100 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

Speech Amplification for Parkinson's Disease

TK
Overseen ByThea Knowles, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Michigan State University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how speech amplification devices can assist people with Parkinson's disease who struggle with hypophonia, a condition that affects speaking volume. Researchers aim to determine how these devices can enhance speech and identify the best ways to tailor them for each individual. The trial will test various settings and adjustments to improve speech clarity and volume. Candidates for this study include those who speak North American English, have been diagnosed with Parkinson's or similar conditions, and have noticed changes in their speech. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to innovative research that could improve communication for those with speech difficulties.

What prior data suggests that these speech amplification devices are safe for people with Parkinson's disease?

Research has shown that speech amplification devices are generally safe for people with Parkinson's disease. These devices help increase speech volume for those who struggle to speak loudly, a common issue in Parkinson’s. Studies often find that these devices improve speech without causing serious side effects. Some devices, such as the ChatterVox Sport Voice Amplifier, are even considered standard care for voice problems in Parkinson's. Overall, these devices are well-tolerated and represent a common and safe choice for managing speech difficulties in this condition.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about speech amplification devices for Parkinson's disease because they offer a new way to improve communication for those affected. Unlike traditional speech therapy, which requires regular sessions with a therapist, these devices can be used independently, allowing for more consistent practice. Additionally, the technology in these devices is designed to enhance vocal loudness in real-time, which could lead to immediate improvements in speech clarity. This approach provides a practical and potentially more accessible option to help manage speech difficulties associated with Parkinson's disease.

What evidence suggests that speech amplification devices are effective for hypophonia in Parkinson's disease?

Studies have shown that devices designed to amplify speech can help people with Parkinson's disease improve their speaking abilities. Research indicates that these devices often make voices clearer and louder, which is especially beneficial for those experiencing hypophonia, a common symptom where the voice becomes weak or quiet. Tests on several devices generally show positive results in enhancing speech clarity. This suggests that speech amplification could be a promising tool for managing voice issues in Parkinson's disease.34567

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people with Parkinson's disease or related conditions who have trouble speaking loudly (hypophonia) or clearly. Participants should be able to use speech amplification devices and follow behavioral strategies.

Inclusion Criteria

Dominant speakers of North American English
I have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or a similar condition by a neurologist.
I have noticed changes in my speech or voice.

Exclusion Criteria

I have significant hearing loss in both ears or use a cochlear implant.
I have had other speech, language, or neurological issues besides Parkinson's.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Speech Study

Participants undergo speech conditions with amplification devices and behavioral speech strategies

1 day
1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for speech intelligibility and perceived listener effort

Up to 1 year

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Speech Amplification Devices

Trial Overview

The study tests the effects of using speech amplification devices along with specific speech techniques to help people with Parkinson’s speak louder and more clearly. The goal is to find the best ways, both through technology and training, to improve voice problems.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Speech StudyExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Michigan State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
202
Recruited
687,000+

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Collaborator

Trials
377
Recruited
190,000+

Citations

Evaluation of Speech Amplification Devices in Parkinson's ...

This study found preliminary evidence of improved speech performance with device use for individuals with PD. A tentative hierarchy is suggested for device ...

2.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26847491/

Evaluation of Speech Amplification Devices in Parkinson's ...

Conclusions: This study found preliminary evidence of improved speech performance with device use for individuals with PD. A tentative hierarchy is suggested ...

Evaluation of Speech Amplification Devices in Parkinson's ...

Method: This study compared the effectiveness of seven devices (ADDvox, BoomVox, ChatterVox, Oticon Amigo,. SoniVox, Spokeman, and Voicette) to unamplified ...

NCT02407067 | A Comparison of Voice Amplifiers and ...

This study will compare two types of assistive devices for communication (a voice amplifier and a personal communication system) in individuals with a ...

Speech amplification devices for management of ...

The most common speech symptom in Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism is known as hypophonia, characterized by a weak, hoarse-breathy quiet ...

Voice Amplification Device - an overview

Voice amplifiers allow patients with reduced modal loudness to increase their speech volume. Other devices, such as pacing boards and delayed auditory feedback ...

A Comparison of Voice Amplifiers and Personal ...

Objective and subjective speech quality assessment of amplification devices for patients with Parkinson's disease. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and ...