Voice Therapy for Age-Related Voice Change

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

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

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.

How is PhoRTE therapy different from other treatments for age-related voice changes?

PhoRTE therapy is unique because it focuses on high vocal intensity exercises specifically designed to improve age-related voice changes, known as presbyphonia. Unlike other treatments, it can be combined with Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) to further strengthen the respiratory system, although EMST's effectiveness as an additional treatment is still being evaluated. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study compares how well voice therapy works when delivered in-person versus through telehealth for older adults with age-related voice problems. Researchers are testing whether Phonation Resistance Training Exercises (PhoRTE®) can be just as effective when delivered remotely as when done face-to-face, which could make treatment more accessible and affordable for seniors. The two primary hypotheses are: 1. Does voice therapy (called PhoRTE®) work as well through video calls as it does face-to-face? 2. Can online therapy be a more accessible way for older adults to get help for their voice problems? Adults aged 55 or older with voice changes and an applicable diagnosis will be randomly assigned to receive either in-person or telehealth therapy, consisting of four 45-minute sessions. After treatment, researchers will measure improvements through: * Changes in voice function * Patient reports about their voice * Scientific measurements of voice quality * Patient satisfaction with treatment * Impact on quality of life The results will help determine if telehealth can be a good alternative to in-person voice therapy, especially important as telehealth coverage may be changing.

Research Team

Aaron Rothbart, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Southern California

Eligibility Criteria

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

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)

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hispanic Ethnicity as a Predictor of Voice Therapy Adherence. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Voice therapy improves quality of life in age-related dysphonia: a case-control study. [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Preliminary data on two voice therapy interventions in the treatment of presbyphonia. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Phonation Resistance Training Exercises (PhoRTE) With and Without Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) For Patients With Presbyphonia: A Noninferiority Randomized Clinical Trial. [2023]

5. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The ageing voice and voice therapy in geriatrics. [2018]