity, spectral moments, and spectral balance were modeled as a function of speaker group, mask, and speech style. RESULTS Overall, talkers with PD demonstrated lower concentrations of high-frequency spectral energy in their speech. Face masks attenuated high-frequency energy, whereas clear followed by loud speaking styles amplified high frequencies. Overall, the attenuation observed by face masks was preserved across speech styles, and both mask and speech patterns were observed to be similar across groups. DISCUSSION Clear and loud speech styles were effective in compensating for the damping effects of masks in talkers with and without PD. However, given that people with PD demonstrated poorer overall spectral balance compared to controls, the gains afforded by speaking clearly or loudly may be limited when wearing a face mask.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea Knowles
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Michigan State University, East Lansing
| | - Gursharan Badh
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences, University at Buffalo, NY
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Oosthuizen I, Frisby C, Chadha S, Manchaiah V, Swanepoel DW. Combined hearing and vision screening programs: A scoping review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1119851. [PMID: 36998276 PMCID: PMC10043331 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1119851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.5 billion and 2.2 billion people have hearing and vision impairment, respectively. The burden of these non-communicable diseases is highest in low- and middle-income countries due to a lack of services and health professionals. The WHO has recommended universal health coverage and integrated service delivery to improve ear and eye care services. This scoping review describes the evidence for combined hearing and vision screening programs. Method A keyword search of three electronic databases, namely Scopus, MEDLINE (PubMed), and Web of Science, was conducted, resulting in 219 results. After removing duplicates and screening based on eligibility criteria, data were extracted from 19 included studies. The Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer Manual and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyzes (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews were followed. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Results Most studies (63.2%) were from high-income countries, with 31.6% from middle-income and 5.2% from low-income countries. The majority of studies (78.9%) involved children and the four studies reporting on adults all included adults above 50 years of age. Vision screening was most commonly performed with the "Tumbling E" and "Snellen Chart," while hearing was typically screened using pure tone audiometry. Studies reported referral rates as the most common outcome with sensitivity and specificity rates not reported in any included articles. Reported benefits of combined vision and hearing screenings included earlier detection of vision and hearing difficulties to support functioning and quality of life as well as resource sharing for reduced costs. Challenges to combined screening included ineffective follow-up systems, management of test equipment, and monitoring of screening personnel. Conclusions There is limited research evidence for combined hearing and vision screening programs. Although potential benefits are demonstrated, especially for mHealth-supported programs in communities, more feasibility and implementation research are required, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and across all age groups. Developing universal, standardized reporting guidelines for combined sensory screening programs is recommended to enhance the standardization and effectiveness of combined sensory screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilze Oosthuizen
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative Initiative Between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Caitlin Frisby
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative Initiative Between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Shelly Chadha
- WHO Programme for Prevention of Deafness and Hearing Loss, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vinaya Manchaiah
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative Initiative Between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- UCHealth Hearing and Balance, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Speech and Hearing, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative Initiative Between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
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Chen X, Bakal J, Whitten T, Waldie B, Ho C, Wright P, Hassam S, Norris C. Assessing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the health of residents and the healthcare system in Alberta, Canada: an observational study-The Alberta POST-COVID Follow-up Study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067449. [PMID: 36806075 PMCID: PMC9943694 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Very little is known about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health of residents and the healthcare system in Alberta, Canada. The purpose of this study is to establish an observational study to characterise the health of residents in Alberta, Canada, over time, covering a population that tested negative or positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic. The primary outcome is to characterise 'long COVID-19' and the health status of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary outcomes include the estimation of the risk of and risk factors associated with adverse health outcomes and healthcare utilisation and burdens. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a population-level provincial observational study which will follow-up with Alberta residents who underwent testing for COVID-19 and completed surveys adapted from the ISARIC COVID-19 long-term follow-up survey. The survey data will be linked with medical records. Statistical analyses will be carried out to characterise 'long COVID-19' and the health status of residents during the pandemic. The outcomes of this study will inform strategies for primary care and rehabilitation services to prevent chronic consequences; contribute to healthcare management, interventional studies, rehabilitation and health management to reduce overall morbidity and improve long-term outcomes of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 pandemic and potentially guide a self-evaluation of a remote monitoring system to manage individuals' health. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was reviewed and approved by the University of Alberta ethics committee (Study ID: Pro00112053 & Pro00113039) on 13 August 2021 and adheres to the Alberta Health Services research information management policy. Study results will be used to manage clinical care, published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at local, national and international conferences. PROTOCOL VERSION 6 June 2022 EUROQOL ID: 161 015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyi Chen
