Understanding how age-related voice changes affect social interactions
Characterizing the Impact of Presbyphonia on Social Interaction
This study is testing how changes in the voice due to aging affect social interactions and feelings of loneliness in older adults, while also looking at whether voice therapy can improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Iowa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Iowa City, Iowa) |
| Trial ID | NCT06441136 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of presbyphonia, a voice disorder due to age-related changes in the larynx, on social interaction among older adults. Participants will complete questionnaires assessing loneliness and quality of life, undergo voice assessments, and provide voice samples for detailed analysis. The study aims to explore the relationship between voice impairment and social factors such as loneliness and depression, and how voice therapy might enhance quality of life. The research includes audiometry, videostroboscopy, and various voice measurements to gather comprehensive data.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults diagnosed with presbyphonia and normal to mild hearing loss who can complete the required assessments.
Not a fit: Patients with significant vocal fold lesions, neurologic disorders affecting the voice, or severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved voice therapy interventions that enhance social interaction and quality of life for older adults with presbyphonia.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on voice therapy exist, this specific focus on the social implications of presbyphonia is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of presbyphonia with findings of presbylaryngis on videostroboscopy, with findings of bilateral true vocal fold atrophy and normal vocal fold motion bilaterally * Able to complete all questionnaires and voice assessment tasks * Normal to mild hearing loss in aided condition (with hearing aids) Exclusion Criteria: * Liquid dysphagia or pneumonia in the last year * Vocal fold lesion/scar/motion impairment * Neurologic disorder affecting the voice * Montreal cognitive assessment score \<26 or \<25 if 12 or fewer years of formal education
Where this trial is running
Iowa City, Iowa
- University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics — Iowa City, Iowa, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matthew R Hoffman, MD, PhD — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Matthew R Hoffman, MD, PhD
- Email: matthew-r-hoffman@uiowa.edu
- Phone: 319-356-2201
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.