this is exactly what i proposed several A months ago!
the telepathy like effect is likely being done in the throat to get gutteral internal thought/speech.
also a university created tattoo like things that go on the throat and can transmit thoughts to another person wearing one within a distance from you. im betting they will find something.

the fungi thing is probably the answer, as ive used pyrithione zinc shampoo, which kills fungus in scalp. and reduces voices.