Impact of Age-Related Voice Change on Social Interaction

Overseen By Emma L Thayer, BS

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Matthew R. Hoffman

Disqualifiers: Liquid dysphagia, Pneumonia, Neurologic disorder, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

25 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.

What data supports the effectiveness of the PhoRTE Program treatment for age-related voice changes?

The research on vocal aging highlights that age-related voice changes can lead to social withdrawal and reduced quality of life. While the studies do not directly evaluate the PhoRTE Program, they suggest that addressing voice changes could improve social interaction and well-being, which is the focus of the PhoRTE treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does the PhoRTE Program treatment differ from other treatments for age-related voice changes?

The PhoRTE Program is unique because it specifically targets age-related voice changes by focusing on exercises that strengthen the vocal cords and improve vocal endurance, which is different from other treatments that may not address these specific aspects of vocal aging. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to determine if presbyphonia, or voice disorder caused by age-related change in the larynx, is associated with change in social interaction. This proposal investigates the impact of voice impairment in older adults on social interaction, loneliness, social disconnectedness, and depression. A series of questionnaires, voice assessments, and interviews will be performed to improve our understanding of how voice disorders affect older adults and how treatment of voice impairment with voice therapy may improve quality of life.

Research Team

Matthew R Hoffman, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Iowa

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for older adults with presbyphonia, a voice disorder due to age-related changes in the larynx. Participants must have vocal fold atrophy but normal motion, be able to complete questionnaires and voice tasks, and have normal to mild hearing loss when using hearing aids.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to complete all questionnaires and voice assessment tasks

Normal to mild hearing loss in aided condition (with hearing aids)

I have been diagnosed with voice aging and confirmed vocal cord changes.

Exclusion Criteria

Montreal cognitive assessment score less than 26 or less than 25 if 12 or fewer years of formal education

I have had swallowing difficulties or pneumonia in the past year.

I have a neurological condition that affects my voice.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete questionnaires and voice assessments to establish baseline measures

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

PhoRTE Voice Therapy

Participants undergo PhoRTE voice therapy, practicing vocal exercises at home and meeting with a speech pathologist weekly

4 weeks

4 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in loneliness, social disconnectedness, and depression after therapy

3 months

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• PhoRTE Program

Trial Overview The study examines if presbyphonia affects social interaction. It involves completing various scales like the Edmonton Frail Scale and UCLA Loneliness Scale, undergoing laryngoscopy, participating in the PhoRTE Program for voice therapy, and other assessments of voice quality.

Participant Groups

Group I: Phonation Resistance Training Exercises (PhoRTE) Voice Therapy Program Experimental Treatment 13 Interventions

PhoRTE is a voice therapy program administered by a speech language pathologist for participants with presbyphonia. During sessions, participants perform five vocal exercises at individualized target vocal intensity. Goals of therapy are to increase muscular workload on vocal mechanism and target the respiratory and laryngeal muscular deficits that result from aging. Participants practice 6 days per week at home and meet with speech pathologist weekly for 4 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Matthew R. Hoffman

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

References

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

Bi-Weekly Voice Therapy Versus Weekly Voice Therapy for Muscle Tension Dysphonia. [2023]

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

Quality of life indicators according to voice disorders and voice-related conditions. [2015]

3. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Social withdrawal after laryngectomy. [2021]

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

Vocal aging and the impact on daily life: a longitudinal study. [2022]

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

Predictors of Six-month Change in the Voice Handicap Index in a Treatment-seeking Population. [2018]

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

Changes in acoustic characteristics of the voice across the life span: measures from individuals 4-93 years of age. [2011]

7. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of age on the amplitude, frequency and perceived quality of voice. [2018]

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

How Does Our Voice Change as We Age? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Acoustic and Perceptual Voice Data From Healthy Adults Over 50 Years of Age. [2021]

9. Brazil pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Correlation between acoustic-perceptual data and voice-related quality of life in elderly women. [2019]