Understanding how age-related voice changes affect social interactions
Official title: Characterizing the Impact of Presbyphonia on Social Interaction
Run by University of Iowa · NCT06441136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Iowa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Iowa City, Iowa) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 17, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06441136 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are older adults diagnosed with presbyphonia and normal to mild hearing loss who can complete the required assessments.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant vocal fold lesions, neurologic disorders affecting the voice, or severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While studies on voice therapy exist, this specific focus on the social implications of presbyphonia is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
VT-101 in Advanced Ovarian Cancer: early safety study in adults
This early-phase trial tests VT-101 in adult women with advanced, recurrent, or relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer to see if it is safe, how the body handles it, and whether there are any initial signs of activity.
-
Comparing Training Methods to Reduce Forefoot Loading with a Carbon Fiber Dynamic Orthosis
This study tests whether different training methods (no feedback, visual feedback of forefoot force, or visual feedback of cuff forces) help healthy adults use a carbon fiber dynamic ankle-foot orthosis more effectively during walking.
-
Detoxify for IVF: Cutting Everyday Pollutants to Help Infertility
This study tests a guide to help IVF patients reduce everyday environmental pollutants and sees if it lowers chemical exposure in urine, blood, and follicular fluid.
-
Biomarkers to see if rotator cuff repairs will heal after surgery
This study tests whether biomarkers in shoulder tissue and synovial fluid can predict whether a rotator cuff repair will heal, using MRI after surgery to compare those who heal with those who don’t.
-
Personalized supervised exercise program for adults with breast or gynecologic cancer
A small pilot study will test a supervised, personalized exercise program to see if it is safe, feasible, and acceptable for adults with a history of breast or gynecologic cancer.
-
Obesity and normal-weight healing after gum graft surgery using collagen plug or PRF
This study tests whether healing after a gum graft differs by weight class (obese vs. normal weight) and compares platelet-rich fibrin clot to the standard collagen plug.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.