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Bakal
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tara Whitten
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Chester Ho
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul Wright
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Colleen Norris
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Calà F, Manfredi C, Battilocchi L, Frassineti L, Cantarella G. Speaking with mask in the COVID-19 era: Multiclass machine learning classification of acoustic and perceptual parameters. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 153:1204. [PMID: 36859154 DOI: 10.1121/10.0017244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The intensive use of personal protective equipment often requires increasing voice intensity, with possible development of voice disorders. This paper exploits machine learning approaches to investigate the impact of different types of masks on sustained vowels /a/, /i/, and /u/ and the sequence /a'jw/ inside a standardized sentence. Both objective acoustical parameters and subjective ratings were used for statistical analysis, multiple comparisons, and in multivariate machine learning classification experiments. Significant differences were found between mask+shield configuration and no-mask and between mask and mask+shield conditions. Power spectral density decreases with statistical significance above 1.5 kHz when wearing masks. Subjective ratings confirmed increasing discomfort from no-mask condition to protective masks and shield. Machine learning techniques proved that masks alter voice production: in a multiclass experiment, random forest (RF) models were able to distinguish amongst seven masks conditions with up to 94% validation accuracy, separating masked from unmasked conditions with up to 100% validation accuracy and detecting the shield presence with up to 86% validation accuracy. Moreover, an RF classifier allowed distinguishing male from female subject in masked conditions with 100% validation accuracy. Combining acoustic and perceptual analysis represents a robust approach to characterize masks configurations and quantify the corresponding level of discomfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Calà
- Department of Information Engineering, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - C Manfredi
- Department of Information Engineering, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - L Battilocchi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - L Frassineti
- Department of Information Engineering, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - G Cantarella
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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11
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Galvin KL, Tomlin D, Joubert L, Story L. Effects of widespread community use of face masks on communication, participation, and quality of life in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cogn Res Princ Implic 2022; 7:88. [PMID: 36182988 PMCID: PMC9526537 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-022-00436-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective was to document the influence of face mask use by other people on communication experiences, participation in activities, and quality of life. Australian adults (n = 665) completed an online survey; 90.8% resided in a state with mandatory mask use outside the home and 44.1% self-reported hearing difficulties. Mask use was reported as negatively affecting communication quality in the community (90.2%) and workplace (91.8%), and with household members (59.1%), including an increased requirement for clarification and repetition, increased difficulty communicating, and decreased understanding. Masks influenced feelings when communicating in the community (74.1%) and workplace (76.7%), and with household members (43.6%), including increased fatigue and frustration, and decreased connection to others. Masks influenced the time spent communicating in the community (68.8%) and workplace (67.9%), and with household members (42.3%), including a decrease in the number of individuals communicated with, and the time spent communicating with each individual. Masks influenced participation in activities in the community (50.9%) and workplace (59.7%), and with household members (41.3%), including reduced participation in health-related activities, shopping, and socialising. Influences on quality of life included reduced physical and mental health, including increased loneliness. Female gender and greater self-reported hearing difficulties were significantly associated with increased influence of mask use. The wide-ranging influences of face mask use have implications for physical health and mental health, including social connectedness, and for employers and the economy. As an important measure for combatting disease spread, the negative impacts of mask use must be considered during policy formulation, and appropriate mitigating measures, such as educational campaigns, enacted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyn L. Galvin
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Audiology and Speech Pathology, The University of Melbourne, 550 Swanston St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3053 Australia
| | - Dani Tomlin
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Audiology and Speech Pathology, The University of Melbourne, 550 Swanston St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3053 Australia
| | - Lynette Joubert
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Social Work, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lauren Story
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Audiology and Speech Pathology, The University of Melbourne, 550 Swanston St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3053 Australia
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