How older voices affect social life
Characterizing the impact of presbyphonia on social interaction
['FUNDING_R03'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11182752
This project will see whether older adults with softer, weaker, or rougher voices feel more socially isolated and whether a voice therapy called PhoRTE helps them reconnect.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R03'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11182752 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be compared with other people your age to understand how an aging voice changes daily social life. The team will use questionnaires about social interaction, formal voice tests, and structured interviews to capture your experience. If you have presbyphonia, you will be offered a tailored voice therapy program (PhoRTE) and followed over time. The researchers will track whether your social connectedness and quality of life improve after therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 65 or older who have presbyphonia (softer, weaker, or rougher voice) and can participate in voice therapy and follow-up visits.
Not a fit: People without age-related voice changes, those whose voice problems are caused by other medical or neurological conditions, or those unable to attend therapy sessions may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to voice therapy that helps older adults speak more clearly, join conversations more comfortably, and feel less lonely.
How similar studies have performed: Some smaller studies show voice therapy can improve loudness and voice quality in older adults, but effects on social isolation have not been well documented.
Where this research is happening
IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA — IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HOFFMAN, MATTHEW R — UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- Study coordinator: HOFFMAN, MATTHEW R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.