Understanding Voice Problems in Adults Who Survived ICU Stays with a Breathing Machine: A Study from One Hospital

When people are seriously ill in hospital, they are sometimes placed on a breathing machine (ventilator) through a tube inserted into their throat — a process called intubation. While this can be life-saving, the tube can sometimes injure the voice box (larynx), which may affect a person's voice after they leave the ICU. Research suggests this happens to about half of patients who are ventilated. This study is looking at how mechanical ventilation for 48 hours or more affects people's voices and quality of life. Eight weeks after being taken off the ventilator, participants will complete two short questionnaires — one that measures how much voice problems affect daily life, and another that measures the impact on overall wellbeing. The results will help doctors identify who might be at risk of voice problems after ICU care and what kinds of support or therapy might help. You may be eligible if you are an adult (18 or over) who was in the ICU and breathed with the help of a ventilator for at least 48 hours before transferring to a regular ward. People who had a tracheostomy, had previous voice box conditions, or received head and neck radiation in the past 6 months are not eligible.