Improving Voice After Vocal Cord Paralysis
The Relationship Between Vortices, Acoustics, and Vibration in Vocal Fold Asymmetries
This project explores new ways to improve voice quality for people who have had surgery for vocal cord paralysis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11064824 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Patients with vocal cord paralysis often experience ongoing voice problems like fatigue or difficulty being heard, even after surgery. This work aims to make voices stronger and clearer by enhancing "vocal efficiency," which measures how well breath turns into sound. Researchers are studying how tiny air swirls, called vortices, and vibrations in the vocal cords affect voice production, especially when one vocal cord is paralyzed. They are investigating how different surgical adjustments, such as moving tissue below the vocal cord, could lead to better voice outcomes than current methods.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing ongoing voice problems such as fatigue, decreased projection, or reduced intelligibility following surgery for unilateral vocal fold paralysis.
Not a fit: Patients whose voice difficulties are not caused by unilateral vocal fold paralysis or vocal cord asymmetry may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new surgical techniques that provide clearer, stronger voices and reduce vocal fatigue for patients with vocal cord paralysis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work in animal models has shown promising results for certain surgical modifications, suggesting potential for further improvement in human patients.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oren, Liran — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Oren, Liran
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.