Wearable microphone patch to detect swallowing problems
Official title: Novel Acoustic Biopatch for the Investigation of Dysphagia
Run by Emory University · NCT07251140 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test whether a thin wearable microphone patch can detect swallowing problems in adults aged 40–85 with stroke during their routine barium swallow (VFSS).
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 12, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 26, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07251140 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 40–85 with stroke or suspected stroke who are scheduled for a VFSS because of swallowing concerns.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with BMI over 35, a history of head and neck cancer treatment, or those not undergoing VFSS are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this device.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective cohort study will attach an investigational nanomembrane microphone patch to the chin of adults with stroke who are undergoing a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) at Emory hospitals. Acoustic signals and muscle movement data will be recorded during routine VFSS and linked to clinical swallowing questionnaires and bedside test results. The collected microphone data will be analyzed with machine learning algorithms to identify patterns of abnormal swallowing. Demographic and clinical data will be stored in Emory REDCap for validation and future algorithm training.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could provide a quick, non-invasive way to detect or screen for dysphagia at the bedside without additional invasive testing.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work using neck acoustics and machine learning has shown promise for detecting dysphagia, but the specific nanomembrane microphone patch used here is novel and still requires validation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis or suspected stroke * Stroke with additional neurological disorders * Age between 40 and 85 * Male and Female * Scheduled to VFSS due to suspected dysphagia, which is determined by bedside water swallowing test and EAT-10 questionnaire as a standard of care. Exclusion Criteria: * BMI\>35 as an exclusion criteria to recruit participants due to limited transmission of acoustics through increased subcutaneous fat. * Head and neck cancer treatment history
Where it's running
-
Emory University Hospital Midtown
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting -
Emory University Hospital
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hyojung Choo, PhD — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Hyojung Choo, PhD
- Email: hyojung.choo@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-727-3727
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Digital Tongue-Pressure Biofeedback Training for Post-Stroke Swallowing
This study tests whether digital tongue-pressure biofeedback training helps people with swallowing difficulties after stroke.
-
Effects of CTAR and a Swallowing Pressure Ball in Older Stroke Adults
This study tests whether home-based CTAR exercises plus a swallowing pressure ball can improve swallowing function and eating-related quality of life for older adults who had a stroke and have dysphagia.
-
Visual biofeedback-assisted oropharyngeal exercises with NMES for post-stroke swallowing problems
This test will try adding real-time visual feedback to swallowing exercises plus NMES in adults with post-stroke dysphagia to see if it improves swallowing function.
-
Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke
This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.
-
Kinesiology taping and swallowing exercises for stroke patients with dysphagia
This study is testing if using kinesiology taping along with swallowing exercises can help stroke patients with swallowing difficulties improve their muscle strength and swallowing ability.
-
Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery
This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.
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.