Ultrasound-based measurement of vocal fold elasticity in people with voice disorders
Official title: Ultrasound Elasticity Imaging of the Vibrating Vocal Folds
Funded at Rochester Institute of Technology · NIH-11325721 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new ultrasound method will non-invasively measure how stretchy the vocal cords are in people with voice problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rochester Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $148,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16DC022229-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11325721 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with voice disorders or those undergoing voice-related treatments who can participate in ultrasound imaging and biofeedback-based protocols.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing voice assessment or unable to participate in ultrasound-based evaluation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop a non-invasive ultrasound elastography technique to measure the elastic properties of the vocal folds in live subjects. By combining ultrasound imaging with patient biofeedback, researchers hope to link tissue stiffness to voice function and rehabilitation progress. The work involves animal model insights and translating findings toward clinical voice assessments that could guide treatment decisions after surgeries or therapies. The study emphasizes practical clinic use, non-invasive imaging, and comparative analysis with existing diagnostic methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may receive clearer, non-invasive assessments of vocal fold health to guide therapy and track recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Ultrasound elastography has shown promise for assessing vocal fold pathology in prior studies, but this project advances non-invasive, patient-specific measurements.
Where this research is happening
-
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richards, Michael Scott — Rochester Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Richards, Michael Scott
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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.