Speech amplification devices to help people with Parkinson’s communicate better
Official title: Speech Amplification Devices for Parkinson disease: Talker- and Technology-Driven Enhancements
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11332426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at people with Parkinson’s disease, this project tests how using voice amplification together with clear speech styles affects how well others hear and understand spoken words.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $186,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC021798-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease who use or would benefit from amplification devices for speech.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without speech difficulties related to PD or those unable to use amplification devices may not benefit.
What this research studies
People with Parkinson’s often have trouble speaking clearly. This project will test amplification devices alone and with a clear-speech style to see how both affect the sound and perception of speech. Researchers will measure acoustic features and how listeners perceive the amplified speech under different speaking styles. The goal is to identify which combinations most improve daily communication for individuals with PD. This work could guide better assistive options for patients and clinicians.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could speak more intelligibly in everyday conversations with less effort.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests amplification can improve speech outcomes, but the exact acoustic mechanisms and optimal use with behavioral strategies are still being clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knowles, Thea — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Knowles, Thea
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This study is looking at how speech amplification devices can help people with Parkinson's disease speak more clearly, and it’s for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills while using these devices along with some helpful speech techniques.
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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.