An estimated 10-30% of COVID-19 survivors are experiencing long term symptoms, including brain fog and swallowing difficulties. In recognition of May being national Better Hearing & Speech Month, we would like to highlight the cognitive and swallowing difficulties that many individuals face post COVID-19 and the role that a Speech-Language Pathologist plays in their recovery.
“The pandemic has posed so many challenges to us all as a society, but one of the persisting and most vexing ones right now is the daunting set of difficulties many people are having for months after contracting COVID-19. From brain fog, to difficulty eating and drinking, to speech and language problems, these can affect our quality of life, ability to return to prior level of functioning, and safety in swallowing. Many people don’t know about the services of speech-language pathologists—professionals trained in these areas who can make a huge difference for these people. This is an important time for us to spread the word: Help is available.” - Emily Arthur, Speech-Language Pathologist at the Rouse Home.
How They Help
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can help people with, or recovering from, COVID-19 who are having short- and longer-term difficulties in the following areas:
Cognition
Many COVID-19 “long-haulers” are reporting persistent brain fog as a debilitating symptom after their bout with the virus. SLPs can work with individuals to improve their memory, attention, organization and planning, problem solving, learning, and social communication. The focus is on the person’s specific challenges as well as regaining the skills that are most important to their daily life and priorities.
Swallowing
People diagnosed with COVID-19 may experience swallowing problems that can put them at risk for choking or aspirating, which is when food goes into the lungs instead of the stomach. This may be the result of time spent on a ventilator, or it may be another side effect of the virus. SLPs may recommend modified textures of food and drink for patients; therapy exercises to strengthen the tongue, lips, and muscles in the mouth and throat; and strategies to make eating and drinking safer, such as modifying the pace of chewing/eating, size of food, and more.
Communication
People diagnosed with COVID-19 are also experiencing speech and language difficulties. Some, such as those who spent a significant amount of time on a ventilator or experienced low oxygen to the brain, may have muscle weakness or reduced coordination in the muscles of the face, lips, tongue, and throat—making it difficult to talk. Others, particularly those who experienced a COVID1-19 related stroke, may experience a language disorder called aphasia—which makes it hard for someone to understand, speak, read, or write. SLPs work with patients through targeted therapy to improve their communication and understanding.