Understanding voice disorders in children with vocal fold nodules

Intelligibility and dysphonia in children with vocal fold nodules

NIH-funded research Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11042875

This study is looking at how voice problems, like nodules on the vocal cords, affect how clearly children aged 3 to 9 can be understood when they talk, with the goal of helping them speak more clearly rather than just fixing their voice issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTemple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11042875 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how voice disorders, specifically dysphonia caused by vocal fold nodules, affect children's speech intelligibility. It aims to shift the focus from just reducing dysphonia to improving how well children can be understood when they speak. By analyzing speech samples from children aged 3 to 9 years collected from leading pediatric voice centers, the study will explore the relationship between vocal quality and speech clarity. This approach recognizes that children have unique developmental needs and may require different therapeutic goals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 3 to 9 years who have been diagnosed with vocal fold nodules and experience dysphonia.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 3 to 9 years or those without vocal fold nodules may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments that enhance speech clarity in children with voice disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that focusing on speech intelligibility can lead to improved outcomes in children with voice disorders, suggesting this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.