Using voice analysis to detect pain in people with jaw disorders
Official title: Exploring Vocal Phenotyping Methods for Detection of Pain in Individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11110658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how voice analysis can help identify pain in people with jaw issues, and it will test a gentle light treatment to see if it can reduce their pain and swelling, all while finding safe, drug-free ways to help manage their discomfort.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $102,808 |
| NIH project number | 3UH3DE030433-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 18 and older who experience significant pain from Temporomandibular Disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have recently started new pain medications, undergone certain pain management therapies, or have specific medical histories may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how vocal phenotyping methods can be used to detect pain in individuals suffering from Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). The study will involve a randomized clinical trial where participants will receive a non-invasive treatment called Photobiomodulation (PBM) to assess its effects on pain and inflammation. Participants will be recruited from the community and will undergo a series of evaluations to determine their eligibility based on specific pain criteria. The goal is to find effective, non-pharmacological alternatives for managing chronic pain associated with TMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for managing pain in patients with Temporomandibular Disorders without relying on medication.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using non-pharmacological treatments for chronic pain, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ribeiro-Dasilva, Margarete C — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Ribeiro-Dasilva, Margarete C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-assisted approach to diagnose and treat temporomandibular disorders
This study tests a machine-learning approach that uses clinical data, CBCT, and MRI to guide personalized treatment for people with temporomandibular disorders.
-
Occlusal splint plus Rocabado jaw exercises for temporomandibular disorder
This project will see if adding daily Rocabado jaw exercises to nightly occlusal splint use helps adults (18-65) with temporomandibular disorder reduce pain, improve jaw movement, and change muscle mechanical properties.
-
See if the Modjaw digital jaw impressions help diagnose TMJ disc displacement
This interventional study tests whether Modjaw digital jaw recordings can help diagnose TMJ disc displacement in adults who already need an MRI for confirmation.
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Online or group physiotherapy versus one-on-one physiotherapy for jaw (TMD) muscle pain
This trial will test whether online or group physiotherapy works as well as individual physiotherapy for adults with TMD-related jaw muscle pain.
-
Occlusal equilibration versus sham therapies for long-term relief of temporomandibular disorder pain — post‑trial follow‑up
This follow-up tests whether a bite‑adjustment procedure called physiologically oriented occlusal equilibration provides lasting pain relief for adults who previously had chronic TMD and were treated at the University of Santiago de Compostela.
-
Virtual planning for total temporomandibular joint replacement
This project sees if virtual planning using standard (non‑custom) TMJ prostheses can plan jaw and implant positioning for patients who already had total TMJ replacement.
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.