Improving communication and swallowing for head and neck cancer survivors
Official title: Patient Oriented Research in Communication and Swallowing Disorders
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10974618 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help people who have survived head and neck cancer by finding better ways to monitor their hearing and understand their speech and swallowing challenges, so they can make informed choices about their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $144,328 |
| NIH project number | 1K24DC022077-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974618 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have survived head and neck cancer and are experiencing communication or swallowing difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not survivors of head and neck cancer or those without communication or swallowing issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on helping patients who have survived head and neck cancer, particularly those affected by communication and swallowing difficulties due to treatment. It involves a randomized trial comparing traditional in-person monitoring of hearing loss with remote audiogram scheduling to improve patient participation. Additionally, the study aims to identify clinical predictors of speech and swallowing decline in older patients, using frailty screening tools. The goal is to enhance patient counseling and decision-making processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better communication and swallowing outcomes for head and neck cancer survivors, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using remote monitoring and screening tools to improve patient outcomes in similar populations, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmitt, Nicole Cherie — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Schmitt, Nicole Cherie
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.