Aerodynamic Measurements in the Pediatric Population
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to create a vocal health database of people aged 4-65 with no diagnosed voice pathology. The main question it aims to answer is: * what is the best way to assess pediatric voices; and, * what are the differences between healthy and dysphonic pediatric voices? Participants will complete one 60 minute session involving one of three types of aerodynamic interruption.
Description
The primary goals of this research are to develop noninvasive aerodynamic assessments specific to the pediatric population, and to describe differences between healthy and dysphonic pediatric voices between the ages of 4-17 years. An adult cohort (ages 18-65) will function as a comparison group for incomplete interruption. To account for challenges associated with pediatric data collection, we will modify our current devices and methods of aerodynamic assessment to be better suited for use with the pediatric population and aim to increase measurement reliability in younger subjects. Our propos…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 4–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria - Healthy Control: * Age 4-65 years * Normal voice * No history of voice or other pertinent health disorders Exclusion Criteria - Healthy Control: * Neuromuscular disorder affecting the larynx * History of respiratory or laryngeal disease * History of smoking * Hearing impairment * Cognitive impairment that might impact ability to perform the tasks required by the study Inclusion Criteria - Abnormal Voice: * Age 4-17 * Laryngeal pathology Exclusion Criteria - Abnormal Voice: * No laryngeal disorder
Interventions
- DeviceComplete airflow interruption
Participants will produce a sustained vowel into a mouthpiece (with nose-clip) connected to a PVC tube, with a balloon valve
- DeviceIncomplete airflow interruption
Incomplete airflow interruption uses a Y-shaped device. The participant produces a sustained /a/ into a mouthpiece and air filter connected to the tube. The tube splits into two tubes distally.
- DeviceAirflow redirection
Participant phonates through a mouthpiece into a PVC tube that splits into two paths. One path is connected to an open balloon valve. When the balloon is inflated and blocks the path, air is redirected into the other path which is gated by a one-way valve.
Locations (2)
- University of IowaIowa City, Iowa
- University of Wisconsin - MadisonMadison, Wisconsin