COVID-19's Influence on Speech and Communication

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are still working to understand the short and long-term effects of the virus. At the onset of the pandemic, medical experts and researchers knew very little about COVID-19 and how it would affect individuals who contract it. Now, more than four years later, we have a good understanding of the symptoms and medical complications that can be related to COVID-19, but much remains a mystery. 

One thing that we know for certain is that the pandemic and the lasting effects of the virus continue to be a challenge for many Americans. For many individuals, COVID-19 had a significant impact on their speech, language, and communication skills. From reduced access to supportive services such as speech therapy to cognitive and vocal challenges due to the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, communication challenges affect millions of Americans of all ages. 

It is increasingly common for children to struggle with communication due to missed opportunities and support, as well as for many individuals to struggle with the effects of long-term COVID-19 symptoms and subsequent conditions. Speech therapy is one of the most in-demand therapies across the United States, as it provides support for a wide range of communication challenges and disorders.

If you think you or a loved one might benefit from working with a speech and language pathologist, getting started is quick and easy. Connect with us by scheduling your free introductory call today! 

Can COVID Mess Up Your Speech?

While COVID-19 is known primarily for affecting the respiratory system, some individuals also experience neurological and vocal effects that impact their speech and language abilities. Some individuals who contracted COVID-19 have reported experiencing symptoms such as cognitive impairments, vocal issues, and changes in speech and language production. Some of the speech conditions that have been associated with COVID-19 include:

Dysarthria: Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that affects the muscles required for speech production, causing slurred speech, difficulty articulating sounds, and changes in voice quality. COVID-19 has been shown to cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and respiratory issues, which may contribute to the development of dysarthria in some cases, especially those with severe illness or prolonged intubation.

Cognitive-Communicative Impairments: COVID-19 can affect cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and executive functioning, which are necessary for effective communication. Individuals who experience cognitive impairments as a result of COVID-19 may have difficulty organizing their thoughts, following conversations, or expressing themselves effectively.

Voice Disorders: COVID-19 can cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and vocal fatigue, which may lead to the development of voice disorders in some individuals. Voice disorders can cause hoarseness, breathiness, or changes in pitch or volume, often negatively affecting speech clarity and vocal quality.

Language Processing Difficulties: Some individuals who have had COVID-19 experience difficulties processing language, including understanding spoken or written language, finding words, or formulating sentences. These difficulties are usually related to cognitive impairments, fatigue, or other neurological effects of the virus.

It's important to note that while COVID-19 may be associated with neurological symptoms and speech challenges, not everyone who contracts the virus will experience these effects. In addition, the severity and duration of symptoms can vary widely among individuals. If you experience changes in speech or language abilities after contracting COVID-19, seeking appropriate supportive services, including speech therapy, to address any underlying issues and support recovery is essential. Connect with one of our highly experienced and qualified speech therapists by scheduling your free introductory call today! 

Can You Get Aphasia from Covid?

While rare, there have been reports of individuals developing aphasia after contracting COVID-19. Aphasia is a language disorder that affects the ability to communicate effectively, including difficulties with speaking, understanding language, reading, and writing. It can result from damage to the language centers of the brain, typically caused by stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurological conditions.

In the context of COVID-19, some individuals who experienced severe illness and subsequent neurological complications, such as strokes or encephalitis, have developed aphasia as a result of brain damage. COVID-19 can lead to blood clotting disorders, inflammation of blood vessels, and other vascular complications that may increase the risk of stroke and other neurological events.

If you or someone you know experiences sudden changes in cognition or communication abilities, particularly difficulty speaking, understanding speech, or finding words, it's essential to seek medical help immediately, as these signs can indicate a stroke or other serious medical condition. 

How Can Speech Therapy Help with the Effects of COVID-19?

Speech therapy can play a crucial role in helping individuals recover from the effects of COVID-19 on speech and communication. Here are several ways in which speech therapy can help:

Aphasia Rehabilitation: For individuals who develop aphasia as a result of COVID-19, speech therapy can provide specialized rehabilitation to improve language abilities and regain lost skills. Speech-language pathologists work with individuals to address specific language impairments, such as difficulties with speaking, understanding language, reading, and writing. Therapy techniques may include language exercises, communication strategies, and cognitive-linguistic interventions aimed at improving overall communication skills.

Dysarthria Management: Speech therapists will provide exercises to strengthen oral musculature, improve breath support, and enhance articulation for clearer speech production.

Cognitive Rehabilitation: Speech therapy will incorporate cognitive rehabilitation techniques to address cognitive impairments and help individuals improve their ability to organize thoughts, follow conversations, and participate in daily activities requiring cognitive skills.

Voice Therapy: For individuals who experience voice disorders or vocal fatigue as a result of COVID-19, speech therapy can provide voice therapy techniques that help to restore vocal function and improve vocal quality. SLPs may work with individuals to address vocal hygiene, vocal exercises, and strategies to reduce vocal strain and promote vocal health.

Language Processing Therapy: Speech therapy can help individuals improve language processing skills through targeted language exercises, comprehension tasks, and strategies to compensate for language difficulties.

Virtual Speech Therapy Services: In light of social distancing measures and restrictions on in-person healthcare services during the pandemic, many speech therapists began offering teletherapy or virtual sessions. Online speech therapy allows individuals to receive speech therapy services remotely, using video conferencing technology to participate in therapy sessions from the comfort of their homes.

Overall, speech therapy can provide valuable support and rehabilitation for individuals affected by the speech and communication effects of COVID-19. By addressing specific impairments, improving functional communication skills, and promoting recovery and participation in daily activities, speech therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals regain independence and quality of life after COVID-19. If you or a loved one is struggling with communication challenges related to COVID-19, help is available. Get started today by scheduling your free introductory call now!