Voice Therapy for Age-Related Voice Change

Not yet recruiting at 3 trial locations

Overseen By Alexandra Chace Purdy, BM, MA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Southern California

Disqualifiers: Localized masses, Neurologic conditions, Hearing loss, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 4-8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether voice therapy for age-related voice changes is as effective through video calls as it is in person. Participants will receive a specific type of voice therapy called PhoRTE® either via telehealth or face-to-face. The goal is to determine if online therapy can make it easier for seniors to access help with their voice. Seniors who have experienced voice changes and have a device capable of video calls might be suitable for this trial. The findings will help determine if telehealth is a viable alternative for voice therapy, especially as telehealth coverage policies may change. As an unphased trial, this study offers seniors the opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance the accessibility of voice therapy.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that PhoRTE® therapy is safe for older adults with voice changes?

Research has shown that PhoRTE® therapy is generally easy for patients to handle. Early data indicates that individuals who undergo this voice therapy experience significant improvements in their voice-related quality of life. This suggests the treatment is both effective and safe. Studies have not reported any serious side effects or problems from PhoRTE® therapy, making it a promising and safe option for older adults seeking to improve their voice, whether in person or through telehealth. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about PhoRTE® Therapy for age-related voice change because it offers a flexible approach by being available both in-person and via telehealth. Unlike traditional voice therapies that require regular visits to a clinic, the telehealth option allows participants to receive treatment from the comfort of their home, making it more accessible and convenient. This could potentially broaden the reach of effective voice therapy to those who have mobility issues or live in remote areas, without compromising on the quality of care.

What evidence suggests that PhoRTE® therapy is effective for age-related voice change?

Research has shown that Phonation Resistance Training Exercises (PhoRTE®) can greatly improve voice quality in older adults experiencing age-related voice changes. Studies have found that people experience better voice function and quality of life after completing PhoRTE® therapy. This method strengthens the vocal cords and improves vocal endurance, addressing common issues like a weak or hoarse voice. In this trial, participants will receive PhoRTE® therapy either in-person or via telehealth. Early results suggest that both in-person and online PhoRTE® therapy are effective, providing flexibility and accessibility for seniors who need treatment. Overall, PhoRTE® therapy has shown promising results in improving voice quality and patient satisfaction among older adults.

Who Is on the Research Team?

Aaron Rothbart, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Southern California

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 55 or older experiencing age-related voice changes, such as hoarseness or vocal cord atrophy. Participants must have a diagnosis related to these voice issues and be able to complete therapy sessions either in-person or via telehealth.

Inclusion Criteria

Telehealth-capable device (e.g., tablet, computer) with microphone, speaker, camera, high-speed internet

I can attend two in-person evaluation sessions.

I am 55 or older with age-related voice changes or vocal cord thinning.

Exclusion Criteria

Non-English speakers

I have hearing loss that has not been treated.

My initial throat exam showed issues like masses or movement problems.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive PhoRTE® voice therapy either in-person or via telehealth, consisting of four 45-minute sessions conducted at weekly or biweekly intervals.

4-8 weeks

4 visits (in-person or virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for improvements in voice function and quality of life through various assessments.

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• PhoRTE® Therapy

Trial Overview The study tests the effectiveness of PhoRTE® voice therapy delivered face-to-face versus through telehealth. It aims to see if remote delivery can match the results of in-person sessions, potentially offering a more accessible treatment option for seniors with voice disorders.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: PhoRTE - TH Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Study participants who will be receiving intervention via telehealth. Intervention administered will be PhoRTE® voice therapy.

Group II: PhoRTE - IP Active Control 1 Intervention

PhoRTE® voice therapy will be administered to this treatment arm in-person (IP)(traditional therapy).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Southern California

Lead Sponsor

Trials

956

Recruited

1,609,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study of 91 elderly patients (ages 50-91) with voice complaints, vocal nodules were the most common diagnosis, highlighting the prevalence of this condition in geriatric dysphonia.

The study found that 80% of patients received hygienic voice therapy, indicating its common use, but further research is needed to establish normative voice measures for older adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The ageing voice and voice therapy in geriatrics. Çiyiltepe, M., Şenkal, ÖA.[2018]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06934265?term=Otolaryngology

PhoRTE® Therapy Efficacy: In-Person Versus Telehealth This study compares how well voice therapy works when delivered in-person versus through telehealth for older adults with age-related voice problems.

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-atrophy-3-2025-cbcce

Voice Therapy for Age-Related Voice Change This study compares how well voice therapy works when delivered in-person versus through telehealth for older adults with age-related voice problems.

3. pubs.asha.org pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2022_PERSP-22-00023

Reframing Aging Voice and Presbyphonia: What Else Can ... Research demonstrates voice therapy for presbyphonia can be effective, but many older adults with symptoms of presbyphonia may not engage or ...

4. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24375313/

Preliminary data on two voice therapy interventions in the ... Results: Preliminary data revealed VFE and PhoRTE groups demonstrated a significant improvement in V-RQOL scores. However, only PhoRTE demonstrated a ...

5. phorte.org phorte.org/research/

Research This grant supports innovative research that explores the effectiveness and benefits of PhoRTE® in managing voice, motor speech, and swallowing disorders.