Translaryngeal Vibration for Hyperfunctional Voice Disorders
United States30 participantsStarted 2024-09-01
Plain-language summary
Contemporary treatments for hyperfunctional voice disorders such as muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) are effective but typically do not restore voice handicap or voice function to normal thresholds. Recent reports of vibration as a voice therapy modality have been published, but many questions remain about the efficacy of this tool. The current project addresses these problems through a blinded and randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of local translaryngeal vibration for MTD and the dose-response relationship of this modality when compared to treatment without vibration.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* a) diagnosis by an otolaryngologist of hyperfunctional dysphonia (MTD) without benign mid-membranous lesion (i.e., primary MTD or non-phonotraumatic hyperfunction) with and a recommendation for voice therapy, ((b) confirmation of dysphonia by a comprehensive voice evaluation conducted by a speech-language pathologist with experience in the evaluation and treatment of voice disordered populations, (c) to prevent floor effects of our primary outcome variable, participants will be required to exhibit a pre-treatment VHI score of \>20, as this is the upper range for normal cutoff values in studies which have demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for this tool (Behlau et al., 2016), (d) 18 years of age or older, (e) no history of local vibration therapy as part of a rehabilitation treatment program.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Unable to receive vibration to neck area
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Voice Handicap Index
Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 5 or 8 weeks"